CompTIA Network+ 2009 - E-Learning - LQNET2009

CompTIA Network+ 2009 

Target Audience

The audience for CompTIA Network+ 2009 training will comprise IT personnel with at least 9 months IT networking experience. Good computer literacy along with a sound technical acumen should be present. Students looking to acquire job skills, and to be trained specifically to pass the associated CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) certification exam will want to study this learning path.

Prerequisites

CompTIA's A+ credential is a recommended, although not mandatory, prerequisite.

Module 1: Network Fundamentals

Overview/Description

The physical and logical 'shape' of a network is called the topology. Topologies have a great deal to do with how a network communicates and even what devices and media can be used on the network. As well, the scope of a network, for example, if it's a LAN, MAN, or WAN, can have an impact on the type of topology chosen for implementation on the network. This course covers the basic devices used in a network, such as servers, workstations, and hosts, and focuses on the different logical and physical topologies that networks can be based on. The course explores network architectures, including Ethernet, broadband, and XBasex technologies, and also examines access methods such as CSMA/CD and broadcast. In addition, the various scopes that can have a bearing on the type of topology put into operation are explained. This course maps to the CompTIA Network+ 2009 exam objectives for identifying physical and logical topologies, and categorizing LAN technology types and properties.

Lesson Objectives

Network Characteristics

• identify the function of basic components of a network
• distinguish between the different types of networks

Network LAN Topologies

• distinguish between the different network topologies

WAN Topologies

• distinguish between LAN topologies and WAN topologies
• identify the features and characteristics of a PSTN

Logical Network Topologies

• distinguish between centralized and decentralized networks
• distinguish between intranets, extranets, and the Internet
• identify the features and characteristics of a VPN and VLAN

Understanding Network Devices and Topologies

Network Media and Transmission

• distinguish between baseband and broadband forms of transmission
• recognize the transmission flaws associated with analog and digital signals
• recognize the basic features and characteristics of key Ethernet technologies
• recognize 802.3 physical media and their networking standards

Performance Factors

• recognize factors that affect transmission performance

Examining Ethernet Technologies and Performance

Module 2: Network Components

Overview/Description

In order for devices on a network to communicate, some type of medium has to be in place. Types of communication media include physical cable, copper or fiber optic, and can also refer to radio waves, such as in the case of wireless networks. This course covers the different standards that apply to network media and the types of media that can be used on a network, for instance twisted pair copper, coaxial, or fiber optic, as well as the connectors and other hardware required to allow the media to function correctly. Also, the logical operations of network media, for example transmission speeds, duplexing, and frequency, is explained. This course also describes how to install network media and how to verify that the installation is correct. This course maps to the CompTIA Network+ 2009 exam objectives for categorizing standard cable types and their properties and identifying common connector types. Exam objectives for differentiating and implementing appropriate wiring standards given a specific scenario, and installing components of wiring distribution are also covered in this course.

Lesson Objectives

Common Network Media

• identify the features and characteristics of common types of cable
• recognize common connectors for network cables
• recognize solutions to problems related to the physical media used on a network, for a given scenario

Wiring Standards

• create a straight-through, crossover, and rollover cable

Installing Network Wiring

• recognize how to install network wiring in a telecommunications or equipment room
• recognize the functions of telecommunications and equipment rooms

Verifying Wiring Installation

• recognize how to verify wiring installation
• recognize how to verify a wiring termination

Installing and Verifying Network Wiring

Module 3: Network Devices

Overview/Description

There are a variety of devices that are used on a network. Depending on the design and requirements of the network, the choice of devices put in place will vary. Some devices, such as routers and switches, will be found on almost every network, while other devices, such as wireless access points and content switches, are more specialized and will only be present if the needs of the network mandate them. This course describes network devices from the user level, which includes network interface cards, firewalls, and modems, to network level devices, such as routers, switches, and bridges. It also explains the logical operation of these devices and introduces some of the more specialized hardware and software that might be found in networks. This course maps to CompTIA's Network+ (2009) exam objectives for installing, configuring, and differentiating between common network devices. It also covers identifying the functions of specialized network devices and explaining the advanced features of a switch.

