CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Certification Examination Objectives
INTRODUCTION
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) certification is an internationally recognized validation of the technical knowledge required of foundation-level IT network practitioners.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) certification ensures that the successful candidate has the important knowledge and skills necessary to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, operate and configure basic network infrastructure, describe networking technologies, basic design principles, and adhere to wiring standards and use testing tools.
The skills and knowledge measured by this examination were derived from an industry-wide job task analysis and validated through an industry-wide global survey in Q2 2008. The results of this survey were used in weighing the domains and ensuring that the weighting is representative of the relative importance of the content.
It is recommended for CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) candidates to have the following:
•
CompTIA A+ certification or equivalent knowledge, though CompTIA A+ certification is not required.
•
Have at least 9 to 12 months of work experience in IT networking.
The table below lists the domains measured by this examination and the extent to which they are represented. CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) exams are based on these objectives.
Domain
% of Examination
1.0 Network Technologies
20%
2.0 Network Media and Topologies
20%
3.0 Network Devices
17%
4.0 Network Management
20%
5.0 Network Tools
12%
6.0 Network Security
11%
Total
100%
**Note: The bulleted lists below each objective are not exhaustive lists. Even though they are not included in this document, other examples of technologies, processes or tasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam.
(A list of acronyms used in these objectives appears at the end of this document.)
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 1 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
1.0
Network Technologies
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 CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 2 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
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
o
Speeds
o
Distance
o
Channels
o
Frequency
•
Authentication and encryption
o
WPA
o
WEP
o
RADIUS
o
TKIP
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 3 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
2.0
Network Media and Topologies
2
.1 Categorize standard cable types and their properties
Type:
•
CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6
•
STP, UTP
•
Multimode fiber, single-mode fiber
•
Coaxial
o
RG-59
o
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
• R
J-45
•
BNC
•
SC
•
ST
•
LC
•
RS-232
2
.3 Identify common physical network topologies
•
Star
• M
esh
•
Bus
•
Ring
•
Point to point
•
Point to multipoint
•
Hybrid
2
.4 Given a scenario, differentiate and implement appropriate wiring standards
•
568A
• 5
68B
•
Straight vs. cross-over
•
Rollover
•
Loopback
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 4 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
2
.5 Categorize WAN technology types and properties
Type:
•
Frame relay
• E
1/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
• 1
0BaseT
•
100BaseTX
•
100BaseFX
•
1000BaseT
•
1000BaseX
•
10GBaseSR
•
10GBaseLR
•
10GBaseER
•
10GBaseSW
•
10GBaseLW
•
10GBaseEW
•
10GBaseT
Properties
•
CSMA/CD
•
Broadcast
•
Collision
•
Bonding
•
Speed
•
Distance CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 5 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
2
.7 Explain common logical network topologies and their characteristics
•
Peer to peer
• C
lient/server
•
VPN
•
VLAN
2
.8 Install components of wiring distribution
•
Vertical and horizontal cross connects
• P
atch 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
3
.1 Install, configure and differentiate between common network devices
• H
ub
•
Repeater
•
Modem
•
NIC
•
Media converters
•
Basic switch
•
Bridge
•
Wireless access point
•
Basic router
•
Basic firewall
•
Basic DHCP server
3
.2 Identify the functions of specialized network devices
•
Multilayer switch
•
Content switch
• I
DS/IPS
•
Load balancer
•
Multifunction network devices
•
DNS server
•
Bandwidth shaper
•
Proxy server
•
CSU/DSU CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 6 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
