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Passing the IT Certification Exams can be Tough, but with the right exam prep materials, that can be solved. ExamLabs providers 100% Real and updated Cisco RSTECH 100-490 exam dumps, practice test questions and answers which can make you equipped with the right knowledge required to pass the exams. Our Cisco 100-490 exam dumps, practice test questions and answers, are reviewed constantly by IT Experts to Ensure their Validity and help you pass without putting in hundreds and hours of studying.
The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certification is designed to validate the skills of field technicians who diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. Unlike the more theory-heavy CCNA, the CCT focuses on the essential, hands-on skills required for onsite support and hardware replacement. The 100-490 RSTECH (CCT Routing and Switching) exam specifically targets your ability to work with Cisco routers and switches. This includes identifying models, accessories, and cabling; understanding the Cisco IOS software operating modes; and knowing how to use common commands to connect to and service the equipment. Mastering these fundamentals is the first and most critical step in your preparation, as they form the basis of every task a field technician performs. This isn't about deep network design; it's about being the person who can efficiently get a failed device back online.
A foundational concept you must be intimately familiar with is the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. This seven-layer model is a conceptual framework that standardizes network functions, allowing for interoperability between different vendors and technologies. For a CCT, understanding the OSI model is a practical troubleshooting tool. When a device is offline, thinking in terms of the OSI layers helps you systematically diagnose the problem.
Layer 1 - The Physical Layer: This is where a CCT spends most of their time. It defines the physical connection between devices. This includes cables, connectors, ports, and signaling. If you can't solve a problem at Layer 1, you can't solve it at any other layer. Is the device powered on? Is the cable securely plugged into the correct port? Is the link light on the port lit? Are you using the correct type of cable? These are the first questions you must always ask.
Layer 2 - The Data Link Layer: This layer deals with physical addressing (MAC addresses) and how data is formatted into frames for transmission over the physical media. Switches operate primarily at this layer.
Layer 3 - The Network Layer: This is the layer of logical addressing (IP addresses) and routing. Routers operate here, making decisions on how to forward packets between different networks.
While you need to be aware of all seven layers, your primary focus for the RSTECH exam will be Layers 1, 2, and 3, as these are most relevant to hardware connectivity and basic verification.
Equally important is a firm grasp of cabling and connectors. You must be able to visually identify and differentiate between various types of network cables and understand their specific use cases.
Ethernet Cabling: The most common type of network cable. You need to know the difference between straight-through cables (used to connect unlike devices, e.g., a switch to a PC or a switch to a router) and crossover cables (used to connect like devices, e.g., a switch to a switch or a PC to a PC). While modern devices often have Auto-MDIX which automatically adjusts for the cable type, a technician must know the difference. You should also recognize the RJ-45 connector used for Ethernet.
Fiber Optic Cabling: Used for high-speed, long-distance connections, such as connecting switches in different buildings. You must be able to identify common fiber connector types like LC (Lucent Connector), SC (Subscriber Connector), and ST (Straight Tip). Fiber cables are either multimode (for shorter distances, with a larger core) or single-mode (for longer distances, with a smaller core).
Console Cable: This is a special light-blue colored serial cable, often called a rollover cable, used for direct, out-of-band management of a Cisco device. It connects from a serial (or USB adapter) port on your laptop to the console port on a Cisco router or switch. This is your lifeline to a device when the network is down and you can't connect remotely.
Power Cables: You should be able to identify the common power connectors used by Cisco devices, including the standard IEC C13/C14 connectors.
Properly identifying ports on a Cisco device is another critical skill. You need to know the difference between a console port (for management), an auxiliary (AUX) port (for modem access, less common now), standard Ethernet/FastEthernet/GigabitEthernet ports (for network data), and SFP/SFP+ ports. SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) ports are modular slots that allow you to insert different types of transceivers for either copper or fiber optic connections, providing flexibility in network connectivity. You must be able to identify an SFP module and understand its function. Finally, the ability to interpret the LED indicator lights on a switch or router is a key diagnostic skill. A solid green link light typically indicates a good connection, while a blinking light indicates activity. An amber light can signify a problem, such as a Spanning Tree Protocol blocking state. Consulting the specific hardware documentation for a device to understand its LEDs is a standard practice for a field technician.
