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CCNA 1 Skills-Based Final Exam – Option 1
Solution
Exam Overview and Guidelines
The overall goal of this skills-based assessment is for the student to connect two PCs to
create a small LAN using Ethernet and have the PCs communicate using IP. The student must
demonstrate the ability to properly terminate a straight-through Ethernet patch cable and
connect two PCs through a hub or switch. In addition, they must be able to create a subnet
scheme and configure IP settings in order for the PCs to communicate. The exam consists of
three parts:
1. Build and test a patch cable
2. Calculate subnets
3. Cable and configure workstations
All three parts must be completed for a possible total of 100 points. Scores from the online
final exam, module exams, completed labs, participation, and attendance can be combined
with the grade for this skills-based exam to yield the final course grade. Students should be
made aware of what they will be tested on early in the course in order to study and prepare
adequately for the exam. The exam overview and guidelines portion can be handed out in
advance to give the students time to prepare.

Part 1 – Build and Test Cable

Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Possible Score: 30 points

Objective
Build a straight-through Ethernet cable for connection of two PCs using a hub or switch. Test
the cable with a cable tester for correct pinouts and continuity. Use Category 5 or 5e cable and
T568A or T568B standards. This cable should be used in Part 3 of this exam. At the start of
the exam, the instructor will indicate which one of the two standards to use.

Preparation/Tools
A length of Category 5 or 5e cable, two RJ-45 connectors, wire cutter and stripper tool,
crimping tool, basic cable tester, Fluke LAN Cable Meter 620 or Fluke LinkRunner.

1-8 CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.1 – Skills-Based Assessment Solution Copyright  2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
Part 2 – Subnet Calculation
Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Possible Score: 30 points

Objective
Given a Class A, B, or C IP address, and specific requirements for the number of subnets, the
student should be able to do the following:
• Determine the minimum number of bits to be borrowed
• Identify the subnet mask
• Identify the subnetwork address of a particular subnet
• Determine the range of addresses for a particular subnet

Preparation/Tools
Obtain subnet requirements from the instructor. Provide all subnet calculations in Part 2 of the
exam. Use a separate piece of paper to show all work. No computerized subnet calculation
tools are permitted.

Part 3 - Workstation Configuration and Cabling

Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Possible Score: 40 points

Objective
Connect two PCs to a hub or switch. Use two straight-through cables, one of them built in Part
1 of the exam. Configure the network settings for each PC. Specify the IP address, subnet
mask, and default gateway based on the results from Part 2 of the exam. Use the command
prompt or run utility to display the IP configuration settings for each PC. Use the ping
command to demonstrate connectivity between the PCs.

Preparation/Tools
Two PCs with Windows 9x, Me, NT, 2000, or XP installed. Two straight-through patch cables
and a hub or a switch.

2-8 CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.1 – Skills-Based Assessment Solution Copyright  2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
CCNA 1 Skills-Based Final – Option 1 Solution

Name: __________________ Date: __________ Instructor: _____________

Part 1 - Build and Test Cable

Obtain a piece of Category 5 or 5e cable and two RJ-45 connectors. Use a crimping tool to
attach the RJ-45 connectors to the cable. Wire the cable as a straight-through using either the
T568A or T568B standard as indicated below. Use a cable tester to verify that the cable is
functional.
Cable standard to be used: T568A _____ T568B _____

1. Are the correct wires in the correct position on pins 1 through 8? Points
_______ (10)
Note: Refer to the labs for colors and the correct pinout. (Both ends wired the same)
T568A pins 1 through 8 – W/G, G/W, W/O, BL/W, W/BL, O/W, W/BR, BR/W
T568B pins 1 through 8 – W/O, O/W, W/G, BL/W, W/BL, G/W, W/BR, BR/W

2. Is the sheathing inside the connector and untwisting within the specifications?
Points _______ (10)
Note: Sheathing should be inside and untwisted less than a 1/2 inch.