3
.3 Explain the advanced features of a switch
•
PoE
•
Spanning tree
• V
LAN
•
Trunking
•
Port mirroring
•
Port authentication
3
.4 Implement a basic wireless network
•
Install client
•
Access point placement
• In
stall access point
o
Configure appropriate encryption
o
Configure channels and frequencies
o
Set ESSID and beacon
•
Verify installation
4
.0 Network Management
4
.1 Explain the function of each layer of the OSI model
•
Layer 1 – physical
• La
yer 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
• Po
licies, 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:
• Ne
twork monitoring utilities (e.g. packet sniffers, connectivity software, load testing, throughput testers)
•
System logs, history logs, event logs
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 7 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
4
.5 Explain different methods and rationales for network performance optimization
Methods:
• Q
oS
•
Traffic shaping
•
Load balancing
• H
igh availability
•
Caching engines
•
Fault tolerance
Reasons:
•
Latency sensitivity
•
High bandwidth applications
o
VoIP
o
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
• Es
tablish 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
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 8 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
4
.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common connectivity issues and select an appropriate solution
Physical issues:
•
Cross talk
•
Near End crosstalk
•
Attenuation
• C
ollisions
•
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:
o
Switching loop
o
Routing loop
o
Route problems
o
Proxy arp
o
Broadcast storms
Wireless Issues:
o
Interference (bleed, environmental factors)
o
Incorrect encryption
o
Incorrect channel
o
Incorrect frequency
o
ESSID mismatch
o
Standard mismatch (802.11 a/b/g/n)
o
Distance
o
Bounce
o
Incorrect antenna placement
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 9 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
5
.0 Network Tools
5
.1 Given a scenario, select the appropriate command line interface tool and interpret the output to verify functionality
•
Traceroute
•
Ipconfig
• I
fconfig
•
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
• O
TDR
•
Multimeter
•
Toner probe
•
Butt set
•
Punch down tool
•
Cable stripper
•
Snips
•
Voltage event recorder
•
Temperature monitor
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 10 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
6
.0 Network Security
6
.1 Explain the function of hardware and software security devices
•
Network based firewall
•
Host based firewall
•
IDS
• I
PS
•
VPN concentrator
6
.2 Explain common features of a firewall
•
Application layer vs. network layer
•
Stateful vs. stateless
•
Scanning services
•
Content filtering
•
Signature identification
• Z
ones
6
.3 Explain the methods of network access security
Filtering:
•
ACL
o
MAC filtering
o
IP filtering
•
Tunneling and encryption
o
SSL VPN
o V
PN
o
L2TP
o
PPTP
o
IPSEC
•
Remote access
o
RAS
o
RDP
o
PPPoE
o
PPP
o
VNC
o
ICA
6
.4 Explain methods of user authentication
•
PKI
•
Kerberos
•
AAA
o
RADIUS
o
TACACS+
• N
etwork access control
o
802.1x
•
CHAP
•
MS-CHAP
•
EAP
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 11 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
6
.5 Explain issues that affect device security
•
Physical security
•
Restricting local and remote access
•
Secure methods vs. unsecure methods
o
SSH, HTTPS, SNMPv3, SFTP, SCP
o
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
• S
murf
•
Rogue access points
•
Social engineering (phishing)
Mitigation techniques
•
Policies and procedures
•
User training
•
Patches and updates CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 12 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
NETWORK+ ACRONYMS
AAA
Authentication Authorization and Accounting
ACL
Access Control List
ADF
Automatic Document Feeder
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
AES
Advanced Encryption Standard
AEP
American Electric Power
AFP
AppleTalk Filing Protocol
AH
Authentication Header
AM
Amplitude Modulation
AMI
Alternate Mark Inversion
APIPA
Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing
ARIN
American Registry for Internet Numbers
ARP
Address Resolution Protocol
ASP
Application Service Provider
ATM
Asynchronous Transfer Mode
BDF
Building Distribution Frame
BERT
Bit-Error Rate Test
BGP
Border Gateway Protocol