Lesson Objectives

User Level Devices

• recognize the function of NICs, hubs, modems, and transceivers
• recognize the key considerations when using a DHCP server
• recognize the functions of different firewall technologies

Network-Level Devices

• distinguish between network-level devices
• recognize the function of wireless access points

Switch Functions

• recognize how switching works in VLANs
• recognize key aspects relating to advanced switch use

Specialized Network Devices

• recognize when the use of different specialized network devices are appropriate

Selecting Network Devices

Module 4: Network Protocols

Overview/Description

In the late 1970s, those people working in the computer networking field felt that there was a need for a set of standards that could be used by anyone designing and developing applications and services that would need to communicate across a network. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model was designed to meet this need. The OSI model is a set of communication standards, or protocols, that enable devices and applications to communicate with each other, regardless of their origin. These protocols are sets of formal rules that govern communication and allow developers to design applications or devices that can communicate with other designer's products without the need for direct collaboration between them. In this course, the OSI model is explained as is a wide range of protocols, including those that are part of the TCP/IP suite of protocols. The protocols are the foundation of networking and without them there would be no network and no Internet.

This course maps to CompTIA's Network+ (2009) exam objective explain the function of each layer of the OSI model and for explaining the function of common networking protocols and identifying commonly used TCP and UDP default ports.

Lesson Objectives

The OSI Model

• recognize the difference between the OSI model and the four-layer DoD model
• distinguish between the layers in the OSI model
• recognize the basics of encapsulation and de-encapsulation

The TCP/IP Suite

• recognize the key factors of the TCP/IP suite's success
• recognize the functions of the TCP/IP services

TCP and IP

• recognize the key functions of IP
• recognize the functions and key characteristics of TCP
• recognize the TCP standards

Common TCP and UDP Port Numbers

• distinguish between TCP and UDP
• recognize the key features of UDP
• recognize the most common TCP and UDP ports

The TCP/IP Suite of Protocols

Data Link and Network Layer Protocols

• distinguish between Data Link layer and Network layer protocols
• recognize the functions of the ARP, ICMP, and IGMP Network layer protocols
• recognize the functions of the RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP routing protocols
• recognize the functions of the HDLC, PPP, and Frame Relay Data Link layer protocols

Transport Layer Protocols

• distinguish between the Transport layer protocols
• recognize the characteristics of UDP protocols
• recognize the characteristics of RTP
• recognize the characteristics of TLS

Session and Presentation Layer Protocols

• distinguish between the session and presentation layer protocols

Application Layer Protocols

• recognize Application layer protocol functions

Recognizing Protocols at the Host Layers

Module 5: Wide Area Networks

Overview/Description

Wide Area Networks, or WANs, came about in 1965. WANs are defined as computer networks that cover a broad geographical area and use routers and public links to connect unrelated networks with each other. WANs differ from local area networks (LANs) in several ways. For instance, while LANs are typically owned by a single company or enterprise, WANs are a collaboration of a number of unrelated organizations and entities. As well, WANs generally have lower speed links than LANs and utilize a different set of technologies.

This course describes how WANs function and the components that make them work. This course also covers the different types of WANs, including broadband technologies such as xDSL, cable systems. Also explored are some of the newer WAN technologies that are finding acceptance, such as line of sight wireless and satellite.

This course maps to CompTIA's Network+ (2009) exam objectives to categorize WAN technology types and properties.

Lesson Objectives

Packet vs Circuit Switching

• distinguish between packet and circuit switching
• recognize how circuit switching works
• recognize how packet switching works
• distinguish between connectionless and connection oriented data transmission

WAN Transmission Media

• recognize the capabilities of WAN transmission media
• identify basic WAN transmission media

WAN Types

• distinguish between the uses of ADSL, SDSL, VDSL, and cable modems
• recognize the basic characteristics of T1/E1, T3/E3, Sonet, OC-x, and MPLS WAN types
• distinguish between different satellite systems

Frame Relay, ISDN, and ATM

• recognize the basic functions of ISDN
• distinguish between Frame Relay and ATM

Understanding WANs

Module 6: Wireless Networks

Overview/Description

Wireless networks are one of the fasting growing sectors in networking today. The convenience and simplicity of wireless technology contributed to its explosive growth over the last few years. However, with popularity comes problems. Stability, interoperability, and security are just some of the issues that must be addressed when considering or implementing wireless networks. This course introduces the 802.11x wireless standards and describes the components of basic wireless networks. This course also describes how to implement wireless networks while ensuring security, stability, and interoperability between the various standards available today. The course will also look at what the future may hold for wireless networking. This course maps to CompTIA's Network+ (2009) exam objectives for the characteristics of wireless communication standards, security standards, and the devices and procedures for implementing a basic wireless network.

