Bound the claim
“Understands networking” is vague. Distinguishing physical link state from IP reachability is observable.
Observable learning evidence
A correct answer is only a green link light.
It proves that something happened. It does not prove that understanding is connected end to end.
Prediction
Observation
Explanation
Transfer
Reference trace · Networking
Can two connected machines actually talk?
node-a
eth0 · link up
node-b
eth0 · link up
Stage 1 of 4
Prediction
What changed?
Not the command. The learner’s model.
The final answer matters because the trace preserves what the learner expected, noticed, explained, and transferred.
Preserve uncertainty
Missing or ambiguous evidence stays in review. It is never silently upgraded to a pass.
Minimize data
The protocol needs evidence for a claim—not identity, biometrics, or a surveillance feed.