Chapter 7. Overview of the Network+ Exam

CompTIA's Network+ certification is for those individuals who intend to prove their expertise in computer networking. You will need to pass only one exam (Exam N10-003) to get this certification. This exam tests your foundation-level knowledge of network media and topologies; protocols and standards; and network implementation and support. A Network+ certified individual is considered to have proven skills in general networking concepts, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of basic networking hardware. CompTIA's Network+ certification is vendor-neutral and is recognized worldwide.

One good thing about CompTIA's certifications is that they do not expire. In other words, CompTIA's certifications are good for life. You do not have to recertify if the exam objectives change. I still recommend that you check CompTIA's Network+ exam web site from time to time at http://certification.comptia.org/network for news and updates on exam objectives.

The approximate percentage of coverage for each domain in the Network+ exam is given in Table 7-1.

Table 7-1. Network+ exam domains and percentage of coverage

Domain	Percentage of coverage
Media and Topologies	20 percent
Protocols and Standards	20 percent
Network Implementation	25 percent
Network Support	35 percent

CompTIA recommends that in order to pass the Network+ exam, a candidate should have at least nine months of hands-on experience working in a networked computer environment. It is also recommended that the candidate pass the A+ exam before attempting to write the Network+ exam. It is a good idea to have studied a Network+ certification exam self-paced study guide or attended a training course before you attempt to take this exam. You will then be ready to use this section of the book for your final exam preparation.

Tip

CompTIA's Network+ Exam N10-003 is fairly easy. If you are well-prepared, you will easily get through this exam. It is recommended that you take this exam after passing the A+ exams. The combination of A+ and Network+ certifications qualify you to get an exemption for one elective exam in Microsoft's MCSA/MCSE track.

Areas of Study for the Network+ Exam

Media and Topologies

Recognize the following logical or physical network topologies given a diagram, a schematic, or a description:
- Star
- Bus
- Mesh
- Ring
Specify the main features of 802.2 (Logical Link Control), 802.3 (Ethernet), 802.5 (token ring), 802.11 (wireless), and FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) networking technologies, including speed, access method (CSMA/CA and CSMA/CD), topology, or media.
Specify the characteristics (speed, length, topology, and cable type) of the following cable standards:
Recognize the following media connectors and describe their uses:
Recognize the following media types and describe their uses:
Identify the purposes, features, and functions of the following network components:
Specify the general characteristics (carrier speed, frequency, transmission type, and topology) of wireless technologies such as 802.11 (a frequency hopping spread spectrum) or 802.11x (a direct frequency spread spectrum), Infrared, and Bluetooth.
Identify factors that affect the range and speed of wireless service (interference, antenna type, and environmental factors).

Protocols and Standards

Identify a MAC (Media Access Control) address and its parts.
Identify the seven layers of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) model and their functions.
Identify the OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) layers at which the following network components operate:
Differentiate between the network protocols in terms of the routing, addressing schemes, interoperability, and naming conventions of IPX (Internetwork Packet Exchange)/SPX (Sequential Packet Exchange), NetBEUI (Network Basic Input/Output System Extended User Interface), AppleTalk/AppleTalk over IP, and TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol).
Identify the components and structure of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses (IPv4 and IPv6) and the required setting for connections across the Internet.
Identify classful IP address ranges and their subnet masks (Class A, B, and C).
Identify the purpose of subnetting.
Identify the differences between private and public network addressing schemes.
Identify and differentiate between static, dynamic, and self-assigned (APIPA) addresses.
Define the purpose, function and use of the protocols used in the TCP/IP suite:
Define the function of TCP/UDP ports.
Identify the well-known ports associated with the commonly used services and protocols.
Identify the purpose of network services and protocols, such as DNS, NAT, ICS, WINS, SNMP, NFS, Zeroconf, SMB, AFP LPD, and Samba.
Identify the basic characteristics (speed, capacity and media) of the following WAN (Wide Area Network) technologies: packet switching, circuit switching, ISDN, FDDI, T1/E1/J1, T3/E3/J3, Ocx, and X.25.
Identify the basic characteristics of Internet access technologies such as xDSL, broadband cable, POTS/PSTN, satellite, and wireless.
Define the function of remote access protocols and services such as RAS, PPP, SLIP, PPPoE, PPTP, VPN, and RDP.
Identify the purpose and function of security protocols such as IPSec, L2TP, SSL, WEP, WPA, and 802.1x.
Identify authentication protocols such as CHAP, MS-CHAP, PAP, RADIUS, Kerberos, and EAP.

Network Implementation

Identify the basic capabilities (client support, interoperability, authentication, file and print services, application support, and security) of the following server operating systems to access network resources:
Identify the basic capabilities needed for client workstations to connect to and use network resources (media, network protocols, and peer and server services).
Identify the appropriate tool for a given wiring task (wire crimper, media tester/certifier, punch down tool, or tone generator).
Given a remote connectivity scenario comprised of a protocol, an authentication scheme, and physical connectivity, configure the connection. This includes connection to network servers powered by Unix/Linux/Mac OS X Server, NetWare, Windows, and Appleshare IP.
Identify the purpose, benefits, and characteristics of using a firewall.
Identify the purpose, benefits, and characteristics of using a proxy service.
Given a connectivity scenario, determine the impact on network functionality of a particular security implementation (port blocking/filtering, authentication, and encryption).
Identify the main characteristics of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks).
Identify the main characteristics and purpose of extranets and intranets.
Identify the purpose, benefits, and characteristics of using antivirus software.
Identify the purpose and characteristics of fault tolerance, such as power, link redundancy, storage, and services.
Identify the purpose and characteristics of disaster recovery:

Network Support

Given a troubleshooting scenario, select the appropriate network utility from the following:
Given output from a network diagnostic utility, identify the utility and interpret the output.
Given a network scenario, interpret visual indicators to determine the nature of a stated problem.
Given a troubleshooting scenario involving client-accessing remote network services, identify the cause of the problem.
Given a troubleshooting scenario between a client and the server environment, identify the cause of a stated problem for the following:
Given a scenario, determine the impact of modifying, adding, or removing network services (for example: DHCP, DNS, and WINS) for network resources and users.
Given a troubleshooting scenario involving a network with a particular physical topology and including a network diagram, identify the network area affected and the cause of the stated failure.
Given a network troubleshooting scenario involving an infrastructure (wired or wireless) problem, identify the cause of a stated problem.
Given a network problem scenario, select an appropriate course of action based on a logical troubleshooting strategy. This strategy can include the following steps: