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Content Area 7

Digital environments

Understand hardware, software, networking, virtualization, cloud computing, and resilient system design for modern digital infrastructure.

5
Level
6
Subtopics
40-55 hours
Study Time

Advanced Infrastructure Knowledge

This advanced content area covers comprehensive infrastructure knowledge from hardware components to cloud environments and resilient system design.

Core
Content Area
6
Subtopics
40-55
Study Hours
Pearson
Qualification

Infrastructure and Systems

7.1 Hardware

Available

Device types and components including processors, memory, storage, GPUs, interfaces, cooling, sensors.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Processor types: CPU architectures (x86, ARM), multi-core systems, clock speeds
  • Memory hierarchy: RAM types (DDR4/5), cache levels (L1, L2, L3), virtual memory
  • Storage technologies: HDD vs SSD, NVMe, RAID configurations, storage performance
  • Graphics Processing Units (GPUs): dedicated vs integrated, CUDA, parallel processing
  • System interfaces: USB, Thunderbolt, PCIe, SATA, networking ports
  • Cooling systems: air cooling, liquid cooling, thermal management, heat dissipation
  • +3 more topics...
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7.2 Software

Available

Operating systems batch, multitasking, real time, network, mobile. Utilities, development tools, and common applications.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Batch processing systems: job scheduling, resource allocation, background processing
  • Multitasking operating systems: process management, thread scheduling, memory allocation
  • Real-time operating systems (RTOS): deterministic response, interrupt handling, embedded systems
  • Network operating systems: file sharing, directory services, network resource management
  • Mobile operating systems: iOS, Android, app lifecycle, mobile-specific features
  • System utilities: disk management, system monitoring, backup tools, antivirus software
  • +3 more topics...
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7.3 Networks

Available

Types and media, topologies, models client server, thin client, peer to peer, components, OSI and TCP IP layers, packets and error handling, common protocols HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, POP, IMAP, RIP, OSPF, FTP, SFTP, DHCP, DNS, plus bandwidth and latency.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Network types: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN, wireless networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G)
  • Transmission media: copper cables, fiber optic, wireless radio frequencies
  • Network topologies: star, bus, ring, mesh, hybrid configurations
  • Client-server model: centralized resources, server roles, client responsibilities
  • Thin client architecture: minimal client processing, server-side computing
  • Peer-to-peer networks: distributed resources, decentralized communication
  • +8 more topics...
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7.4 Virtual environments

Available

Virtual machines and hypervisors types one and two, features, benefits, drawbacks.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Virtual machine concepts: hardware abstraction, resource isolation, guest operating systems
  • Type 1 hypervisors (bare metal): VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer
  • Type 2 hypervisors (hosted): VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, Parallels Desktop
  • Hypervisor features: CPU virtualization, memory management, I/O virtualization
  • Virtualization benefits: resource utilization, cost reduction, flexibility, disaster recovery
  • Performance drawbacks: overhead costs, resource contention, complexity management
  • +3 more topics...
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7.5 Cloud environments

Available

Private and public, benefits, delivery models IaaS, PaaS, SaaS and responsibility split.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Public cloud: shared infrastructure, major providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), scalability
  • Private cloud: dedicated infrastructure, on-premises or hosted, enhanced security control
  • Hybrid cloud: combination of public and private, workload distribution, data integration
  • Multi-cloud strategy: multiple cloud providers, vendor diversity, risk mitigation
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): virtual machines, storage, networking, OS management
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS): development platforms, runtime environments, middleware services
  • +4 more topics...
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7.6 Resilient environments

Available

Benefits and methods updates and patches, hardware refresh, redundancy, hardening, backups and recovery, hot cold and warm sites, standard operating procedures and training.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • System resilience principles: fault tolerance, graceful degradation, self-healing systems
  • Update management: patch deployment, testing procedures, rollback strategies, maintenance windows
  • Hardware refresh cycles: lifecycle planning, performance monitoring, technology upgrades
  • Redundancy strategies: active-active, active-passive, N+1 redundancy, geographic distribution
  • System hardening: security configurations, unnecessary service removal, access controls
  • Backup strategies: full, incremental, differential backups, backup rotation, off-site storage
  • +4 more topics...
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Key Infrastructure Areas

Hardware Systems

Processors, memory, storage, and system components

Networking

Protocols, topologies, and network infrastructure

Cloud Computing

IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and cloud deployment models

System Resilience

Redundancy, backup, and disaster recovery

Learning Resources

Infrastructure Guides
Comprehensive hardware and software guides
Virtual Labs
Hands-on network and cloud environment simulations
Platform Training
AWS, Azure, VMware, and networking certifications
Industry Tools
Real-world infrastructure management tools

Assessment Information

Digital environments knowledge is assessed through system design scenarios, infrastructure planning, and practical configuration tasks.

System Architecture
Design scalable and resilient infrastructure solutions
Network Design
Plan network topologies and configure protocols
Cloud Planning
Select appropriate cloud services and deployment models

Master Digital Infrastructure

Begin with hardware fundamentals and progress through networking, virtualization, and cloud technologies. These skills are essential for modern infrastructure management and system design.

Start with 7.1 HardwareBack to Core Papers