• The exam addresses the latest skills needed by technicians, such as basic principles on how to secure a network.
• The exam covers network technologies, media and topologies, devices, management, tools and security. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Network+ candidates have at least nine months of experience in network support or administration or academic training, along with a CompTIA A+ certification.
• Candidate job roles include network administrator, network technician, network installer, help desk technician and IT cable installer. Companies such as Dell, HP, Ricoh, Sharp and Xerox recommend or require CompTIA Network+ for their networking technicians. The U.S. Department of Defense also recognizes CompTIA Network+..

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will

• Describe the purpose of networking protocols and networking in general
• Identify features of various network operating systems and the clients used to access them.
• Describe the OSI networking model and its relationship to networking components.
• Describe the network components relating to the Physical layer of the OSI model.
• Describe the function of the Data Link layer of the OSI model.
• Explain how data is transmitted over a network.
• Describe the function of the Network layer of the OSI model.
• Describe the function of the Transport layer of the OSI model.
• Describe the function of the Session layer of the OSI model.
• Explain the fundamental concepts of the TCP/IP protocol suite.
• Explain the use of TCP/IP addresses and subnets.
• Access and use a TCP/IP network.
• Describe the requirements for remote network access.
• Explain the need for and ways to implement network security and fault tolerance.
• Describe the types of information that need to be gathered prior to installing or updating a network operating system.
• Explain ways to monitor and manage a network.
• Describe a systematic approach for troubleshooting network problems.

Course Outline

• Basic Network Knowledge
  • a. Network and Internetwork Concepts
  • b. Network Topologies
  • c. Networking Strategies
• Servers and Clients
  • a. Network Operating System Basics
  • b. Network Clients
  • c. Directory Services
• Introduction to the OSI Model
  • a. Introduction to the OSI Model
  • b. Families of Protocols
• The Physical Media
  • a. Data-transmission Media
  • b. Unbounded Media
  • c. Signaling
  • d. Signal Transmissions
• The Data Link Layer
  • a. Data Link Layer Considerations
  • b. Media Access Control (MAC) and Logical Link Control (LLC)
  • c. IEEE 802 Specifications
• Data Transmission
  • a. Introduction to Network Connection Devices
  • b. Network Adapters
  • c. Putting Data on the Cable
  • d. Network Topologies
  • e. Bridges
• The Network Layer
  • a. Addresses
  • b. Internetwork Connection Devices
  • c. Routers
• The Transport Layer
  • a. Transport Layer Addressing Issues
  • b. The Transport Layer Segmenting Process
  • c. Transport Layer Connection Services
• The Session Layer
  • a. Dialog Control Modes
  • b. Managing the Session
• TCP/IP Fundamentals
  • a. What is TCP/IP?
  • b. The TCP/IP Protocol Suite
• IP Addressing, Subnetting and Supernetting
  • a. IP Addressing
  • b. Interior Gateway Protocols
  • c. Introduction to Subnetting
  • d. Supernetting
• Accessing and Using a TCP/IP Network
  • a. Configuring Clients for TCP/IP Networks
  • b. TCP/IP Suite Utilities
  • c. Using TCP/IP Suite Utilities to Check Network Connectivity
• Remote Access Protocols
  • a. Remote Access Protocols
  • b. Examining Remote Connection Options
  • c. Dial-up Networking
• Network Security and Fault Tolerance
  • a. Security Models
  • b. Password Security
  • c. Data Encryption
  • d. Firewalls and Proxy Servers
  • e. System Fault Tolerance
  • f. Backing Up Data
• Preparing for Network Installation
  • a. Planning and Gathering Information
  • b. Environmental Issues
  • c. Networking Components and Connectors
  • d. Compatibility Issues
• Maintaining the Network
  • a. Network Documentation
  • b. Backup Strategies
  • c. Virus Protection
  • d. Patches and other Software Updates
• Troubleshooting the Network
  • a. Exploring Troubleshooting Models
  • b. Identifying Troubleshooting Tools