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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Huawei
Exam Format
90 min
60-70
600
Associate
Registration
$200 USD
Pearson VUE
Validity
3 years
Pass any HCIA exam to renew; Pass HCIP-level exam; Earn continuing education credits
H31-611 Exam Topics and Domains
H31-611 is organized into 7 weighted domains. Expect to work with Agile Controller, Huawei SDN VXLAN solution, NDA (NetStream Data Analyzer), NetMatrix, and more.
1
Data Communication and Network Basics
10%
Network Fundamentals
OSI and TCP/IP ModelsIP Addressing
- Understand basic networking protocols and models
- Identify network layer protocols
2
SDN Architecture and Fundamentals
25%
SDN Concepts and Architecture
SDN Definition and PrinciplesSDN Three-Layer ArchitectureSDN Standards and Organizations
- Explain SDN architecture and principles
- Identify SDN layer components
- Understand forwarding-control separation benefits
SDN Benefits and Use Cases
SDN AdvantagesSDN Application Scenarios
- Identify SDN use cases and benefits
- Explain SDN value proposition for cloud and enterprise
3
SDN Key Protocols and Technologies
30%
OpenFlow Protocol
OpenFlow ArchitectureOpenFlow Messages and OperationsOpenFlow Connection Management
- Understand OpenFlow protocol fundamentals
- Identify OpenFlow message types
- Explain OpenFlow channel operations
VXLAN Technology
VXLAN FundamentalsVXLAN in SDN Solutions
- Explain VXLAN architecture and purpose
- Identify VXLAN components and parameters
- Understand VXLAN in SDN deployments
Network Management Protocols
NETCONF ProtocolSNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)NetStreamRESTful APIs
- Compare and contrast network management protocols
- Understand NETCONF, SNMP, and NetStream operations
- Identify appropriate protocol for specific use cases
SDN Controllers and Platforms
ONOS (Open Network Operating System)OpenStack Integration
- Identify major SDN controller platforms
- Understand OpenStack components in SDN context
4
Huawei SDN Products and Solutions
20%
Huawei SDN Hardware
Huawei Core Routers for SDNCloudEngine Series Switches
- Identify Huawei SDN hardware products
- Understand product redundancy and deployment models
Huawei SDN Solutions
SDN RR+ SolutionHuawei SDN Controller
- Understand Huawei SDN solution architecture
- Identify controller functions and capabilities
5
Routing Protocols in SDN Networks
10%
OSPF in SDN
OSPF Fundamentals
Understand OSPF operation in SDN context
IS-IS Protocol
IS-IS ArchitectureIS-IS Packets
- Explain IS-IS routing protocol
- Compare IS-IS with OSPF
BGP in SDN Networks
BGP FundamentalsBGP Attributes and Loop Prevention
- Understand BGP protocol operation
- Configure BGP in SDN environments
6
Layer 2 Technologies and VLANs
5%
VLAN and Switching
VLAN ConfigurationLayer 3 SwitchingProxy ARP
- Configure VLANs and trunk ports
- Understand Layer 3 switching benefits
7
SDN Network Operations and Troubleshooting
5%
Network Performance Factors
Performance IssuesRoute Optimization
Identify and resolve network performance issues
Fault Locating and Diagnostics
Diagnostic Commands
Perform basic SDN network troubleshooting
MPLS TE in SDN
Traffic Engineering
Understand MPLS TE tunnel configuration
How do I earn this certification?
Passing H31-611 earns the HCIA-SDN (Retired) certification. It sits in the SDN (Discontinued) track.
Next Level Options
- H12-821 - HCIP-Datacom-Core Technology V1.0Professional-level datacom certification
- H12-831 - HCIE-Datacom V1.0 WrittenExpert-level datacom certification (written + lab)
Alternative Paths
- H12-711 - HCIA-Security V3.0Network security skills complement SDN knowledge
- H12-891 - HCIE-Datacom V1.0Advanced networking with SDN integration
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- RETIRED
- Last content update: 2021-12-31
- Announcement date: 2021-Q3
Updates
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN) No longer standalone certification; basic SDN required for all network roles
- OpenFlow Protocol 1.3+ Fundamental protocol knowledge required
- VXLAN Covered in HCIA-Datacom and higher-level certifications
- Network Automation and Programming 3% of HCIA-Datacom, increasing at HCIP and HCIE levels
Who should take this exam?
- Basic networking knowledge
- Understanding of TCP/IP protocol stack
- Familiarity with data center concepts