Knowledge Domains for F5 101 Test

The main concepts and topics discussed within the F5 101 exam are as follows:

• Open System Interconnection Basic Reference Model (OSI Model)

Among the particulars of this test is the issue concerning OSI layers. This captures its functions, differences between various layers of OSI, and their address types. The next thing represents technologies and protocols associated with the layer called data link. This covers the switch forwarding database, the functionalities alongside the purposes of ARP, MAC addresses, broadcast domain, VLANS, and link aggregation. The parts on protocols and application of technologies linked with the network layer, transport layer, and application layer are the next areas to be covered. 

• F5 Products, Solutions, and Technology

This F5 101 exam domain starts with identifying the role played by the F5 products. It then goes to the uses and benefits of iRules as well as iApps. Also, to interact with is the issue of the function of full proxy as well as packet forwarding or packet-based infrastructures including the scenarios where they can be used. Besides these sections, there is also the discovery of what advantages as well as configurations targeting high availability exist. Finally, you will as well discover BIG-IP devices, APM, and will have to cover active/standby.

• Load Balancing Fundamentals

This section referring to fundamentals of load balancing is captured in two ways. The first one targets load balancing in relation to its purpose, use cases, and core considerations, where you will need to explain this notion across numerous servers. The second element concerns the differences occurring between a server and client, where candidates will need to identify as well as explain the roles of both.

• Security

As concerns security, the F5 101 exam first looks at the positive in addition to negative models of security. It also checks the advantages of these models. What follows next is the functions of various cryptographic services such as signing, encryption, certificates as well as certificate chains, and private as well as public keys. The next step requires a candidate to know the description of the function and benefits of authentication. In this, captured are issues including single sign on, multifactor authentication, and the role played by authentication in AAA. This part ends by looking at the function, benefits, and scenarios where IPsec as well as SSL VPN are used.

• Application Delivery Platforms

This portion is sectioned into two. In the first instance, exam-takers should take cognizance of the purpose, benefits, use cases as well as challenges related to platforms of hardware app delivery in addition to virtual machines. This investigates the appropriateness of these solutions. The second segment refers to the function of varied advanced acceleration methodologies. Examples include TCP optimization, HTTP keepalives, compression, caching, and pipelining.

Reference: https://techdocs.f5.com/dam/f5/kb/global/solutions/K29900360.html/101_-_Application_Delivery_Fundamentals.pdf

Career Prospects and Salaries

F5 has long been a contributor to the IT industry with the development of impeccable products and technologies as well as producing high-quality specialists. Subsequently, as an F5 certified individual, your future in the IT industry will be promising and bright. With the technical skills meant to advance your career in fields like sales, administration, cloud solutions, security solutions, and product specializations, you will enjoy a progressive career. As you go higher in the F5 program, you will build your skills upon what you had achieved in the past certifications. The job positions related to the certifications achieved after qualifying in certain exams that also include the F5 101 are network administrator, F5 technology specialist, F5 load balancer engineer, F5 software engineer, solutions architect, and systems engineer. The F5 administrators earn about $98k while engineers get about $109k as Indeed.com reports.