A core responsibility of a Cisco Certified Technician is the physical identification and servicing of Cisco hardware. When you arrive at a customer site, you need to be able to quickly and accurately identify the device model, its modules, interfaces, and cabling. The 100-490 RSTECH exam will test your ability to recognize various series of Cisco routers and switches and understand their physical characteristics. This knowledge is crucial for tasks like verifying shipping contents against a work order, locating the correct device in a rack, and ensuring you have the right replacement parts.
First, you must understand how to find the product serial number and model number on a Cisco device. The serial number is a unique identifier for that specific piece of hardware and is essential for opening a support case with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC). It is typically found on a sticker on the back or bottom of the chassis. You will also be required to identify the model number, which tells you the product family and capabilities of the device. For example, you should be able to differentiate between a Cisco Integrated Services Router (ISR), like the 4000 series, which are typically used in branch offices, and a Cisco Catalyst Switch, like the 9000 series, which are used for network access, distribution, and core layers in a campus network.
The exam requires you to be familiar with the visual characteristics of different product lines.
Cisco Catalyst Switches: These are the workhorses of the local area network. You should recognize the look of fixed-configuration switches (like the Catalyst 2960-X series) versus modular switches (like the Catalyst 9400 or 6500 series). Modular switches have slots for different line cards, which provide network ports, and supervisor engines, which are the "brains" of the switch. A key technician task is the physical replacement of these components, which requires knowledge of proper handling procedures, such as using an ESD (electrostatic discharge) wrist strap to prevent damage to sensitive electronics.
Cisco ISR Routers: These routers are designed for branch offices and provide a wide range of services. Many ISR models are also modular, supporting Network Interface Modules (NIMs) and Interface Cards (ICs) that add different types of connectivity, such as T1/E1, Ethernet, or voice interfaces. You must be able to identify these modules and understand the process of installing or replacing them.
Memory and Storage: You should know how to identify and replace different types of memory in Cisco devices. This includes DRAM (which stores the running configuration and routing tables), NVRAM (which stores the startup configuration), and Flash memory (which stores the Cisco IOS software image). Flash memory is often in the form of a removable CompactFlash card. A common field task is replacing or upgrading these components.
Beyond identifying the main chassis, you need to recognize the various accessories and visual indicators. This includes understanding the difference between a standard power supply and a redundant power supply (RPS), which provides fault tolerance if the primary power supply fails. You should also be able to identify fan trays, which are critical for cooling the device and are often hot-swappable for replacement without powering down the system.
The ability to "read" the device is a key skill. This means understanding what the labels on the front and back of the device are telling you. Interface labels like GigabitEthernet0/1 or Gi0/1 are not random; they follow a specific convention (e.g., slot/port). Understanding this convention is crucial when a remote engineer tells you to "check the cable in port Gi0/5." You'll also need to identify status LEDs beyond the basic port lights. LEDs for SYS (system status), RPS (redundant power supply status), and STAT (port status mode) provide a quick visual diagnosis of the device's health. For example, on a Catalyst switch, the MODE button allows you to cycle through different status indicators for the port LEDs, such as showing speed, duplex, or PoE (Power over Ethernet) status. As a CCT, you are the eyes and hands of the remote network engineer, so being able to accurately report what you see on the device is paramount.
While the CCT role is heavily focused on hardware, you must possess a fundamental understanding of the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) and be comfortable navigating its Command-Line Interface (CLI). The CLI is the primary way you will interact with a device to check its status, verify a replacement, and perform basic configuration tasks as directed by a remote engineer. The 100-490 RSTECH exam will not ask you to design a network or write complex access lists, but it will absolutely require you to know how to connect to a device, navigate the different CLI modes, and use basic show and ping commands to verify functionality.
First, you need to know how to establish a connection to the device's CLI. The most common method for a field technician is a console connection. This involves using the light-blue rollover cable to connect your laptop's serial port (or USB-to-serial adapter) to the console port on the Cisco device. You will then use a terminal emulation program on your laptop, such as PuTTY, Tera Term, or SecureCRT. You must know the standard serial connection settings:
Bits per second (Baud Rate): 9600
Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bits: 1
Flow Control: None
Once connected, you will be presented with the IOS CLI prompt. It is crucial to understand the different command modes, as your available commands change depending on which mode you are in.
User EXEC Mode: This is the first mode you enter. The prompt ends with a > character (e.g., Switch>). This is a limited, view-only mode. You can perform basic tests like ping and telnet, but you cannot view or change the device's configuration.
Privileged EXEC Mode: You enter this mode by typing the enable command from User EXEC mode. The prompt changes to end with a # character (e.g., Switch#). This mode is sometimes called "enable mode" and provides access to all monitoring and troubleshooting commands. This is where you will spend most of your time as a CCT.
