CompTIA Network+ (Exam: N10-009) Courseware

With this courseware, students will learn the skills and knowledge to establish, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure networks. This course will cover topics such as:

• Establish network connectivity by deploying wired and wireless devices.
• Understand and maintain network documentation.
• Understand the purpose of network services.
• Understand basic datacenter, cloud, and virtual networking concepts.
• Monitor network activity, identifying performance and availability issues.
• Implement network hardening techniques.
• Manage, configure, and troubleshoot network infrastructure.
• And much more.
  

Course Outline

Chapter 1: OSI Model, Network Appliances, Applications, and Functions

In this chapter, you will become familiar with the fundamental concepts of networking, beginning with the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. The OSI model is a conceptual framework that has become a cornerstone in network engineering. It aids in designing and troubleshooting network architectures by dividing network communication into seven distinct layers, each responsible for specific functions and protocols. Understanding these layers is crucial for anyone looking to master the complexities of network communication.

In addition to the OSI model, this chapter will explore various networking appliances, both physical and virtual, that are essential for building and maintaining modern network infrastructures. These devices play a critical role in ensuring efficient, secure, and scalable network operations.

Chapter 2: Cloud Concepts and Connectivity Options

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, cloud computing has become a fundamental component of IT infrastructure. This chapter delves into the essential concepts and connectivity options within cloud environments, which are critical for designing, implementing, and managing effective cloud solutions. By exploring key topics such as cloud deployment models, cloud service delivery models, scalability, elasticity, multitenancy, and cloud connectivity options, this chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage cloud technologies to enhance organizational performance and efficiency.

Chapter 3: Networking Ports, Protocols, Services, and Traffic Types

In the realm of networking, understanding the various protocols, ports, and services is crucial for ensuring efficient and secure communication across devices. This section covers the foundational concepts and essential protocols, focusing on the Internet Protocol (IP), which is the backbone of data transmission across networks. Additionally, several important protocols and services will be explained.

Chapter 4: Network Transmission Media, Transceivers, and Topologies

This chapter explores the various methods and devices that transmit data across networks. It examines wired and wireless transmission media, highlighting their unique features, advantages, and constraints. The chapter also discusses network topologies and architectures, providing insights into their structure, functionality, and applications. It covers essential concepts such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi standards, fiber optics, and different types of cables and connectors. Additionally, the chapter addresses the organization of network layers and the flow of data within network structures, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of network design and implementation.

Chapter 5: IPv4 Network Addressing and Modern Network Environments

This chapter delves into the intricacies of IPv4 network addressing and explores advancements in modern networking that shape the future of connectivity. It covers the fundamental principles of assigning unique addresses to devices within a network, public and private addresses, Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA), loopback addresses, and subnetting. Additionally, the chapter addresses the evolving technologies driving the transformation of network infrastructure, such as IPv6 addressing, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN), and the integration of security frameworks such as Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).

Chapter 6: Routing and Switching Technologies

This chapter examines the core concepts of routing and switching, the two pillars that ensure seamless communication within and between networks.

Routing technologies are explored to illuminate how data is directed across diverse network infrastructures, ensuring that information reaches its intended destination efficiently and reliably. We examine the protocols, methodologies, and devices that form the backbone of global and local communications, emphasizing the importance of routing in maintaining network stability and performance.

Switching technologies are equally critical, forming the foundation of local network operations. This chapter covers the essential features and advanced configurations that allow switches to manage traffic within networks, enhancing security, performance, and scalability. By segmenting networks, optimizing data flow, and preventing potential issues like loops, switching technologies enable the creation of robust and efficient network environments.

Chapter 7: Wireless Network Devices and Technologies

In this chapter, you'll learn about different wireless standards and frequency options and the impact of device configurations on network performance. We will explore the roles of access points, network types, security settings, and specialized features like guest networks and captive portals. Additionally, you will discover how to select the appropriate antennas and understand channel configurations while also exploring advanced options like band steering and access point management.

Chapter 8: Physical Installations

In this chapter, you will learn the essential factors of physical network installations. We will consider several implications surrounding location, cooling, cabling, and physical security. Additionally, we will address electrical power requirements and how an administrator can minimize issues related to power aberrations. Finally, we will discuss the importance of monitoring environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, along with protecting equipment from fire and fire suppression damages.

Chapter 9: Organizational Processes, Procedures, and Documentation

In this chapter, you will learn the essential factors of organizational processes and procedures. We will consider several types of documentation, including physical and logical diagrams, rack diagrams, cable maps, and network diagrams. Additionally, we will consider asset inventory, IP address management, service-level agreements, wireless surveys, and heat maps. Next, we will dig into the details surrounding asset life-cycle management, including the retirement of unused or unneeded assets. Finally, we will discuss the importance of change management and configuration management.

Chapter 10: Network Monitoring and Disaster Recovery Concepts

This chapter will teach you the essential components, methods, and solutions for network monitoring. We will consider the Simple Network Management Protocol, log aggregation, flow data, and network discovery. Additionally, we will consider disaster recovery concepts, important metrics in disaster recovery planning, high availability, redundancy, and testing disaster recovery plans.

Chapter 11: Network Services, Access Methods, and Management

This chapter reveals foundational concepts for implementing network services and managing network access while emphasizing IPv4 and IPv6 services, address assignment, and dynamic configuration. Additionally, it examines methods for secure and efficient network access and management.

Chapter 12: Network Security Concepts

This chapter covers basic concepts of network security and highlights several strategies used to protect network data, devices, and systems. It explores topics such as logical and physical security, network segmentation, and regulatory compliance.

Chapter 13: Network Attacks, Defense Techniques, and Security Solutions

This chapter delves into the foundations of network security, exploring various attack vectors, their impacts, and defense strategies. You'll learn to identify common threats, such as phishing, malware, and VLAN hopping while mastering the application of security solutions like device hardening, access control, and key management.

Chapter 14: Troubleshooting Methodology

This chapter introduces the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology and includes a case study for practical application.

Chapter 15: Troubleshooting Cabling, Interfaces, and Network Services

This chapter provides the knowledge to help you identify and resolve problems in the areas of network cabling, interfaces, and services.

Chapter 16: Troubleshooting Network Performance, and Using Appropriate Tools and Protocols

This chapter focuses on diagnosing and resolving network performance issues, such as latency, jitter, bandwidth bottlenecks, and packet loss. Additionally, it provides an overview of the tools and protocols commonly used to analyze and troubleshoot these problems.