The Cisco 100-490 exam is a crucial assessment for individuals aiming to establish a strong foundation in networking and obtain the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification. This exam covers a wide range of essential topics, including IP addressing and subnetting, which involve understanding how to assign and manage IP addresses efficiently. Routing protocols, such as OSPF and EIGRP, are also key areas, as they dictate how data is transmitted across networks. Additionally, the exam delves into network devices like switches, routers, and firewalls, exploring their roles and configurations. Security measures, including access control lists (ACLs) and basic firewall configurations, are essential for safeguarding network infrastructure. Other topics covered include IPv6 addressing, VLANs, and basic troubleshooting techniques. Overall, the Cisco 100-490 exam is designed to assess an individual's grasp of fundamental networking concepts and their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.