CompTIA Network+ in a Nutshell

Chapter One

Objectives j • Describe Describe the importance of CompTIA  the importance of CompTIA Network+ certification • Illustrate the structure and contents of the  Illustrate the structure and contents of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam • Plan a strategy to prepare for the exam Plan a strategy to prepare for the exam

Wh Needs Who N d CompTIA C TIA Network+? et o I just want to Learn about Networks!

What is CompTIA Network+ Certification?

• An An industry industry‐wide wide, vendor vendor‐neutral neutral  certification – Developed by the Computer Technology  Developed by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) – Passing shows a basic competency in the  Passing shows a basic competency in the physical support of networking systems – Passing shows a knowledge of conceptual  Passing shows a knowledge of conceptual aspects of networking

• Demonstrates Demonstrates knowledge equivalent to a  knowledge equivalent to a network technician with nine months of  networking experience networking experience • Requires one computer‐based, multiple‐ choice exam choice exam • Widely recognized throughout the IT industry

What is CompTIA? CompTIA?

• A A nonprofit industry trade association nonprofit industry trade association • Members include computer resellers,  value‐added resellers, distributors,  l dd d ll di t ib t manufacturers, and training companies

• Founded Founded in 1982 in 1982 • Offers certifications for a variety of computer  industries • A+, Network+, I‐Net+, Security+, and more

CompTIA Network+ was revised in 2009

How do I become CompTIA Network+ certified? certified?

• Pass one computer‐based, multiple‐choice  p , p exam – No prerequisites or networking experience No prerequisites or networking experience – No special training course or materials  required q

• CompTIA recommends: CompTIA recommends: – Nine months network tech experience – CompTIA A+ certification knowledge CompTIA A+ certification knowledge

What Is the Test Like?

• One One Hundred multiple Hundred multiple‐choice choice questions questions • Ninety‐minute time limit • Minimum pass score of 720 i i f 20 on a scale of 100‐900 • Objectives organized into  CompTIA Network+ Domains

This table lists the domains,  and the percentage of the test each represents. CompTIA Co p Network+ et o Domain o a

Percentage e ce tage

1.0 Network Technologies

20%

2 0 Network Media and Topologies 2.0

20%

3.0 Network Devices

17%

4.0 Network Management

20%

5.0 Network Tools

12%

6.0 Network Security

11%

• More About the Exam More About the Exam – Practical questions involving • • • •

Real‐life troubleshooting scenarios Real‐life troubleshooting scenarios Hardware and software failures “What do you do next?” y “What is the most likely problem?”

• More About the Exam (cont.) – Know how to install and configure a PC to  connect to a network using these skills and  knowledge: • • • • • •

Install and test a network card Configure drivers Load  all network software Know different topologies standards and cabling Know different topologies, standards, and cabling Know the OSI seven‐layer model Know the protocol suites – especially TCP/IP Know the protocol suites  especially TCP/IP

How do I take the test?

• Go to an Authorized Testing Center Go to an Authorized Testing Center – Prometric: 888‐895‐6116 (www.prometric.com) – Pearson VUE: 877‐551‐7587 (www.vue.com) Pearson VUE: 877 551 7587 (www vue com) – More info on centers at www.comptia.org

How much does the test cost?

• Price Price fixed by CompTIA fixed by CompTIA • At publication time, $239 (U.S.) for  non CompTIA members non‐CompTIA members  • You can save money by purchasing an  exam voucher through CompTIA member  h h hC TIA b companies

• When registering: When registering: – Need Social Security number (or international  equivalent) – Pay by credit card or unique voucher number – International prices vary International prices vary

How to Pass the CompTIA Network+ Exam

• Keep it simple! Keep it simple! – Read the book – Practice the questions at the end  Practice the questions at the end of chapters – Take practice tests on the CD in the  Take practice tests on the CD in the back of the book – Review any topics you missed Review any topics you missed

• Obligate yourself Obligate yourself – Schedule the exam – Determine necessary study time Determine necessary study time – Call Prometric or Pearson VUE or register  for the exam online for the exam online

• Set aside the right amount of study time

Table 1.1

Determining How Much Study Time You Need Amount of Experience/Study Time (in hours) Once or Twice On Occasion Quite a Bit

Type of Experience

None

Installing a SOHO wireless network Installing an advanced wireless network (802.1X, RADIUS, etc.) Installing structured cabling Configuring a home router Configuring a Cisco router Configuring a software firewall Configuring a hardware firewall Configuring an IPv4 client C fi Configuring i an IPv6 IP 6 client li t Working with SOHO WAN connection (DSL, cable) Working with an advanced WAN connection (Tx, OCx, ATM) Configuring a DNS server Configuring a DHCP server Configuring a Web application server (HTTP, FTP, SSH, etc.) g g a VLAN Configuring Configuring a VPN Configuring a dynamic routing protocol

4 2

2 2

1 1

1 1

3 5 4 3 2 8 3 2

2 3 2 2 2 4 3 2

1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

3

3

2

2

2 2 4

2 1 4

2 1 2

1 0 1

3 3 2

3 3 2

2 2 1

1 1 1

• Study for the test Study for the test – Historical/Conceptual: not on the test,  but greatly aids understanding but greatly aids understanding – Test‐specific: topics fit within the CompTIA  Network+ certification domains Network+ certification domains