How to Prepare For F5-201: TMOS Administration Exam

Preparation Guide for F5-201: TMOS Administration Exam

Introduction

An F5 Certified BIG-IP Administrator can manage application delivery networks (ADNs) and perform routine management and troubleshooting of F5 Traffic Management Operating System (TMOS) devices. Two exams are required to achieve the F5-CA certification:

• Exam 201 - TMOS Administration
• Exam 101 - Application Delivery Fundamentals

A F5 Certified BIG-IP Administrator manages preexisting BIG-IP installations and preliminary fault isolations. They must have the ability to make necessary configuration changes and modify BIG-IP objects. They are also responsible for application delivery networks (ADNs) and for conducting routine management and troubleshooting of F5 Traffic Management Operating System (TMOS) devices.

These Certified Experts use TMSH as well as a configuration utility to monitor BIG-IP resources such as virtual servers, pools, pool members, nodes, profiles and monitors. They also create, restore from and manage BIG-IP archives. Certified BIG-IP Administrators are further responsible for checking a resource's status, availability and statistics, in order to understand how BIG-IP systems are currently processing traffic.

Administrators define the role of BIG-IP systems as a proxy device within an ADN. They set up, license and provision BIG-IP systems. A Certified BIG-IP Administrator uses profiles to control the way BIG-IP systems process traffic through virtual servers. They are also responsible for troubleshooting and determining problems using various diagnostic tools.

Passing this exam shows independence in performing day-to-day operations and basic troubleshooting of TMOS-based devices in various application environments after it has been installed, configured, and implemented. Individuals may choose to complete their certification journey here or move on to pursue the Technical Professional, Technical Specialist, Cloud, or Security Solutions certification tracks.

Understanding of functional and technical aspects of Troubleshooting basic performance issues

The following will be discussed in this section:

• Understand how to get performance statistics in addition to the those shown in the dashboard (Overview - Performance)
• Establish the frequency of a given issue (random, continuous, isolated, intermittent, repetitive intervals)
• Recognize when a packet capture is needed within the context of a performance issue
• Use BIG-IP tools in order to identify potential performance issues
• Differentiate between performance issue types (i.e. Latency, Congestion, broken content)

Understanding of functional and technical aspects of Troubleshooting basic device management connectivity issues

The following will be discussed in this section:

• Isolate potential causes of basic network connectivity issues, given scenarios related to: client configuration, client network access, device network access, network topologies
• Determine whether a filter is enabled
• Interpret a packet filter rule list in a given situation
• Apply connectivity troubleshooting tools (i.e. ping, traceroute, http/https availability, remote shell access, network based console access) in the appropriate situation
• Check and interpret port lockdown settings and packet filters in order to determine the cause of a management connectivity issue to a Self-IP
• Given the use of a remote authentication server, verify proper DNS and NTP settings in order to diagnose a connectivity issue

Introduction to F5-201: TMOS Administration Exam

The qualified candidate is capable of performing day-to-day operations of TMOS-based devices which have already been installed. They are also capable of basic troubleshooting of a TMOS-based device in order to provide full, accurate, and appropriate information to senior engineers and/or F5 Support.

They can do any of the following without assistance:

• Able to access and manage the BIG-IP through multiple paths (management IP, Self IP)
• Perform software management functions on the platform (for example, capable of performing upgrades and licensing).
• Open a support case and utilize online resources such as AskF5, F5 iHealth, and DevCentral
• Understand the relationship and differentiation between virtual servers, virtual server types, virtual addresses, pools, pool members, nodes, profiles, iRules, and address translation (NAT/SNAT)
• Perform administrative tasks using the GUI
• Be familiar with HTTP, ClientSSL, ServerSSL, TCP, UDP, and persistence profiles

Reference: https://support.education.f5.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403999362715-TMOS-Administration-201