BNC
British Naval Connector / Bayonet Niell-Concelman
BootP
Boot Protocol /Bootstrap Protocol
BPDU
Bridge Protocol Data Unit
BRI
Basic Rate Interface
CHAP
Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol
CIDR
Classless inter domain routing
CNAME
Canonical Name
CRAM-MD5
Challenge-Response Authentication Mechanism – Message Digest 5
CSMA / CA
Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Avoidance
CSMA / CD
Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection
CSU
Channel Service Unit
dB
decibels
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DLC
Data Link Control
DMZ
Demilitarized Zone
DNS
Domain Name Service / Domain Name Server / Domain Name System
DOCSIS
Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification
DoS
Denial of Service
DDoS
Distributed Denial of Service
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line
DSU
Data Service Unit
DWDM
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
E1
E-Carrier Level 1
EAP
Extensible Authentication Protocol
EGP
Exterior Gateway Protocol
EIGRP
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol
EMI
Electromagnetic Interference
ESD
Electrostatic Discharge
ESSID
Extended Service Set Identifier
ESP
Encapsulated security packets CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 13 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
FDDI
Fiber Distributed Data Interface
FDM
Frequency Division Multiplexing
FHSS
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
FM
Frequency Modulation
FQDN
Fully Qualified Domain Name / Fully Qualified Distinguished Name
FTP
File Transfer Protocol
GBIC
Gigabit Interface Converter
Gbps
Giga bits per second
HDLC
High-Level Data Link Control
HSRP
Hot Standby Router Protocol
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
Hz
Hertz
IANA
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
ICA
Independent Computer Architecture
ICANN
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
ICMP
Internet Control Message Protocol
ICS
Internet Connection Sharing
IDF
Intermediate Distribution Frame
IDS
Intrusion Detection System
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IGMP
Internet Group Multicast Protocol
IGP
Interior Gateway Protocol
IIS
Internet Information Services
IKE
Internet Key Exchange
IMAP4
Internet Message Access Protocol version 4
InterNIC
Internet Network Information Center
IP
Internet Protocol
IPS
Intrusion Prevention System
IPSec
Internet Protocol Security
IPv4
Internet Protocol version 4
IPv6
Internet Protocol version 6
IPX
Internetwork Packet Exchange
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network
IS-IS
Intermediate System - Intermediate system
ISP
Internet Service Provider
IT
Information Technology
Kbps
Kilobits per second
L2F
Layer 2 Forwarding
L2TP
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol
LACP
Link aggregation control protocol
LAN
Local Area Network
LC
Local Connector
LDAP
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
LEC
Local Exchange Carrier
LED
Light Emitting Diode
LLC
Logical Link Control
LPR
Line Printer Request
MAC
Media Access Control / Medium Access Control
Mbps
Megabits per second CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 14 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
MBps
Megabytes per second
MDF
Main Distribution Frame
MDI
Media Dependent Interface
MDIX
Media Dependent Interface Crossover
MIB
Management Information Base
MMF
Multimode Fiber
MPLS
Multi-Protocol Label Switching
MS-CHAP
Microsoft Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol
MT-RJ
Mechanical Transfer-Registered Jack
MX
Mail Exchanger
NAC
Network Access Control
NAT
Network Address Translation
NCP
Network Control Protocol
NetBEUI
Network Basic Input / Output Extended User Interface
NetBIOS
Network Basic Input / Output System
NFS
Network File Service
NIC
Network Interface Card
nm
Nanometer
NNTP
Network News Transport Protocol
NTP
Network Time Protocol
NWLINK
Microsoft IPX/SPX Protocol
OCx
Optical Carrier
OS
Operating Systems
OSI
Open Systems Interconnect
OSPF
Open Shortest Path First
OTDR
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
PAP
Password Authentication Protocol
PAT
Port Address Translation
PC
Personal Computer
PKI
Public Key Infrastructure
PoE
Power over Ethernet
POP3
Post Office Protocol version 3
POTS
Plain Old Telephone System
PPP
Point-to-Point Protocol
PPPoE
Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol
PRI
Primary Rate Interface
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network
