CBT Nuggets - Citrix NetScaler 10.5 1Y0-253

The Citrix NetScaler 10.5 for App and Desktop Solutions course provides the concepts and training to install and configure a Citrix NetScaler load balancer and gateway in a virtualization environment such as Citrix XenDesktop/XenApp 7.x. Leaners are strongly encouraged to build a lab environment to practice hands on the techniques learned in this course. This course is based on the Citrix NetScaler 10.5 product, and the fundamental concepts taught in these Nuggets are common to earlier versions as well.

Recommended skills:

Understanding of the OSI model
Basic knowledge of application and network protocols (e.g. IP, HTTP and DNS), devices, and commonly used tools
Basic knowledge of network management and auditing protocols (such as SNMP and SysLog)
Working knowledge of basic routing and layer 2 switching concepts
Practical experience with troubleshooting tools such as protocol analyzers (e.g. Ethereal (WireShark), and NetMon)
Knowledge of AAA (authentication, authorization, and accounting) protocols such as LDAP or RADIUS
Basic knowledge of command-line interfaces
Basic knowledge of VPN concepts
Knowledge of desktop operating systems (Windows and Mac) and desktop security concepts (e.g. antivirus software and personal firewalls)
Basic knowledge of XenDesktop, XenApp, XenMobile web servers, and file servers
Knowledge of certificate management and basic understanding of SSL

Recommended equipment:

Virtualized environment (Microsoft, VMware or Citrix) to implement a virtualized NetScaler (or two for fault tolerance) in a lab environment. Evaluation licenses and downloads are available directly from Citrix.com
Windows AD
Web servers to load balance across
Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop to practice integration between the NetScaler and those environments

Related certifications:

Citrix Certified Associate: Networking (CCA-N) Exam 1Y0-253

Related job functions:

Network administrator
Network engineer
Systems administrator
Sales/system engineer (SE)
Citrix administrator

NetScaler is a multi-functional appliance that can perform as a Layer 4-7 proxy for load balancing, as well as an SSL VPN gateway (or both). Environments that include Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop are likely to use a Citrix NetScaler as their remote access and load balancing solution.