Global Configuration Mode: From Privileged EXEC mode, you type configure terminal to enter this mode. The prompt changes to (config)# (e.g., Switch(config)#). This is where changes are made to the device's overall configuration. As a CCT, you will typically only enter this mode if specifically instructed by a senior engineer.
Navigating the CLI is made easier by several built-in help features. The context-sensitive help, accessed by typing a ?, is your best friend. Typing ? will show you all available commands in your current mode. Typing a command followed by a space and ? (e.g., show ?) will show you all the possible options or keywords for that command. The Tab key can be used for command completion. If you type the first few letters of a command and press Tab, the IOS will complete the command for you, which helps prevent typos. You should also be comfortable with basic command history (using the Up and Down arrow keys to cycle through previous commands) and editing commands (using shortcuts like Ctrl-A to go to the beginning of the line).
The most important commands for a CCT are the show commands, used in Privileged EXEC mode to verify the device's status. You must know the purpose of these key commands:
show version: Displays detailed information about the device, including the IOS software version, the hardware model, the amount of RAM, and the configuration register value. This is one of the first commands to run to identify the device and its software.
show running-config: Displays the currently active configuration running in the device's RAM.
show startup-config: Displays the configuration file that is stored in NVRAM and will be loaded the next time the device reboots.
show ip interface brief: This is arguably the most useful verification command. It provides a summary of all interfaces on the device, showing their IP address (if any) and, most importantly, their Status and Protocol state. For an interface to be fully operational, both the Status (Layer 1) and Protocol (Layer 2) columns should show up.
show inventory: Displays a detailed list of the hardware components in the device, including their model and serial numbers. This is extremely useful for verifying that all modules and components are correctly identified by the system.
show environment: Provides information about the device's physical environment, such as the status of power supplies, fans, and internal temperature readings.
Finally, you need to be proficient with basic connectivity testing commands like ping and traceroute. ping sends an ICMP echo request to a target IP address to verify Layer 3 reachability. traceroute shows the path (the sequence of routers) that packets take to reach a destination. Being able to use these tools from the CLI is a fundamental skill for confirming that a device is back on the network after a hardware replacement.
The primary function of a Cisco Certified Technician is to perform physical service on Cisco devices. This includes replacing faulty components, installing new hardware, and performing basic troubleshooting steps to bring a device back online. The 100-490 RSTECH exam heavily emphasizes your knowledge of the correct procedures for these tasks, focusing on safety, efficiency, and communication with the remote Technical Assistance Center (TAC). A structured approach to troubleshooting is essential, and as a CCT, your methodology should always start with the most basic and physical elements.
A systematic troubleshooting approach is critical. As mentioned before, this often follows the OSI model, starting from the bottom up.
Check Layer 1 (Physical): This is your domain. Is the device powered on? Check the power cable and the outlet. Are the status lights on the power supply green? Are all network cables securely seated in their ports? Are the link lights on the relevant interfaces lit? If not, try reseating the cable or moving it to a known good port. Is the correct cable type being used?
Check Layer 2 (Data Link): After verifying Layer 1, you can use the CLI to check Layer 2 status. The show ip interface brief command is key here. If the Status column is up but the Protocol column is down, it often points to a Layer 2 issue like a duplex/speed mismatch or a problem with the device on the other end of the cable.
Check Layer 3 (Network): If Layers 1 and 2 are up, the next step is to verify Layer 3. Does the interface have the correct IP address? You can verify this with show running-config or show ip interface brief. Can the device communicate with its local gateway? Test this using the ping command from the device's CLI.
A significant part of the CCT role involves hardware replacement, often referred to as an RMA (Return Material Authorization) process. You must know the proper procedures for handling and replacing components.
ESD Prevention: Electrostatic discharge can instantly destroy sensitive electronic components. You must always wear an ESD-preventive wrist strap that is properly grounded before touching any internal components like memory modules, line cards, or motherboards.
Hot-Swapping vs. Cold-Swapping: You need to know which components are hot-swappable (can be replaced while the device is powered on) and which require the device to be powered down (cold-swapping). Power supplies, fan trays, and many line cards/NIMs are often hot-swappable, which is crucial for minimizing network downtime. Components like DRAM or the main chassis itself always require a full power down.
Following Procedures: When working with the TAC, you will be given a precise set of instructions. It is critical to follow these steps exactly and to communicate your actions and observations clearly. Your role is to be the expert hands and eyes for the remote engineer.