PVC
Permanent Virtual Circuit
QoS
Quality of Service
RADIUS
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service
RARP
Reverse Address Resolution Protocol
RAS
Remote Access Service
RDP
Remote Desktop Protocol
RFI
Radio Frequency Interface
RG
Radio Guide
RIP
Routing Internet Protocol
RJ
Registered Jack
RSA
Rivest, Shamir, Adelman
RSH
Remote Shell
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 15 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
RTP
Real Time Protocol
SC
Standard Connector / Subscriber Connector
SCP
Secure Copy Protocol
SDSL
Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line
SFTP
Secure File Transfer Protocol
SIP
Session Initiation Protocol
SLIP
Serial Line Internet Protocol
SMF
Single Mode Fiber
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNAT
Static Network Address Translation
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol
SOA
Start of Authority
SOHO
Small Office / Home Office
SONET
Synchronous Optical Network
SPS
Standby Power Supply
SPX
Sequenced Packet Exchange
SSH
Secure Shell
SSID
Service Set Identifier
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer
ST
Straight Tip
STP
Shielded Twisted Pair
T1
T-Carrier Level 1
TA
Terminal Adaptor
TACACS+
Terminal Access Control Access Control System+
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol
TCP / IP
Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
tcsh
Turbo C shell
TDM
Time Division Multiplexing
TDR
Time Domain Reflectometer
Telco
Telephone Company
TFTP
Trivial File Transfer Protocol
TKIP
Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
TLS
Transport Layer Security
TTL
Time to Live
UDP
User Datagram Protocol
UNC
Universal Naming Convention
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply
URL
Uniform Resource Locator
USB
Universal Serial Bus
UTP
Unshielded Twisted Pair
VDSL
Variable Digital Subscriber Line
VLAN
Virtual Local Area Network
VNC
Virtual Network Connection
VoIP
Voice over IP
VPN
Virtual Private Network
VTP
Virtual Trunk Protocol
WAN
Wide Area Network
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol / Wireless Access Point
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy
WINS
Window Internet Name Service
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 16 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 17 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
WPA
Wi-Fi Protected Access
www
World Wide Web
X.25
CCITT Packet Switching Protocol
XML
eXtensible Markup Language
XDSL
Extended Digital Subscriber Line
Zeroconf
Zero Configuration
INTRODUCTION
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) certification is an internationally recognized validation of the technical knowledge required of foundation-level IT network practitioners.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) certification ensures that the successful candidate has the important knowledge and skills necessary to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, operate and configure basic network infrastructure, describe networking technologies, basic design principles, and adhere to wiring standards and use testing tools.
The skills and knowledge measured by this examination were derived from an industry-wide job task analysis and validated through an industry-wide global survey in Q2 2008. The results of this survey were used in weighing the domains and ensuring that the weighting is representative of the relative importance of the content.
It is recommended for CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) candidates to have the following:
•
CompTIA A+ certification or equivalent knowledge, though CompTIA A+ certification is not required.
•
Have at least 9 to 12 months of work experience in IT networking.
The table below lists the domains measured by this examination and the extent to which they are represented. CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) exams are based on these objectives.
Domain
% of Examination
1.0 Network Technologies
20%
2.0 Network Media and Topologies
20%
3.0 Network Devices
17%
4.0 Network Management
20%
5.0 Network Tools
12%
6.0 Network Security
11%
Total
100%
**Note: The bulleted lists below each objective are not exhaustive lists. Even though they are not included in this document, other examples of technologies, processes or tasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam.
(A list of acronyms used in these objectives appears at the end of this document.)
