Network+ Certification Program

Network +

The Network+ certification covering the objectives, certifies that the successful candidates knows the layers of the OSI model, can describe the features and functions of network components and has the skills needed to install, configure, and troubleshoot basic networking hardware peripherals and protocols. There is also more of an emphasis on hands-on experience knowledge needed in the areas of network implementation and network support including troubleshooting scenarios.

High School Diploma or GED

Topics:

Domain 1.0 – Media and Topologies – 20%

• Recognize the following logical or physical network topologies given a schematic diagram or description
• Star/hierarchical, bus, mesh, ring, wireless
• Specify the main features of 802.2 (LLC), 802.3 (Ethernet), 802.5 (token ring), 802.11b (wireless) and FDDI
• Networking technologies, including Speed, Access, Method, Topology, Media
• Specify the characteristics (e.g., speed, length, topology, cable type, etc.) of the following
• 802.3 (Ethernet) standards, 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 10BASE2, 10BASE5, Gigabit Ethernet
• Recognize the following media connectors and/or describe their uses
• RJ-11, RJ-45, AUI, BNC.
• Choose the appropriate media type and connectors to add a client to an existing network.
• Identify the purpose, features, and functions of the following network components
• Hubs, Switches, Bridges, Routers, Gateways, CSU/DSU

Domain 2.0 – Protocols and Standards – 25%

• Given an example identify a MAC address
• Identify the seven layers of the OSI model and their functions
• Differentiate between the following network protocols in terms of routing, addressing schemes, interoperability,
• Naming conventions
• TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI.
• Identify the OSI layers at which the following network components operate
• Hubs, Switches, Bridges, Routers, Network Interface Cards
• Define the purpose, function and/or use of the following protocols within TCP/IP
• IP, TCP, UDP, FTP, TFTP, SMTP, HTTP, HTTPS, POP3/IMAP4, TELNET, ICMP, ARP, NTP,
• Define the function of TCP/UDP ports. Identify well-known ports.
• Identify the purpose of the following network services (e.g. DHCP / bootp, DNS, NAT/ICS, WINS, and SNMP)
• Identify IP addresses (Ipv4) and default subnet masks.
• Identify the purpose of sub netting and default gateways.
• Identify the differences between public vs. private networks
• Identify the basic characteristics (e.g., speed, capacity, media) of the following WAN technologies
• Packet switching vs. circuit switching, ISDN, FDDI, ATM, Frame Relay, Sonet/SDH, T1/E1, T3/E3, OCx
• Define the function of the following remote access protocols and services
• RAS, PPP, PPTP, ICA,
• Identify the following security protocols and describe their purpose and function
• Ipsec, L2TP, SSL, Kerberos

Domain 3.0 Network Implementation – 23%

• Identify the basic capabilities (i.e. client support, interoperability, authentication, file and print services,
• Application support, and security) of the following server operating systems.
• Identify the basic capabilities of client workstations (i.e., client connectivity, local security mechanisms, and authentication)
• Identify the main characteristics of VLANs
• Identify the main characteristics of network attached storage
• Identify the purpose and characteristics of fault tolerance
• Identify the purpose and characteristics of disaster recovery
• Given a remote connectivity scenario (e.g., IP, IPX, dial-up, PPPoE, authentication, physical connectivity etc.), configure the connection.
• Identify the purpose, benefits and characteristics of using a firewall.
• Identify the purpose, benefits and characteristics of using a proxy.
• Given a scenario, predict the impact of a particular security implementation on network functionality (e.g.Blocking port numbers, encryption, etc.)
• Given a network configuration, select the appropriate NIC and network configuration settings (DHCP, DNS, WINS, protocols, NETBIOS/host name, etc.).

Domain 4.0 Network Support – 32%

• Given a troubleshooting scenario, select the appropriate TCP/IP utility from among the following
• Tracert, Ping, Arp, Netstat, Nbtstat, Ipconfig/Ifconfig, Winipcfg, Nslookup,
• Given a troubleshooting scenario involving a small office/home office network failure (e.g., xDSL, cable, home satellite, wireless, POTS), identify the cause of the failure.
• Given a troubleshooting scenario involving a remote connectivity problem (e.g., authentication failure, protocol configuration, and physical connectivity) identify the cause of the problem.
• Given specific parameters, configure a client to connect to the following servers
• Given a wiring task, select the appropriate tool (e.g., wire crimper, media tester/certifier, punch down tool, tone generator, optical tester, etc.).
• Given a network scenario interpret visual indicators (e.g., link lights, collision lights, etc.) to determine the Nature of the problem.
• Given output from a diagnostic utility (e.g. tracert, ping, ipconfig, etc.), identify the utility and interpret the Output.
• Given a scenario, predict the impact of modifying, adding, or removing network services (e.g., DHCP, DNS, WINS, etc.) on network resources and users.
• Given a network problem scenario, select an appropriate course of action based on a general troubleshooting strategy.
• Recognize the potential effects of the solution
• Document the solution
• Given a troubleshooting scenario involving a network with a particular physical topology (i.e., bus,Star/hierarchical, mesh, ring, and wireless) and including a network diagram, identify the network area effected and the cause of the problem.
• Given a network troubleshooting scenario involving a client connectivity problem (e.g., incorrect Protocol/client software/authentication configuration or insufficient rights/permission), identify the cause of the problem.
• Given a network-troubleshooting scenario involving a wiring/infrastructure problem, identify the cause of the problem (e.g., bad media, interference, network hardware).