Another key area is managing the Cisco IOS software and configuration files. As a technician, you might be required to perform a password recovery procedure on a router or switch. This involves interrupting the boot process, changing the configuration register value (typically to 0x2142) to bypass the startup configuration in NVRAM, and then accessing the device to reset the password. After the password is reset, you must remember to change the configuration register back to its original value (usually 0x2102) so the device boots normally in the future.
You will also be responsible for backing up and restoring the device's configuration and IOS image. This is typically done using a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) server. You need to know the IOS commands to perform these actions:
copy running-config tftp:: Copies the currently active configuration from the device's RAM to a TFTP server. This is how you back up the configuration.
copy tftp: running-config: Copies a configuration file from a TFTP server into the device's running configuration. This is how you restore a configuration.
copy flash: tftp:: Copies the IOS software image file from the device's flash memory to a TFTP server for backup.
copy tftp: flash:: Downloads a new IOS image from a TFTP server to the device's flash memory. This is how you perform a software upgrade.
To perform these file transfers, the device must have a network connection to the TFTP server. This often requires you to configure a temporary IP address on one of its interfaces so it can communicate on the network. Knowing how to do this quickly and effectively is a core CCT skill.
Passing the 100-490 RSTECH exam and succeeding as a CCT requires not just technical knowledge, but also a strategic approach to preparation and a professional mindset in the field. This final part of your study should focus on consolidating your knowledge, understanding the exam format, and embracing the best practices of a field service technician. The CCT is a validation of your readiness to be a reliable and competent on-site representative for Cisco.
First, your exam preparation should be highly structured.
Master the Exam Blueprint: Go to the official Cisco certification website and download the detailed exam topics (blueprint) for the 100-490 RSTECH exam. This is your definitive guide. Use it as a checklist to ensure you have covered every single topic, from identifying specific router models to using basic IOS commands.
Focus on "Identify" and "Describe": Read the blueprint carefully. You will notice many topics start with verbs like "Identify," "Describe," "Connect," and "Use." This tells you the level of knowledge required. The CCT is not about "design" or "implement"; it's about recognition and basic operation. Your studying should reflect this. Spend time looking at pictures of different Cisco devices and modules until you can identify them on sight.
Hands-On Practice is Non-Negotiable: You cannot pass this exam by reading alone. You need muscle memory for CLI commands and familiarity with the hardware.
Cisco Packet Tracer: This is an excellent network simulation tool that is free to download for anyone registered with the Cisco Networking Academy. You can build virtual networks, connect to the CLI of virtual routers and switches, and practice all the show and copy commands.
Physical Hardware: If possible, get your hands on some used Cisco equipment. A single Catalyst 2960 switch and an ISR 1841 or 1921 router can be purchased inexpensively on sites like eBay and will provide invaluable experience with physical cabling, console connections, and component identification.
Use Practice Exams Wisely: Take practice exams from reputable sources to gauge your readiness and get a feel for the question format. The goal isn't to memorize answers but to identify your weak areas. If you consistently miss questions about fiber optic connectors, you know exactly what to study next. Review every question you get wrong and understand why the correct answer is right.
Beyond the technical knowledge, the CCT role embodies a set of professional practices that are crucial for success.
Communication is Key: As a field technician, you are part of a larger team. You will be communicating constantly with dispatchers, remote engineers (like the Cisco TAC), and customers. You must be able to describe technical situations clearly and concisely. When a TAC engineer asks, "What are the status lights on port Gi0/3 doing?" they need a precise answer, not a vague guess. Be professional, be clear, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand an instruction.
Documentation and Professionalism: Arrive on time with the right tools and parts. Maintain a safe work environment. After a job is complete, document your work accurately in the service ticket. Note the steps you took, the old and new serial numbers of any replaced parts, and the final status of the device. This documentation is critical for the ongoing management of the customer's network.
Customer Service: You are often the face of the company to the customer. Even when dealing with a stressful network outage, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor is important. Keep the customer informed about your progress (as appropriate and directed by your team lead or the TAC).
The CCT Routing and Switching certification is a practical, skills-based credential. It proves you have the foundational knowledge to walk into a data center or wiring closet, correctly identify Cisco equipment, perform basic service operations, and effectively assist a remote engineering team in bringing a network back to life. By focusing your studies on these real-world tasks and embracing a professional field service mindset, you will be well-prepared to pass the 100-490 RSTECH exam and launch your career in network support.
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