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 1 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
1.0
Network Technologies
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 CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 2 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
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
o
Speeds
o
Distance
o
Channels
o
Frequency
•
Authentication and encryption
o
WPA
o
WEP
o
RADIUS
o
TKIP
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 3 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
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2.0
Network Media and Topologies
2
.1 Categorize standard cable types and their properties
Type:
•
CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6
•
STP, UTP
•
Multimode fiber, single-mode fiber
•
Coaxial
o
RG-59
o
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
• R
J-45
•
BNC
•
SC
•
ST
•
LC
•
RS-232
2
.3 Identify common physical network topologies
•
Star
• M
esh
•
Bus
•
Ring
•
Point to point
•
Point to multipoint
•
Hybrid
2
.4 Given a scenario, differentiate and implement appropriate wiring standards
•
568A
• 5
68B
•
Straight vs. cross-over
•
Rollover
•
Loopback
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 4 of 17
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2
.5 Categorize WAN technology types and properties
Type:
•
Frame relay
• E
1/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
• 1
0BaseT
•
100BaseTX
•
100BaseFX
•
1000BaseT
•
1000BaseX
•
10GBaseSR
•
10GBaseLR
•
10GBaseER
•
10GBaseSW
•
10GBaseLW
•
10GBaseEW
•
10GBaseT
Properties
•
CSMA/CD
•
Broadcast
•
Collision
•
Bonding
•
Speed
•
Distance CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 5 of 17
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The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
2
.7 Explain common logical network topologies and their characteristics
•
Peer to peer
• C
lient/server
•
VPN
•
VLAN
2
.8 Install components of wiring distribution
•
Vertical and horizontal cross connects
• P
atch 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
3
.1 Install, configure and differentiate between common network devices
• H
ub
•
Repeater
•
Modem
•
NIC
•
Media converters
•
Basic switch
•
Bridge
•
Wireless access point
•
Basic router
•
Basic firewall
•
Basic DHCP server
3
.2 Identify the functions of specialized network devices
•
Multilayer switch
•
Content switch
• I
DS/IPS
•
Load balancer
•
Multifunction network devices
•
DNS server
•
Bandwidth shaper
•
Proxy server
•
CSU/DSU CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 6 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
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3
.3 Explain the advanced features of a switch
•
PoE
•
Spanning tree
• V
LAN
•
Trunking
•
Port mirroring
•
Port authentication
3
.4 Implement a basic wireless network
•
Install client
•
Access point placement
• In
stall access point
o
Configure appropriate encryption
o
Configure channels and frequencies
o
Set ESSID and beacon
•
Verify installation
4
.0 Network Management
4
.1 Explain the function of each layer of the OSI model
•
Layer 1 – physical
• La
yer 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
• Po
licies, 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:
• Ne
twork monitoring utilities (e.g. packet sniffers, connectivity software, load testing, throughput testers)
•
System logs, history logs, event logs
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 7 of 17
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4
.5 Explain different methods and rationales for network performance optimization
Methods:
• Q
oS
•
Traffic shaping
•
Load balancing
• H
igh availability
•
Caching engines
•
Fault tolerance
Reasons:
•
Latency sensitivity
•
High bandwidth applications
o
VoIP
o
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
• Es
tablish 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
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 8 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
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4
.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common connectivity issues and select an appropriate solution
Physical issues:
•
Cross talk
•
Near End crosstalk
•
Attenuation
• C
ollisions
•
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:
o
Switching loop
o
Routing loop
o
Route problems
o
Proxy arp
o
Broadcast storms
Wireless Issues:
o
Interference (bleed, environmental factors)
o
Incorrect encryption
o
Incorrect channel
o
Incorrect frequency
o
ESSID mismatch
o
Standard mismatch (802.11 a/b/g/n)
o
Distance
o
Bounce
o
Incorrect antenna placement
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 9 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
5
.0 Network Tools
5