3. Does cable test OK with cable tester? Points _______ (10)

Note: Lights should come on or the LCD readout should show continuity.
Part 1 Points Scored: 30

Part 2 - Subnet Calculation

Obtain the following network address, subnet requirements, and IP address information from
the instructor. (This is one possible set of requirements and solution for exam option 1)
Host IP address: 172.20.2.130 (provided by instructor)
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.128 (provided by instructor)

Fill in the following blanks based on the above information (2 pts each).
Major network information:
1. Network ID Class: B (A, B, or C)
2. Major network address: 172.20.0.0
3. Major broadcast address: 172.20.255.255

3-8 CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.1 – Skills-Based Assessment Solution Copyright  2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
 4. First host of the major network: 172.20.0.1
5. Last host of the major network: 172.20.255.254
Subnet information:
6. Number of subnet bits: 9
7. Number of host bits: 7
8. Subnet address for the given host IP address: 172.20.2.128
9. Range of host addresses for this subnet: 172.20.2.129 - 172.20.2.254
10. Broadcast address for this subnet: 172.20.2.255

Other subnet information:

11. Total number of useable subnets (minus 2, excluding the all zeros and all ones subnets):
2^9 = 512 – 2 = 510
12. Number of valid host IP addresses per subnet (minus 2, excluding the network and
broadcast addresses): 2^7 = 128 – 2 = 126
13. Convert given subnet mask to binary: 11111111.11111111.11111111.10000000
14. Convert given host IP address to binary: 10101100.00010100.0000010.10000010
15. Subnetwork address with slash (/) mask for the assigned subnet: 172.20.2.128/25

Part 2 Points Scored: 30

Part 3 - Workstation Configuration and Cabling

Cable the PCs and hub or switch to create a LAN. Configure the PC IP address information in
the PC settings. Select two IP addresses from the range of host IP addresses identified in Part
2, question 9.
Default gateway: 172.20.2.129 (provided by instructor)
1. LAN correctly cabled? PCs with straight-thru cables attached to hub/switch Points ____ (8)
2. PC1 IP settings correct? IP: 172.20.2.130, SM: 255.255.255.128 Points ____ (8)
3. PC2 IP settings correct? IP: 172.20.2.131, SM: 255.255.255.128 Points ____ (8)
4. IP settings displayed from command prompt? ____________ Points ____ (8)
Use ipconfig or winipcfg to display IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
5. Ping from PC1 to PC2? Ping 172.20.2.131 (should be 4 replies) Points _____ (8)

Part 3 Points Scored: 40

Total Points Scored: 100

4-8 CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.1 – Skills-Based Assessment Solution Copyright  2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
CCNA 1 Skills-Based Final Exam – Option 2
Solution
Exam Overview and Guidelines
The overall goal of this skills-based assessment is for the student to connect two PCs to
create a small LAN using Ethernet and have the PCs communicate using IP. The student must
demonstrate the ability to properly terminate a crossover Ethernet patch cable and connect
two PCs directly. In addition, they must be able to create a subnet scheme and configure IP
settings in order for the PCs to communicate. The exam consists of three parts:
1. Build and test a crossover patch cable
2. Calculate subnets
3. Cable and configure workstations
All three parts must be completed for a possible total of 100 points. Scores from the online
final exam, module exams, completed labs, participation, and attendance can be combined
with the grade for this skills-based exam to yield the final course grade. Students should be
made aware of what they will be tested on early in the course in order to study and prepare
adequately for the exam. The exam overview and guidelines portion can be handed out in
advance to give the students time to prepare.

Part 1 – Build and Test Cable

Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Possible Score: 30 points

Objective
Build a crossover Ethernet cable for connection of two PCs directly. Test the cable with a
cable tester for correct pinouts and continuity. Use Category 5 or 5e cable. This cable should
be used in Part 3 of this exam.

Preparation/Tools
A length of Category 5 or 5e cable, two RJ-45 connectors, wire cutter and stripper tool,
crimping tool, basic cable tester, Fluke LAN Cable Meter 620 or Fluke LinkRunner.

Part 2 – Subnet Calculation

Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Possible Score: 30 points

Objective
Given a Class A, B, or C IP address, and specific requirements for the number of subnets, the
student should be able to do the following:

5-8 CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.1 – Skills-Based Assessment Solution Copyright  2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
 • Determine the minimum number of bits to be borrowed
• Identify the subnet mask
• Identify the subnetwork address of a particular subnet
• Determine the range of addresses for a particular subnet

Preparation/Tools
Obtain subnet requirements from the instructor. Provide all subnet calculations in Part 2 of the
exam. Use a separate piece of paper to show all work. No computerized subnet calculation
tools are permitted.

