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Network+

Topics​

Topic organization and certification objectives are listed as in "Network+ Exam Guide Seventh Edition" by Mike Meyers.

1. Network Models​

Network+ exam expects you to know how to:

  • 1.2 Explain devices, applications, protocols and services at their appropriate OSI layers.
  • 1.3 Explain the concepts and characteristics of routing and switching.

To achieve these goals you must be able to:

  • Describe how models such as the OSI seven-layer model and the TCP/IP help technicians understand and troubleshoot networks.
  • Explain the major functions of networks with OSI.
  • Describe the major functions of networks with TCP/IP.

2. Cabling and Topology​

Network+ exam expects you to know how to:

  • 1.5 Compare and contrast the characteristics of network topologies, types and technologies.
  • 2.1 Given a scenario, deploy the appropriate cabling solution.

To achieve these goals you must be able to:

  • Explain the different types of network topologies.
  • Describe the different types of network cabling and connectos.
  • Describe the IEEE networking standards.

3. Ethernet Basics​

Network+ exam expects you to know how to:

  • 2.1 Given a scenario, deploy the appropriate cabling solution.
  • 2.2 Given a scenario, determine the appropriate placement of networking devices on a network and install/configure them.
  • 4.6 Explain common mitigation techniques and their purposes.

To achieve these goals you must be able to:

  • Define and describe Ethernet.
  • Explain early Ethernet implementations.
  • Describe ways to enhance and extend Ethernet networks.

4. Modern Ethernet​

Network+ exam expects you to know how to:

  • 1.5 Compare and contrast the characteristics of network topologies, types and technologies.
  • 2.1 Given a scenario, deploy the appropriate cabling solution.
  • 2.2 Given a scenario, determine the appropriate placement of network devices on a network and install/configure them.

To achieve these goals you must be able to:

  • Describe the varieties of 100-megabit Ethernet.
  • Discuss copper- and fiber-based Gigabit Ethernet.
  • Discover and describe Ethernet varieties beyond Gigabit.

5. Installing a Physical Network​

Network+ certification expects you to know how to:

  • 2.1 Given a scenario, deploy the appropriate cabling solution.
  • 3.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate documentation and diagrams to manage the network.
  • 3.2 Compare and contrast business continuity and disaster recovery concepts.
  • 5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wired connectivity and performance issues.

To achieve these goals, you must be able to:

  • Recognize and describe the functions of basic components in a structured cabling system.
  • Explain the process of installing structured cabling.
  • Install a network interface card.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting on a structured cable network.

6. TCP/IP Basics​

Network+ certification expects you to know how to:

  • 1.1 Explain the purposes and uses of ports and protocols.
  • 1.3 Explain the concepts and characteristics of routing and switching.
  • 1.4 Given a scenario, configure the appropriate IP addressing components.
  • 1.8 Explain the functions of network services.
  • 5.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common network service issues.

To achieve these goals, you must be able to:

  • Describe how the TCP/IP protocol suite works.
  • Explain CIDR and subnetting.
  • Describe the functions of static and dynamic IP addresses.

Troubleshooting​

Steps​

  1. Identify problem
  2. Gather infomration
  3. Establish theory of cause
  4. Test theory
  5. Determine plan of action to resolve the problem
  6. Implement the plan
  7. Verify system functionality
  8. Document!

Tools​

  • ping: Determine connectivity.
  • traceroute/tracert: Determine route (hops) to destination.
  • NSLookup/Dig: DNS troubleshooting, see if you can resolve to an IP address.
  • ipconfig/ifconfig: Information about current host.
  • netstat: View all active connections of host.
  • route: Current routing table.