.1 Given a scenario, select the appropriate command line interface tool and interpret the output to verify functionality
•
Traceroute
•
Ipconfig
• I
fconfig
•
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
• O
TDR
•
Multimeter
•
Toner probe
•
Butt set
•
Punch down tool
•
Cable stripper
•
Snips
•
Voltage event recorder
•
Temperature monitor
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 10 of 17
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The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
6
.0 Network Security
6
.1 Explain the function of hardware and software security devices
•
Network based firewall
•
Host based firewall
•
IDS
• I
PS
•
VPN concentrator
6
.2 Explain common features of a firewall
•
Application layer vs. network layer
•
Stateful vs. stateless
•
Scanning services
•
Content filtering
•
Signature identification
• Z
ones
6
.3 Explain the methods of network access security
Filtering:
•
ACL
o
MAC filtering
o
IP filtering
•
Tunneling and encryption
o
SSL VPN
o V
PN
o
L2TP
o
PPTP
o
IPSEC
•
Remote access
o
RAS
o
RDP
o
PPPoE
o
PPP
o
VNC
o
ICA
6
.4 Explain methods of user authentication
•
PKI
•
Kerberos
•
AAA
o
RADIUS
o
TACACS+
• N
etwork access control
o
802.1x
•
CHAP
•
MS-CHAP
•
EAP
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 11 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
6
.5 Explain issues that affect device security
•
Physical security
•
Restricting local and remote access
•
Secure methods vs. unsecure methods
o
SSH, HTTPS, SNMPv3, SFTP, SCP
o
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
• S
murf
•
Rogue access points
•
Social engineering (phishing)
Mitigation techniques
•
Policies and procedures
•
User training
•
Patches and updates CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 12 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
NETWORK+ ACRONYMS
AAA
Authentication Authorization and Accounting
ACL
Access Control List
ADF
Automatic Document Feeder
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
AES
Advanced Encryption Standard
AEP
American Electric Power
AFP
AppleTalk Filing Protocol
AH
Authentication Header
AM
Amplitude Modulation
AMI
Alternate Mark Inversion
APIPA
Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing
ARIN
American Registry for Internet Numbers
ARP
Address Resolution Protocol
ASP
Application Service Provider
ATM
Asynchronous Transfer Mode
BDF
Building Distribution Frame
BERT
Bit-Error Rate Test
BGP
Border Gateway Protocol
BNC
British Naval Connector / Bayonet Niell-Concelman
BootP
Boot Protocol /Bootstrap Protocol
BPDU
Bridge Protocol Data Unit
BRI
Basic Rate Interface
CHAP
Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol
CIDR
Classless inter domain routing
CNAME
Canonical Name
CRAM-MD5
Challenge-Response Authentication Mechanism – Message Digest 5
CSMA / CA
Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Avoidance
CSMA / CD
Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection
CSU
Channel Service Unit
dB
decibels
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DLC
Data Link Control
DMZ
Demilitarized Zone
DNS
Domain Name Service / Domain Name Server / Domain Name System
DOCSIS
Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification
DoS
Denial of Service
DDoS
Distributed Denial of Service
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line
DSU
Data Service Unit
DWDM
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing
E1
E-Carrier Level 1
EAP
Extensible Authentication Protocol
EGP
Exterior Gateway Protocol
EIGRP
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol
EMI
Electromagnetic Interference
ESD
Electrostatic Discharge
ESSID
Extended Service Set Identifier
ESP
Encapsulated security packets CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 13 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
FDDI
Fiber Distributed Data Interface
FDM
Frequency Division Multiplexing
FHSS
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
FM
Frequency Modulation
FQDN
Fully Qualified Domain Name / Fully Qualified Distinguished Name
FTP
File Transfer Protocol
GBIC
Gigabit Interface Converter
Gbps
Giga bits per second
HDLC
High-Level Data Link Control
HSRP
Hot Standby Router Protocol
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
HTTPS
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
Hz
Hertz
IANA
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
ICA
Independent Computer Architecture
ICANN
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
ICMP
Internet Control Message Protocol
ICS
Internet Connection Sharing
IDF
Intermediate Distribution Frame
IDS
Intrusion Detection System
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IGMP
Internet Group Multicast Protocol
IGP
Interior Gateway Protocol
IIS
Internet Information Services
IKE
Internet Key Exchange
IMAP4
Internet Message Access Protocol version 4
InterNIC
Internet Network Information Center