Part 3 - Workstation Configuration and Cabling

Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Possible Score: 40 points

Objective
Connect two PCs directly using the crossover cable built in Part 1 of the exam. Configure the
network settings for each PC. Specify the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway
based on the results from Part 2 of the exam. Use the command prompt or run utility to display
the IP configuration settings for each PC. Use the ping command to demonstrate connectivity
between the PCs.

Preparation/Tools
Two PCs with Windows 9x, Me, NT, 2000, or XP installed and one crossover patch cable.

6-8 CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.1 – Skills-Based Assessment Solution Copyright  2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
CCNA 1 Skills-Based Final – Option 2 Solution

Name: __________________ Date: __________ Instructor: _____________

Part 1 - Build and Test Cable

Obtain a piece of Category 5 or 5e cable and two RJ-45 connectors. Use a crimping tool to
attach the RJ-45 connectors to the cable. Wire the cable as a crossover using the T568A
standard on one end and T568B on the other. Use a cable tester to verify that the cable is
functional.

1. Are the correct wires in the correct position on pins 1 through 8? Points _______ (10)

Note: Refer to the labs for colors and the correct pinout. (One end 568A and other
568B)
T568A pins 1 through 8 – W/G, G/W, W/O, BL/W, W/BL, O/W, W/BR, BR/W
T568B pins 1 through 8 – W/O, O/W, W/G, BL/W, W/BL, G/W, W/BR, BR/W
2. Is the sheathing inside the connector and untwisting within the specifications?
Points _______ (10)
Note: Sheathing should be inside and untwisted less than a 1/2 inch.

3. Does the cable test correctly, with all pins crossed, with cable tester?
Points _______ (10)
Note: The cable will test bad since it is a crossover cable. Use the wire map feature to
confirm all wires are crossed to show continuity.
Part 1 Points Scored: 30

Part 2 - Subnet Calculation

Obtain the following network address, subnet requirements, and IP address information from
the instructor. (This is one possible set of requirements and solution for exam option 2)
Host IP address: 172.30.10.2 (provided by instructor)
Subnet mask: 255.255.254.0 (provided by instructor)
Fill in the following blanks based on the above information (2 pts each).
Major network information:
1. Network ID Class: B (A, B, or C)
2. Major network address: 172.30.0.0
3. Major broadcast address: 172.30.255.255

7-8 CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.1 – Skills-Based Assessment Solution Copyright  2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
 4. First host of the major network: 172.30.0.1
5. Last host of the major network: 172.30.255.254

Subnet information:
6. Number of subnet bits: 7
7. Number of host bits: 9
8. Subnet address for the given host IP address: 172.30.10.0
9. Range of host addresses for this subnet: 172.30.10.1 - 172.30.11.254
10. Broadcast address for this subnet: 172.30.11.255

Other subnet information:

11. Total number of useable subnets (minus 2, excluding the all zeros and all ones subnets):
2^7 = 128 – 2 = 126
12. Number of valid host IP addresses per subnet (minus 2, excluding the network and
broadcast addresses): 2^9 = 512 – 2 = 510
13. Convert given subnet mask to binary: 11111111.11111111.11111110.00000000
14. Convert given host IP address to binary: 10101100.00011110.00001010.00000010
15. Subnetwork address with slash (/) mask for the assigned subnet: 172.30.10.0/23

Part 2 Points Scored: 30

Part 3 - Workstation Configuration and Cabling

Cable the PCs directly with the crossover cable to create a LAN. Configure the PC IP address
information in the PC settings. Select two IP addresses from the range of host IP addresses
identified in Part 2, question 9.
Default gateway: 172.30.10.1 (provided by instructor)
1. LAN correctly cabled? PCs connected with crossover cable Points _______ (8)
2. PC1 IP settings correct? IP: 172.30.10.2, SM: 255.255.254.0 Points _______ (8)
3. PC2 IP settings correct? IP: 172.30.10.3, SM: 255.255.254.0 Points _______ (8)
4. IP settings displayed from command prompt? ____________ Points_______ (8)
Use ipconfig or winipcfg to display IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
5. Ping from PC1 to PC2? Ping 172.30.10.3 (should be 4 replies) Points _______ (8)

Part 3 Points Scored: 40

Total Points Scored: 100

8-8 CCNA 1: Networking Basics v3.1 – Skills-Based Assessment Solution Copyright  2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.