>>This course meets the latest CompTIA Test objectives<<

What is Network+ Certification?
Network + Certification is a CompTIA testing program which authenticates
the Certification of IT technicians
with at least 18-24 months experience. Certification means the individual possesses the knowledge needed to configure and install Network components.

A Comprehensive Program!
Our program is available in either videotape or interactive CD-ROM formats, and Includes a student guide and a practice exam simulator containing hundreds of situational and fact-based questions. Two different testing formats are also offered on the CD-ROM.

Certification & Education
Networking Specialists possess many of the skills and knowledge that is necessary
to become certified in their field. Network+ Certification prepares candidates to
not only take the exam, but pass with confidence and also augments their expertise. Our program provides the candidates with the finest, most economical self-study certification course available, and allows candidates to study at their own pace.

Network+ Certification is Rapidly Becoming a Requirement
Certification provides managers and supervisors with the important benchmark for
hiring and promotional processes. More and more companies are requiring the use
of Certified Technicians because they are finding it builds confidence within their contract proposals.

The Network+ Examination
Specialized Solutions' Network+ Training Program prepares the candidate to take
and pass the CompTIA certification examination. The skills and knowledge measured by this examination are derived from industry-wide job tasks analysis and validated through an industry-wide survey.

Network+ Fees
Fees vary, depending on which country you reside in, the quantity of people within
your corporation that are getting certified, and whether you are a Corporate Member
of CompTIA or not. An individual residing in the United States, who is not connected
to a corporation and is a "non-member" can expect to pay $185 at the time of this writing.

Test Format
Please arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes before the test is scheduled
to begin. The administrator of the testing center can demonstrate how to use the computer-based testing system before the actual test begins. Two forms of identification must be presented to the test center administrator. One form should
be a photo ID, such as a valid driver's license. The other can be a major credit card,
or a passport. Please be aware that both forms of identification must have a
signature. Books, calculators, laptop computers, or other reference materials
are not allowed during the test. Because the test is computer-based, pens, pencils,
or paper will not be needed. It is CompTIA's policy to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

After the Test
As soon as you finish the test, you receive the final score. You will see the results immediately on the computer screen. In addition, a hard copy of the score report is provided at the testing center. The score report shows whether or not you passed
the certification. You can also see how you did on each section of the test and
on each technology. Please retain this score report as it contains your unique ID number, which is also your certification number. It can be used to verify your certification until your certificate arrives. If you have passed the examiniation a certificate will be mailed to your address within a few weeks.

Below is a screenshot of our new Network+ CBT

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Revised Network+ Examination Objectives>>

Introduction>
The skills and knowledge measured by this examination are derived from an
industry-wide job task analysis (JTA) and validated through an industry wide
survey of which over 2,500 responses were received in April 200l. 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. The Network+ certification covering the 2002 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. A typical candidate should
have A+ certification or equivalent knowledge, but A+ certification is not required.
In addition to A+ certification level knowledge, candidates are encouraged to have
at least 9 months of experience in network support or administration.
The 2002 objectives update the Network+ certification exam on new technologies
such as wireless networking and gigabit Ethernet. The scope of networking systems are broadened somewhat placing an increased emphasis on Linux/Unix, Windows 9x, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and including AppleTalk as a network protocol. 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.
This examination includes blueprint weighting, test objectives and example content. Example concepts are included to clarify the test objectives and should not be construed as a comprehensive listing of the content of the examination.

The table below lists the domains measured by this examination
and the extent to which they are represented in the examination.

Network+ Certification Domain Areas	% of Examination
1.0 Media & Topologies	20%
2.0 Protocols & Standards	25%
3.0 Network Implementation	23%
4.0 Network Support	32%
Total:	100%

Note: All percentages are approximate and are subject to change.

 

Domain 1.0 - Media and Topologies – 20%

1.1 Recognize the following logical or physical network topologies given a schematic diagram or description

> Star/hierarchical
> bus
> mesh
> ring
> wireless

1.2 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

1.3 Specify the characteristics (e.g., speed, length, topology, cable type, etc.)
of the following
> 802.3 (Ethernet) standards
> 10BASE-T
> 100BASE-TX
> 10BASE2
> 10BASE5
> 100BASE-FX
> Gigabit Ethernet

1.4 Recognize the following media connectors and/or describe their uses
> RJ-11
> RJ-45
> AUI
> BNC
> ST
> SC

1.5 Choose the appropriate media type and connectors to add a client to an
existing network.

1.6 Identify the purpose, features, and functions of the following network
components
> Hubs
>Switches
>Bridges
> Routers
> Gateways
> CSU/DSU
> Network Interface Cards/ISDN adapters/system area network cards
> Wireless access points
> Modems
.................................................................................................................