Lesson Objectives

The 802.11x Standard

• recognize the features and characteristics of wireless networks
• recognize the roles of various organizations for the development of wireless communication
• distinguish between the functions of different spread spectrum technologies
• recognize the 802.11 standards

Wireless Security Options

• distinguish between the uses of basic wireless authentication and encryption options
• recognize how TKIP, WPA, WEP, and RADIUS works

Designing Wireless Communication

Installing the Client and Access Point

• recognize the most appropriate way of setting up the access point and antenna for a wireless network
• distinguish between the uses of different types of antennas
• recognize how to install wireless networks and configure frequency and channels

Configuring Wireless Security

• identify the risks of wireless networks
• recognize how to secure a wireless LAN by switching off beacon broadcasts and changing the network identifiers

Installing a Wireless Network

Module 7: Network Adressing

Overview/Description

In order for devices to be part of a network, each must have at least one unique address. All network devices have a hardware address but communication is enabled through the use of logical addresses, most commonly IP addresses.

This course describes the two most common types of network addresses - MAC addresses and IP addresses. The details of IP addressing including how they are assigned, the different classes and how IP addressing is configured is explained along with the ways in which the shortage of IPv4 addresses is being dealt with. Solutions to the IP address shortage including the development and implementation of IPv6, network address translation, and Classless Inter-domain Routing (CIDR) is covered. This course also explains what subnetting is and how it is used to segment and organize networks.

This course maps to CompTIA's Network+ (2009) exam objectives to evaluate the proper use of addressing technologies and addressing schemes.

Lesson Objectives

MAC Addressing

• recognize what a MAC address is and how hexadecimal numbers are converted to decimal numbers

IP Addressing

• distinguish between IP address classes
• recognize the composition of an IP address and convert decimal values to binary values
• distinguish between unicasting, broadcasting, and multicasting
• recognize the differences between IPv4 and IPv6

Understanding Address Types

Subnetting

• recognize how to perform subnetting
• recognize what a subnet mask is
• recognize ways to conserve IP addresses

NAT, PAT, and SNAT

• recognize how address translation works

IP Address Assignment

• recognize the basic options in address assignment
• recognize how DHCP assignment works

Implementing Subnets

Module: Routing

Overview/Description

Routing is the process of selection of paths over which to send network traffic. Routing paths are selected by a number of criteria, including cost, administrative distance, and available bandwidth. Evaluation of the criteria is generally performed by routers, which is known as dynamic routing, although paths can also be selected manually, which is known as static routing.

This course covers many of the routing concepts, including dynamic and static routing, as well as the criteria used to make path selection decisions. As well, this course examines the dynamic protocols used in routing, such as RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. IPv6, which has some unique routing characteristics and uses its own dynamic routing protocols, is also examined.

This course maps to the CompTIA Network+ 2009 exam objectives to identify common IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols and to explain the purpose and properties of routing.

Lesson Objectives

Routing Fundamentals

• recognize the fundamentals of routing
• distinguish between link-state and distance-vector protocols

IPv6 Routing

• distinguish between IPv4 and IPv6 routing

Link-State Routing Protocols

• distinguish between link-state routing protocols
• recognize the functions of OSPF routing protocols
• recognize how IS-IS routing protocols work
• recognize how OSPFv3 routing protocol works

Distance-Vector and Hybrid Routing Protocols

• distinguish between different distance-vector protocols
• recognize how RIP protocols work
• recognize how BGP protocols work
• recognize how EIGRP and EIGRPv6 works

Understanding Routing Protocols

Module 9: Managing and Monitoring the Network

Overview/Description

The task of managing and monitoring a network falls to the network administrator. In order to do a thorough job, administrators need to be aware of the processes, procedures, and tools that they can and should use in order to accomplish their goals. Proper management and monitoring of a network can forestall many problems that commonly occur in a network environment as well as make troubleshooting problems that do arise that much easier. This course describes how to document and diagram the network environment and the procedures that should be in place to ensure that all documentation is up to date. In addition, the tools that network administrators can use to gather the information they need to create their documentation and to build policies and procedures is also covered.

This course maps the CompTIA's Network+ 2009 objectives that cover using network monitoring to identify performance and connectivity issue, procedures for evaluating the network based on configuration management documentation, and identifying the types of management documentation used in a network environment.

