What to expect on the Nokia Optical Network Services Expert lab exam
The Nokia Optical Network Services Expert Lab Exam is a five-and-a-half-hour practical lab exam that tests a candidate's ability to manage optical networks based on the Nokia 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS), Nokia 1830 Versatile WDM Module (WDM), 1830 Engineering and Planning Tool (EPT), and Network Functions Manager – Transport (NFM-T).
To register for the Nokia Optical Network Architect Lab Exam, candidates must have successfully completed the following prerequisite written exams:
And one of the following elective exams:
Exam topics
Exam topics are summarized below. Candidates should be able to perform all tasks, understand all topics and work with all features. However, it is possible that some topics are not covered in the exam.
1. Network Management
- Determine what should be created to satisfy specific requirements in terms of trails and services, given constraints and features to be provided.
- Create MP and GMPLS-protected services and related infrastructures.
- Enable optical and electrical protection mechanisms.
2. Diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Diagnose and resolve multiple issues in an 1830 PSS-32 network, including:
- Broken or damaged fibers, both internal and external
- Span loss issues
- Cross connect configuration issues
- Commissioning issues
- Unexpected or missing channels
- Use multiple troubleshooting tools, including:
- Alarms, conditions and logs
- Performance Monitoring measurements (PMs)
- Wavelength Tracker (WT)
3. Integrated Packet Transport
- Determine what should be created to satisfy specific requirements in terms of trails and services, given constraints and features to be provided
- Create CE services based on the architectures presented in the course (such as MPLS-TP, provider bridge, and so on).
- Manage protections such as ERP, LAG, and so on.
4. GMPLS-controlled Networks
- Determine what should be created to satisfy specific requirements in terms of trails and services, given constraints and features to be provided.
- Create services and related trails and/or tunnels to set up GMPLS L0, L1 and MRN networks.
5. Mobile Services
- Troubleshoot an existing Fronthaul, VWM-based network.
- Configure consistent parameters in terms of CWDM/DWDM frequencies, CPRI rates, software loopbacks, and so on to have an e2e CPRI flow from RRH to BBU.
Exam notes and tips
The Nokia Optical Network Services Expert Lab Exam is a five-and-a-half-hour exam that covers a broad range of topics. The five-and-a-half-hour timeframe excludes a mandatory 30-minute lunch break and 30 minutes of break time to be taken at the candidate's discretion. In total, the candidate could be on-site for up to six hours and a half including breaks.
During the exam, candidates will be allowed to access soft copies of the product manuals for reference. The product manuals will be accessible from the PC used for the exam equipment. No other notes, textbooks course materials or reference materials are allowed during the exam. Electronic devices including cell phones are not allowed in the examination room. Candidates will be provided with pen and paper during the exam.
The Nokia Optical Network Services Expert Lab Exam consists of five distinct sections, covering network management systems, 1830 diagnostics and troubleshooting, integrated packet transport, GMPLS-controlled networks, and Mobile Services. Depending on the selected courses and written exams, the student will go through the first two sections and through only one of the three remaining sections. In order to pass the exam, the candidate must achieve a cumulative score of 80% across the three selected sections. They are independent of each other; the candidate may work on any section at any time during the exam session. The candidate must have an adequate level of hands-on experience to maintain a reasonable pace during the exam to ensure that all required tasks can be completed within the allotted time.
Below are some tips to help candidates successfully prepare for and pass the Nokia Optical Network Services Expert Lab Exam:
- Ensure that you completely understand and are familiar with all of the topics in the student guides and labs of the recommended ONC courses in the exam preparation tab.
- For each exam section, a recommended time, and mark allocation are provided to help you manage your time.
- If you are unclear about anything in the exam, ask the proctor for clarification. The exam proctor will attempt to clarify anything that may be ambiguous. Do not expect the proctor to provide other information during or after the exam.
- Be sure to allow yourself adequate time to verify your work on each exam section.
- Save your work often. Your exam mark will be based on your final submission.
- Relax and read each question very carefully. Be thorough in your work but remember to pace yourself appropriately.