IP
Internet Protocol
IPS
Intrusion Prevention System
IPSec
Internet Protocol Security
IPv4
Internet Protocol version 4
IPv6
Internet Protocol version 6
IPX
Internetwork Packet Exchange
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network
IS-IS
Intermediate System - Intermediate system
ISP
Internet Service Provider
IT
Information Technology
Kbps
Kilobits per second
L2F
Layer 2 Forwarding
L2TP
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol
LACP
Link aggregation control protocol
LAN
Local Area Network
LC
Local Connector
LDAP
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
LEC
Local Exchange Carrier
LED
Light Emitting Diode
LLC
Logical Link Control
LPR
Line Printer Request
MAC
Media Access Control / Medium Access Control
Mbps
Megabits per second CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 14 of 17
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MBps
Megabytes per second
MDF
Main Distribution Frame
MDI
Media Dependent Interface
MDIX
Media Dependent Interface Crossover
MIB
Management Information Base
MMF
Multimode Fiber
MPLS
Multi-Protocol Label Switching
MS-CHAP
Microsoft Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol
MT-RJ
Mechanical Transfer-Registered Jack
MX
Mail Exchanger
NAC
Network Access Control
NAT
Network Address Translation
NCP
Network Control Protocol
NetBEUI
Network Basic Input / Output Extended User Interface
NetBIOS
Network Basic Input / Output System
NFS
Network File Service
NIC
Network Interface Card
nm
Nanometer
NNTP
Network News Transport Protocol
NTP
Network Time Protocol
NWLINK
Microsoft IPX/SPX Protocol
OCx
Optical Carrier
OS
Operating Systems
OSI
Open Systems Interconnect
OSPF
Open Shortest Path First
OTDR
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer
PAP
Password Authentication Protocol
PAT
Port Address Translation
PC
Personal Computer
PKI
Public Key Infrastructure
PoE
Power over Ethernet
POP3
Post Office Protocol version 3
POTS
Plain Old Telephone System
PPP
Point-to-Point Protocol
PPPoE
Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol
PRI
Primary Rate Interface
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network
PVC
Permanent Virtual Circuit
QoS
Quality of Service
RADIUS
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service
RARP
Reverse Address Resolution Protocol
RAS
Remote Access Service
RDP
Remote Desktop Protocol
RFI
Radio Frequency Interface
RG
Radio Guide
RIP
Routing Internet Protocol
RJ
Registered Jack
RSA
Rivest, Shamir, Adelman
RSH
Remote Shell
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 15 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
RTP
Real Time Protocol
SC
Standard Connector / Subscriber Connector
SCP
Secure Copy Protocol
SDSL
Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line
SFTP
Secure File Transfer Protocol
SIP
Session Initiation Protocol
SLIP
Serial Line Internet Protocol
SMF
Single Mode Fiber
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNAT
Static Network Address Translation
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol
SOA
Start of Authority
SOHO
Small Office / Home Office
SONET
Synchronous Optical Network
SPS
Standby Power Supply
SPX
Sequenced Packet Exchange
SSH
Secure Shell
SSID
Service Set Identifier
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer
ST
Straight Tip
STP
Shielded Twisted Pair
T1
T-Carrier Level 1
TA
Terminal Adaptor
TACACS+
Terminal Access Control Access Control System+
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol
TCP / IP
Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
tcsh
Turbo C shell
TDM
Time Division Multiplexing
TDR
Time Domain Reflectometer
Telco
Telephone Company
TFTP
Trivial File Transfer Protocol
TKIP
Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
TLS
Transport Layer Security
TTL
Time to Live
UDP
User Datagram Protocol
UNC
Universal Naming Convention
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply
URL
Uniform Resource Locator
USB
Universal Serial Bus
UTP
Unshielded Twisted Pair
VDSL
Variable Digital Subscriber Line
VLAN
Virtual Local Area Network
VNC
Virtual Network Connection
VoIP
Voice over IP
VPN
Virtual Private Network
VTP
Virtual Trunk Protocol
WAN
Wide Area Network
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol / Wireless Access Point
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy
WINS
Window Internet Name Service
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 16 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives 17 of 17
Copyright 2008 by the Computing Technology Industry Association. All rights reserved.
The CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) Exam Objectives are subject to change without notice.
WPA
Wi-Fi Protected Access
www
World Wide Web
X.25
CCITT Packet Switching Protocol
XML
eXtensible Markup Language
XDSL
Extended Digital Subscriber Line
Zeroconf
Zero Configuration