Lesson Objectives

Creating Network Diagrams

• recognize how physical and logical network diagrams are used
• recognize how to construct a network diagram

Creating Network Documentation

• recognize what is included in a documentation baseline
• recognize how documentation is used
• recognize what is appropriate to include in network documentation
• recognize the role of an update log
• recognize how to document policy

Creating Network Diagrams and Documentation

Network Monitoring Tools

• recognize the functions of SNMP and RMON
• recognize how to use common monitoring tools
• recognize the functions of sniffers

Understanding Log Files

• recognize different types of log files

Utilizing Monitoring Tools

Module 10: Troubleshooting the Network

Overview/Description

Even in the best designed and managed networks, problems will arise. Knowing the proper troubleshooting methodology and being familiar with the many tools - both software and hardware - available to troubleshoot network issues will make the task of finding and solving problems that much easier. This course describes basic troubleshooting practices, including the steps for information gathering and documentation, to use to solve all sorts of issues. Common issues that can occur in modern networks are outlined along with many of the different hardware and software tools that can be used to find and resolve issues are explained. This course maps to the CompTIA's Network+ 2009 objectives that cover implementing a network troubleshooting methodology given a specific scenario, as well as the objective for troubleshooting common connectivity issues, selecting and using the appropriate tool, and applying and documenting the final solution.

Lesson Objectives

Network Troubleshooting Methodology

• recognize the steps involved in troubleshooting networks
• recognize how to perform information gathering
• recognize how to plan and implement an action plan
• recognize how a solution to a network problem should be documented

Software Tools for Network Troubleshooting

• recognize the basic functions of network monitors, protocol analyzers, and wireless network testers
• distinguish between protocol analyzers and performance-monitoring tools
• recognize the functions of common windows troubleshooting tools
• recognize the functions of Linux troubleshooting tools

Hardware Tools for Troubleshooting Networks

• recognize the functions of hardware tools for troubleshooting network
• recognize the functions of wireless network testers in network troubleshooting

Utilizing Troubleshooting Tools

Physical Network Issues

• recognize how cross talk, attenuation, and interference affects networks
• recognize how opens and shorts affect networks

Logical Network Issues

• recognize how duplex issues affect a network
• recognize how addressing errors can be detected
• recognize how switching/routing loops and route problems are detected in a network

Wireless Network Issues

• recognize configuration issues with wireless networks
• recognize how the environment can affect a wireless network

Understanding Network Issues

Module 11: Network Security

Overview/Description

The need for network security has grown immensely in recent years and as a consequence, security technologies have grown as well. Security technologies can take the form of protocols, applications, and hardware devices, and many, if not all, of these things can be found in today's enterprise networks as well as most home networks. This course focuses on the threats facing today's networks and information, and the steps administrators can take to mitigate these issues. It also explores the processes and procedures that should be in place to prevent security breaches and to recover from threats that get past network defenses. In addition, types of security software, such as antivirus and anti-spyware scanners are covered, along with the various protocols and services, such as SSH and SSL, used in an overall network security system. Also described are basic security procedures including policy creation, user training, and software patching and updating.

This course maps to the CompTIA Network+ (2009) exam objectives for explaining the function of hardware and software security devices and the issues that affect device security, explaining common features of a firewall, explaining the methods of network access security and user authentication, and identifying common security threats and mitigation techniques.

Lesson Objectives

Common Network Security Threats

• recognize basic attack types
• recognize how viruses work and how to defend against malicious code
• recognize different ways "social engineering" can be used when attacking a network

Mitigating Network Security Threats

• recognize what should be included in security policies
• distinguish between different types of security audits
• recognize how patches and updates affect network security
• recognize how education can affect network security

Network Access Security

• recognize the most appropriate protocol to use in a given situation
• recognize how access can be restricted by MAC and IP filtering
• recognize the functions of tunneling protocols

Identifying Network Security Threats

Firewall Technology

• recognize basic functions of firewalls
• recognize common scanning techniques
• distinguish between stateful and stateless firewalls
• recognize how content filtering works

Network Security Devices

• recognize how to work with incident response-based Intrusion Detection Systems
• recognize the functions of host-based and network-based Intrusion Detection Systems
• recognize the functions of an Intrusion Prevention System
• recognize how to configure a VPN access

Network Device Security

• recognize the functions of physical security and authentication
• recognize the security risks of hardware and transmissions
• recognize the functions of common access protocols

Identifying Security Solutions