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CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral, introductory networking certification that is targeted at individuals who want to gain more skills in the networking arena. It focuses on installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining basic networks.

Exam Details

Number of Questions: 100
Types of Questions: Multiple choice and exhibit
Passing Score: 720/900
Time Limit: 90 minutes
How to Register: Registration for the exam is available through both Pearson VUE and Prometric.

Trouble Spots

When CompTIA developed the Network+ certification, it tried to cover a number of different areas that would be important to those people in entry-level networking positions. Certification candidates sometimes find this coverage to be the main problem with the Network+ exam, however.

Although the content of the Network+ exam is not overly deep in its expectation of understanding technologies, it is extremely wide in its expectations. This means that the candidate must understand a large number of topics at an introductory level. This wide range of knowledge makes the exam challenging to those candidates entering the field and is also what makes the certification itself relevant.

The vast majority of the test is multiple choice and requires the ability to choose a correct answer from a number of different distracter options. Make sure to read the question and understand it before answering the question. Unlike some other vendors tests, the Network+ exam allows you to go back and review your answer selections before finishing the test. However, because there are a total of 100 questions, it is a good idea to read through each question well the first time and review them if time allows at the end of the testing time.

Preparation Hints

Studying for the Network+ exam lends itself quite well to flash question studying. Because the content itself is not that deep, the style of questions can be represented rather well in short form on this type of media. When studying for the Network+ exam, an entry-level engineer would be well suited to study with a partner who is also working on the same certification. This way, the knowledge base of each individual can help the other candidate. For those without this possibility, a number of different exam preparation products are available, which will be covered in the next section.

The Network+ material is split into six sections and is weighted to those sections with additional focus. These six sections are

Because sections 1, 2, and 4 have additional focus, study these sections more than the others. Exam preparation is all about the efficiency of the studying behavior. While it is possible to study for this test over a year, it is also possible to study it efficiently and get the preparation done in a matter of months. Many other vendor tests do not give you this weighting information and thus require a more equal level of studying and research around the covered areas. Take advantage of this information when studying for the Network+ exam.

Recommended Study Resources

A number of different Network+ study resources are available and selecting which one to use greatly depends on personal preference. Pearson offers a number of different options depending on the specific learning style and specific level of existing knowledge.

For those who are just entering the field with little or no experience or who learn well through example, Pearson offers the CompTIA Network+ Video Mentor. This product offers the ability to see the various subjects covered with hands-on examples and experiences. The instructor covers specific objective areas and shows how they are used in practical terms.

For those individuals looking for a comprehensive study guide to read or review, Pearson has just come out with a new CompTIA Network+ (N10-004) Cert Guide. This product is targeted at the individuals looking to self study and offers comprehensive coverage of all objectives.

Two flash card products also are available: CompTIA Network+ N10-004 Cert Flash Cards Online and CompTIA Network+ N10-004 Cert Flash Cards, App (iPhone)

Network+ N10-004 Exam Objectives

The CompTIA Network+ N10-004 exam is based on the following objectives. The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.

1.0 Network Technologies (20% of examination)

1.1 Explain the function of common networking protocols

TCP
FTP
UDP
TCP/IP suite
DHCP
TFTP
DNS
HTTP(S)
ARP
SIP (VoIP)
RTP (VoIP)
SSH
POP3
NTP
IMAP4
Telnet
SMTP
SNMP2/3
ICMP
IGMP
TLS

1.2 Identify commonly used TCP and UDP default ports

TCP ports

FTP — 20, 21
SSH — 22
TELNET — 23
SMTP — 25
DNS — 53
HTTP — 80
POP3 — 110
NTP — 123
IMAP4 — 143
HTTPS — 443

UDP ports

TFTP — 69
DNS — 53
BOOTPS/DHCP — 67
SNMP — 161

1.3 Identify the following address formats

IPv6
IPv4
MAC addressing

1.4 Given a scenario, evaluate the proper use of the following addressing technologies and addressing schemes

Addressing Technologies

Subnetting
Classful vs. classless (e.g. CIDR, Supernetting)
NAT
PAT
SNAT
Public vs. private
DHCP (static, dynamic APIPA)

