INTRODUCTION

If you're preparing to take the Network+ exam, you might find yourself overwhelmed with information. This exam covers a very broad range of topics, and it's possible to spend weeks studying each one of them. Fortunately, that's not necessary!

As part of the CertMike Test Prep series, this book is designed to help you focus on the specific knowledge that you'll need to pass the exam. CompTIA publishes a detailed list of exam objectives, and this book is organized around those objectives. Each chapter clearly states the single objective that it covers and then concisely covers the material you need to know about that objective.

You'll find two important things at the end of each chapter: Exam Essentials and Practice Questions. The CertMike Exam Essentials distill the major points from the chapter into just a few bullet points. Reviewing the Exam Essentials is a great way to prepare yourself right before the exam. We've also recorded a free audio version of the Exam Essentials that you'll find on the book's companion website at www.wiley.com/go/sybextestprep. They're great listening when you're in the car, at the gym, or mowing the lawn!

Each chapter concludes with two Practice Questions that are designed to give you a taste of what it's like to take the exam. You'll find that they're written in the same style as the Network+ exam questions and have detailed explanations to help you understand the correct answer. Be sure to take your time and thoroughly read these questions.

Finally, the book's website includes a full-length practice exam that you can use to assess your knowledge when you're ready to take the test. Good luck on the Network+ exam!

NOTE

Don't just study the questions and answers! The questions on the actual exam will be different from the Practice Questions included in this book. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of a concept or objective, so use this book to learn the objectives behind the questions.

THE NETWORK+ CERTIFICATION

Network+ is designed to be a vendor-neutral certification for those seeking to demonstrate their networking expertise. CompTIA recommends this certification for individuals who want to develop careers in IT infrastructure, specifically in the areas of troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks. Common job roles held by Network+ certified individuals include the following:

• Junior network administrator
• Network engineer
• NOC technician
• Cable technician
• Data center support technician
• System administrator
• Telecommunications technician

The exam covers five major domains of knowledge:

1. Networking Fundamentals
2. Network Implementations
3. Network Operations
4. Network Security
5. Network Troubleshooting

These five areas include a range of topics, from securing networks to configuring subnets, while focusing heavily on the core knowledge expected of all networking professionals.

The Network+ exam uses a combination of standard multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions that require you to manipulate objects on the screen. This exam is designed to be straightforward and not to trick you. If you know the material in this book, you will pass the exam.

The exam costs $348 in the United States, with roughly equivalent prices in other locations around the globe. You can find more details about the Network+ exam and how to take it at

www.comptia.org/certifications/network#examdetails

You'll have 90 minutes to take the exam and will be asked to answer up to 90 questions during that time period. Your exam will be scored on a scale ranging from 100 to 900, with a passing score of 720.

NOTE

CompTIA frequently does what is called item seeding, which is the practice of including unscored questions on exams. It does so to gather psychometric data, which is then used when developing new versions of the exam. Before you take the exam, you will be told that your exam may include these unscored questions. So, if you come across a question that does not appear to map to any of the exam objectives-or for that matter, does not appear to belong in the exam-it is likely a seeded question. You never really know whether or not a question is seeded, however, so always make your best effort to answer every question.

Taking the Exam

Once you are fully prepared to take the exam, you can visit the CompTIA website to purchase your exam voucher:

https://store.comptia.org

Currently, CompTIA offers two options for taking the exam: an in-person exam at a testing center and an at-home exam that you take on your own computer.

TIP

This book includes a coupon that you may use to save 10 percent on your CompTIA exam registration.

In-Person Exams

CompTIA partners with Pearson VUE's testing centers, so your next step will be to locate a testing center near you. In the United States, you can do this based on your address or your zip code, while non-U.S. test takers may find it easier to enter their city and country. You can search for a test center near you at the Pearson Vue website, where you will need to navigate to "Find a test center."

www.pearsonvue.com/comptia

Now that you know where you'd like to take the exam, simply set up a Pearson VUE testing account and schedule an exam on their site.

On the day of the test, take two forms of identification, and be sure to show up with plenty of time before the exam starts. Remember that you will not be able to take your notes, electronic devices (including smartphones and watches), or other materials in with you.

At-Home Exams

CompTIA began offering online exam proctoring in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As of this writing, the at-home testing option was still available and appears likely to continue. Candidates using this approach will take the exam at their home or office and be proctored over a webcam by a remote proctor.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of the at-home testing experience, candidates wishing to pursue this option should check the CompTIA website for the latest details.

After the Exam

Once you have taken the exam, you will be notified of your score immediately, so you'll know if you passed the test right away. You should keep track of your score report with your exam registration records and the email address you used to register for the exam.

After you earn the Network+ certification, you're required to renew your certification every three years by either earning an advanced certification, completing a CertMaster continuing education program, or earning 20 continuing education units over a three-year period.

Many people who earn the Network+ credential use it as a stepping stone to earning other certifications in their areas of interest. Those interested in end-user support work toward the A+ credential, data analytics professionals might go on to earn the Data+ certification, and the Security+ program is a gateway to a career in cybersecurity.

WHAT DOES THIS BOOK COVER?

This book covers everything you need to know to pass the Network+ exam. It is organized into five parts, each corresponding to one of the five Network+ domains.

Part I: Domain 1.0: Networking Fundamentals

• Chapter 1: OSI Model
• Chapter 2: Network Topologies
• Chapter 3: Cables and Connectors
• Chapter 4: IP Addressing
• Chapter 5: Ports and Protocols
• Chapter 6: Network Services
• Chapter 7: Network Architecture
• Chapter 8: Cloud Computing

Part II: Domain 2.0: Network Implementations

• Chapter 9: Network Devices
• Chapter 10: Routing and Bandwidth Management
• Chapter 11: Switching
• Chapter 12: Wireless Standards

Part III: Domain 3.0: Network Operations

• Chapter 13: Network Availability
• Chapter 14: Organizational Documents and Policies
• Chapter 15: High Availability and Disaster Recovery

Part IV: Domain 4.0: Network Security

• Chapter 16: Security Concepts
• Chapter 17: Network Attacks
• Chapter 18: Network Hardening
• Chapter 19: Remote Access
• Chapter 20: Physical Security

Part V: Domain 5.0: Network Troubleshooting

• Chapter 21: Network Troubleshooting Methodology
• Chapter 22: Troubleshooting Cable Connectivity
• Chapter 23: Network Software Tools and Commands
• Chapter 24: Troubleshooting Wireless Connectivity
• Chapter 25: Troubleshooting Network Issues

Study Guide Elements

This study guide uses a number of common elements to help you prepare. These include the following:

• Exam Tips    Throughout each chapter, we've sprinkled practical exam tips that help focus your reading on items that are particularly confusing or important for the exam.
• CertMike Exam Essentials...