MCSE Core Required Exams in a Nutshell: The required 70: 290, 291, 293 and 294 Exams (In a Nutshell (OReilly))

Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure focuses on network infrastructure specific to Windows Server 2003 environments. At first blush, Exam 70-293 seems to measure the same or nearly the same set of skills as Exam 70-291. The difference between the two exams is one of scope and expected experience level. Many administrators have experience configuring and maintaining networking infrastructure. Fewer administrators have experience planning such infrastructure. Exam 70-293 also extends the skills measured into new and more advanced areas, including planning high availability, implementing Network Load Balancing (NLB) and clustering, and planning a Public Key Infrastructure that uses Microsoft Certificate Services.

Out of the four required MCSE exams, this one is, in my opinion, the most difficult. To pass the exam, you need the full gambit of networking infrastructure planning and implementation skills. You must be able to plan and implement everything from an organization's TCP/IP addressing scheme to its network topology to its Internet connectivity strategy. You must be able to plan and implement baseline operating system security, routing strategy, private networks, and remote access. That encompasses a lot of skills and a broad area of expertise.

Some of the most common problem areas for people taking the exam have to do with:

Server Security

A computer's role-specific security configuration must be based on well-planned security policies and strategies. You need a strong understanding of general security policy, default security settings, and security application through templates.

Routing and Remote Access

The ability to plan and implement a routing strategy is a skill that's best learned through real-world practice. You need a strong understanding of routing protocols, remote access policies, and authentication methods.

Availability

Hands-on experience planning and implementing both NLB and Cluster Service is a must. If you don't have access to an extended test environment, you should work toward setting one up, and at the very least, implement a virtual server environment that uses these technologies.

In order to be prepared for Exam 70-293, you should have 12 to 18 months experience planning network infrastructure in support of 250 or more users. You should have recently studied a Windows Server 2003 administrator's book, taken a training course, or completed a self-paced training kit that covers the related areas of study. You will then be ready to use the Exam 70-293 Study Guide in this book as your final exam preparation.