Addressing schemes

Unicast
Multicast
Broadcast

1.5 Identify common IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols

Link state

OSPF
IS-IS

Distance vector

RIP
RIPv2
BGP

Hybrid

EIGRP

1.6 Explain the purpose and properties of routing

IGP vs. EGP
Static vs. dynamic
Next hop
Understanding routing tables and how they pertain to path selection
Explain convergence (steady state)

1.7 Compare the characteristics of wireless communication standards

802.11 a/b/g/n

Speeds
Distance
Channels
Frequency

Authentication and encryption

WPA
WEP
RADIUS
TKIP

2.0 Network Media and Topologies (20% of examination)

2.1 Categorize standard cable types and their properties

Type:

CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6
STP, UTP
Multimode fiber, single-mode fiber
Coaxial
- RG-59
- RG-6
Serial
Plenum vs. Non-plenum

Properties:

Transmission speeds
Distance
Duplex
Noise immunity (security, EMI)
Frequency

2.2 Identify common connector types

RJ-11
RJ-45
BNC
SC
ST
LC
RS-232

2.3 Identify common physical network topologies

Star
Mesh
Bus
Ring
Point to point
Point to multipoint
Hybrid

2.4 Given a scenario, differentiate and implement appropriate wiring standards

568A
568B
Straight vs. cross-over
Rollover
Loopback

2.5 Categorize WAN technology types and properties

Type:

Frame relay
E1/T1
ADSL
SDSL
VDSL
Cable modem
Satellite
E3/T3
OC-x
Wireless
ATM
SONET
MPLS
ISDN BRI
ISDN PRI
POTS
PSTN

Properties

Circuit switch
Packet switch
Speed
Transmission media
Distance

2.6 Categorize LAN technology types and properties

Types:

Ethernet
10BaseT
100BaseTX
100BaseFX
1000BaseT
1000BaseX
10GBaseSR
10GBaseLR
10GBaseER
10GBaseSW
10GBaseLW
10GBaseEW
10GBaseT

Properties

CSMA/CD
Broadcast
Collision
Bonding
Speed
Distance

2.7 Explain common logical network topologies and their characteristics

Peer to peer
Client/server
VPN
VLAN

2.8 Install components of wiring distribution

Vertical and horizontal cross connects
Patch panels
66 block
MDFs
IDFs
25 pair
100 pair
110 block
Demarc
Demarc extension
Smart jack
Verify wiring installation
Verify wiring termination

3.0 Network Devices (17% of examination)

3.1 Install, configure and differentiate between common network devices

Hub
Repeater
Modem
NIC
Media converters
Basic switch
Bridge
Wireless access point
Basic router
Basic firewall
Basic DHCP server

3.3 Explain the advanced features of a switch

PoE
Spanning tree
VLAN
Trunking
Port mirroring
Port authentication

3.4 Implement a basic wireless network

Install client
Access point placement
Install access point
- Configure appropriate encryption
- Configure channels and frequencies
- Set ESSID and beacon
Verify installation

4.0 Network Management (20% of examination)

4.1 Explain the function of each layer of the OSI model

Layer 1 — physical
Layer 2 — data link
Layer 3 — network
Layer 4 — transport
Layer 5 — session
Layer 6 — presentation
Layer 7 — application

4.2 Identify types of configuration management documentation

Wiring schematics
Physical and logical network diagrams
Baselines
Policies, procedures and configurations
Regulations

4.3 Given a scenario, evaluate the network based on configuration management documentation

Compare wiring schematics, physical and logical network diagrams, baselines, policies and procedures and configurations to network devices and infrastructure
Update wiring schematics, physical and logical network diagrams, configurations and job logs as needed

