CompTIA Network

The CompTIA Network+ certification validates the knowledge and skills required to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. This page covers the main exam domains.

• Protocols: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SSH, Telnet
• OSI Model: Seven layers and their functions
• Network Types: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN
• IP Addressing: IPv4, IPv6, subnetting, CIDR notation
• Ports and Services: Common ports (80, 443, 22, 21, etc.)
• Network Devices: Routers, switches, hubs, firewalls

• Network Topologies: Star, mesh, ring, bus, hybrid
• Cabling: Copper (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a), fiber optic
• Connectors: RJ45, LC, SC, ST
• Network Standards: IEEE 802.3, 802.11, Ethernet
• PoE (Power over Ethernet)
• Network Segmentation: VLANs, subnets

• Monitoring Tools: Ping, tracert, netstat, nslookup, ipconfig
• Logs and Alerts: Syslog, SNMP, monitoring systems
• Performance Metrics: Bandwidth, latency, jitter, packet loss
• Capacity Planning: Growth projections, resource allocation
• Change Management: Documentation, testing, rollback plans

• Threats: Malware, phishing, DDoS, man-in-the-middle
• Authentication: AAA, RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP
• Encryption: SSL/TLS, VPN protocols, IPsec
• Firewalls: Stateful, stateless, ACLs, port filtering
• Access Control: NAC, 802.1X, MAC filtering
• Best Practices: Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication

• Troubleshooting Methodology: Define problem, establish baseline, test solutions
• Common Issues: Connectivity problems, DNS resolution, DHCP failures
• Advanced Tools: Wireshark, protocol analyzers, cable testers
• Documentation: Network diagrams, baselines, procedures
• Remote Access: SSH, RDP, VPN troubleshooting

• TCP vs UDP
• ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
• ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
• Routing protocols: OSPF, BGP, RIP

• 802.11 standards (a, b, g, n, ac, ax)
• Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
• Troubleshooting: Signal strength, interference, coverage

• DHCP configuration and troubleshooting
• DNS resolution and record types
• NTP (Network Time Protocol)
• NAT (Network Address Translation)

• Cloud services and connectivity
• Software-defined networking (SDN)
• Network virtualization
• Load balancing

• Time Management: 90 minutes for 60-75 questions
• Study Resources: Official CompTIA study guides, practice exams, hands-on labs
• Hands-On Practice: Set up test networks to gain practical experience
• Review: Focus on weak areas and retake practice exams
• Recertification: Network+ expires every 3 years