Domain 2.0 – Protocols and Standards – 25%

2.1 Given an example identify a MAC address

2.2 Identify the seven layers of the OSI model and their functions

2.3 Differentiate between the following network protocols in terms of routing,
addressing schemes, interoperability,and naming conventions
> TCP/IP
> IPX/SPX
> NetBEUI
> AppleTalk

2.4 Identify the OSI layers at which the following network components operate
> Hubs
> Switches
> Bridges
> Routers
> Network Interface Cards

2.5 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

2.6 Define the function of TCP/UDP ports. Identify well-known ports.

2.7 Identify the purpose of the following network services (e.g. DHCP/bootp,
DNS, NAT/ICS, WINS, and SNMP)

2.8 Identify IP addresses (Ipv4, Ipv6) and their default subnet masks.

2.9 Identify the purpose of subnetting and default gateways.

2.10 Identify the differences between public vs. private networks

2.11 Identify the basic charachteristics (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

2.12 Define the function of the following remote access protocols and services
> RAS
> PPP
> PPTP
> ICA

2.13 Identify the following security protocols and describe their purpose
and function
> IPsec
> L2TP
> SSL
> Kerberos
...................................................................................................................

Domain 3.0 Network Implementation – 23%

3.1 Identify the basic capabilities (i.e. client support, interoperability,
authentication, file and print services, application support, and security)
of the following server operating systems
> UNIX/Linux
> Netware
> Windows
> Macintosh

3.2 Identify the basic capabilities of client workstations
(i.e., client connectivity, local security mechanisms, and authentication)

3.3 Identify the main characteristics of VLANs

3.4 Identify the main characteristics of network attached storage

3.5 Identify the purpose and characteristics of fault tolerance

3.6 Identify the purpose and characteris tics of disaster recovery

3.7 Given a remote connectivity scenario (e.g., IP, IPX, dial-up, PPPoE,
authentication, physical connectivity etc.), configure the connection.

3.8 Identify the purpose, benefits and characteristics of using a firewall.

3.9 Identify the purpose, benefits and characteristics of using a proxy.

3.10 Given a scenario, predict the impact of a particular security
implementation on network functionality (e.g.blocking port numbers,
encryption, etc.)

3.11 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%

4.1 Given a troubleshooting scenario, select the appropriate TCP/IP
utility from among the following:
> Tracert
> Ping
> Arp
> Netstat
> Nbtstat
> Ipconfig/Ifconfig
> Winipcfg
> Nslookup

4.2 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.

4.3 Given a troubleshooting scenario involving a remote connectivity
problem (e.g., authentication failure, protocol configuration,
physical connectivity) identify the cause of the problem.

4.4 Given specific parameters, configure a client to connect to the
following servers
> UNIX/Linux
> Netware
> Windows
> Macintosh

4.5 Given a wiring task, select the appropriate tool (e.g., wire crimper,
media tester/certifier, punch down tool, tone generator, optical tester, etc.).

4.6 Given a network scenario interpret visual indicators (e.g., link lights,
collision lights, etc.) to determine the nature of the problem.

4.7 Given output from a diagnostic utility (e.g. tracert, ping, ipconfig, etc.),
identify the utility and interpret the output.

4.8 Given a scenario, predict the impact of modifying, adding, or removing
network services (e.g., DHCP, DNS, WINS, etc.) on network resources
and users.

4.9 Given a network problem scenario, select an appropriate course of action
based on a general troubleshooting strategy. This strategy includes the
following steps
1. Establish the symptoms
2. Identify the affected area
3. Establish what has changed
4. Select the most probable cause
5. Implement a solution
6. Test the result
7. Recognize the potential effects of the solution
8. Document the solution

4.10 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.

4.11 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.

4.12 Given a network troubleshooting scenario involving a wiring/infrastructure
problem, identify the cause of the problem (e.g., bad media, interference,
network hardware).

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Meet the Expert !

Garrett Smiley is a dynamic college instructor and technical curriculum
developer. He holds a BA as well as an AS degree in computer network
engineering technology with a concentration in network engineering in the
MCSE track. In addition, Mr. Smiley also holds multiple certifications with
CompTIA (A+, Network+, i-Net+, Server+, CTT+, and CDIA+), Microsoft
(MCP, MCSA, and MCSE in Windows 2000), and Cisco (CCNA). His
background in networking provides a solid basis for his instruction on all
of the various topics that are covered by the certifications. Garrett's in-depth
knowledge of the subject matter combined with his great communication
skills allow for an instructional delivery that is both informative and easy
to understand.