4.4 Conduct network monitoring to identify performance and connectivity issues using the following:

Network monitoring utilities (e.g. packet sniffers, connectivity software, load testing, throughput testers)
System logs, history logs, event logs

4.5 Explain different methods and rationales for network performance optimization

Methods:

QoS
Traffic shaping
Load balancing
High availability
Caching engines
Fault tolerance

Reasons:

Latency sensitivity
High bandwidth applications
- VoIP
- Video applications
Uptime

4.6 Given a scenario, implement the following network troubleshooting methodology

Information gathering — identify symptoms and problems
Identify the affected areas of the network
Determine if anything has changed
Establish the most probable cause
Determine if escalation is necessary
Create an action plan and solution identifying potential effects
Implement and test the solution
Identify the results and effects of the solution
Document the solution and the entire process

4.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common connectivity issues and select an appropriate solution

Physical issues:

Cross talk
Nearing crosstalk
Near End crosstalk
Attenuation
Collisions
Shorts
Open impedance mismatch (echo)
Interference

Logical issues:

Port speed
Port duplex mismatch
Incorrect VLAN
Incorrect IP address
Wrong gateway
Wrong DNS
Wrong subnet mask

Issues that should be identified but escalated:

Switching loop
Routing loop
Route problems
Proxy arp
Broadcast storms

Wireless Issues:

Interference (bleed, environmental factors)
Incorrect encryption
Incorrect channel
Incorrect frequency
ESSID mismatch
Standard mismatch (802.11 a/b/g/n)
Distance
Bounce
Incorrect antenna placement

5.0 Network Tools (12% of examination)

5.1 Given a scenario, select the appropriate command line interface tool and interpret the output to verify functionality

Traceroute
Ipconfig
Ifconfig
Ping
Arp ping
Arp
Nslookup
Hostname
Dig
Mtr
Route
Nbtstat
Netstat

5.2 Explain the purpose of network scanners

Packet sniffers
Intrusion detection software
Intrusion prevention software
Port scanners

5.3 Given a scenario, utilize the appropriate hardware tools

Cable testers
Protocol analyzer
Certifiers
TDR
OTDR
Multimeter
Toner probe
Butt set
Punch down tool
Cable stripper
Snips
Voltage event recorder
Temperature monitor

6.0 Network Security (11% of examination)

6.1 Explain the function of hardware and software security devices

Network based firewall
Host based firewall
IDS
IPS
VPN concentrator

6.2 Explain common features of a firewall

Application layer vs. network layer
Stateful vs. stateless
Scanning services
Content filtering
Signature identification
Zones

6.3 Explain the methods of network access security

Filtering:

ACL
- MAC filtering
- IP filtering
Tunneling and encryption
- SSL VPN
- VPN
- L2TP
- PPTP
- IPSEC
Remote access
- RAS
- RDP
- PPPoE
- PPP
- VNC
- ICA

6.4 Explain methods of user authentication

PKI
Kerberos
AAA
- RADIUS
- TACACS+
Network access control
- 802.1x
CHAP
MS-CHAP
EAP

6.5 Explain issues that affect device security

Physical security
Restricting local and remote access
Secure methods vs. unsecure methods
- SSH, HTTPS, SNMPv3, SFTP, SCP
- TELNET, HTTP, FTP, RSH, RCP, SNMPv1/2

6.6 Identify common security threats and mitigation techniques

Security threats

DoS
Viruses
Worms
Attackers
Man in the middle
Smurf
Rogue access points
Social engineering (phishing)

Mitigation techniques

Policies and procedures
User training
Patches and updates

Where to Go from Here

The CompTIA Network+ exam is a standalone, introductory-level certification that you can take as a first step into a number of different certifications. For those looking to work with Cisco equipment, the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) are the next logical options.

For those looking to work with Microsoft software, the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) tracks are logical options.

Have you taken the Network+? Share your experiences by posting to the Network+ thread in our forums.