Introduction to the CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA’s Network+ certification covers the fundamentals of networking. The N10-006 exam is very extensive and covers a lot of networking information in great detail. This certification is one of three IT fundamentals certifications from CompTIA; the other two are the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Security+.

At Phoenix TS, we believe that a proper study routine is an important part of earning any certification. Whether you studied alone or attended an instructor-led course, this guide aims to:

• Establish effective study habits
• Give you insight into the exam topics
• Explain what it’s like to take a CompTIA exam
• Provide sample questions to gain familiarity with similar exam content and gauge your level of understanding

According to CompTIA, the N10-006 exam topics include:

• Network Architecture
• Network Operations
• Network Security
• Troubleshooting
• Industry Standards, Practices, and Network Theory

Jobs that need a CompTIA Network+ certification include:

• Junior Network Administrator
• Computer Technician
• Network Field Technician
• Help Desk Technician
• Junior System Engineer
• System Engineer
• IS Consultant
• Network Support Specialist
• Network Field Engineer
• Network Analyst

In this study guide, we break down the topics into material you need to know. This guide is not meant to be a replacement for a text book or CompTIA Network+ training class, but rather a supplement to help you focus on key areas of the CompTIA Network+ exam.

What Is On The CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam?

Network+ is an intense exam. The best way to study is to focus on a single topic at a time. The following list includes essential topics and concepts.

• The OSI Model: I can’t stress this enough. Know the layers and be able to figure out what layer a given subject will operate on.
• Networks by Geography: Identify the differences between LAN, MAN, WAN, CAN, and PAN.
• Network Topologies: Be able to describe and list pros/cons of bus, ring, star, and hub-and-spoke topologies. Be familiar with partial and full mesh topology and hybrid topologies.
• Identification of Components: Describe and identify Ethernet, fiber optics (multimode and single mode), UTP/STP, wireless technologies, hubs, bridges, switches and more. This includes special use technology such as firewalls, proxy servers, and DNS. Be able to describe virtualization technologies and VoIP.
• Ethernet: You should have a deep pool of Ethernet knowledge, including speed/distance limitations, Ethernet switches, power over Ethernet, and port monitoring. This isn’t an all inclusive list, but this is another topic you will want to spend more time on.
• Patches/Updates: (new to N10-006) While you may be familiar with applying these to your personal machine, there is a set of best practices that you need to know.
• IP addresses: Understand IPv4/6, sub-netting, binary conversion, and DHCP.
• WANs: Know all you can about WANs including data rates, PPP, ISDN POTS, DSL, and SONET. Be able to compare WAN technologies, differentiate between circuit and packet switched connections, and know about cellular network technology.
• Physical Security: (new to N110-006) Understand token authentication, man traps, and more. This section is pretty straightforward, but make sure you know the terms such as network closets, door access controls, IP cameras, biometrics, cipher locks, and other relevant terms.
• Wireless Connections: This section covers WLAN types, routers, access points, and wireless network security. If you’ve been through A+ a lot of this will be familiar, except for WLAN types (IBSS, BSS, ESS) You should also know about overlapping channels and have a thorough knowledge of 802.11 standards (frequency, speed, range)
• Network Optimization: This section is fairly short, but important! This covers network redundancy, QoS, configuration, and making networks have high availability. You should be able to make the most of low speed networks, select proper network devices, consider and compensate for environmental factors, and subnet IP’s to support the needs of a client.
• Command Line Utilities: If you’ve got an A+ certification, you should understand the majority of this material, but there is some additional content. Commands to be familiar with include ipconfig, arp, nbtstat, netstat, nslookup, ping, route, and tracert. Be sure you know some common switches as well.
• UNIX Commands: Know a few UNIX commands, but this is not as in-depth as the Windows commands. Commands to know include ifconfig, arp, dig, host, traceroute, and ping. Know common arguments (like switches) for these commands.
• Network Management: This section covers network configuration, cable testing, monitoring tools, and various other tools to troubleshoot, maintain, setup, and optimize networks.
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• Network Security: Know how to implement, maintain, and optimize security for various network types. Understand how to respond to and recover from data breaches. Know the various avenues of attacks, names of attacks (phishing, root-kit, worm) and how to defend the networks from the common attacks.
• Troubleshooting: This section is the most heavily weighted on the N10-006 exam. Be able to troubleshoot physical devices, data link layer issues, and network layer issues. It’s important to be able to troubleshoot issues for various network types, and to follow the best practices for troubleshooting.
• Forensics: (new to N10-006) As an admin or tech, you may be the first to arrive at a workstation where malicious or illegal activity occurred. Net+ expects you to know what basic steps to take to ensure data integrity, and what to avoid to ensure that any evidence found remains admissible in court.
• Change Management: Understand the proper procedures for implementing changes in a network. Just remember the basic steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition.
• Subnetting: This is a topic that many students seem to stress over. You will need to know how to do binary to decimal conversion (and vice versa) and understand how you can break down an IP address into multiple subnets. Similar techniques will also be used for route aggregation, which is the simplification of a routing table down to as few addresses as possible.
• Routing tables: Make sure you know how these can be simplified, how to read them, and how to configure them statically.

Tackling The CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam

CompTIA exams are only administered in qualified testing centers under tightly controlled conditions. You will not be allowed to take any personal belongings into the testing room with you, however many facilities offer a locker to store belongings. You will however need two valid forms of identification (one with a photo of you) such as a drivers license and credit card. Contact your testing center if you are unsure what is acceptable.

Since you will be taking the N110-006 exam, it’s important to note that you will not be allowed to bring, nor be provided with a calculator. You should be sure you are comfortable doing subnetting calculations by hand. Scrap paper will be provided.

The test itself is taken at a computer workstation, and performance based questions will be completed in an interactive software environment on that same station. You can skip and return to any question at any time so long as you are within the permitted time allotment.

Format

You should expect the following format when taking your N110-006 exam:

• Multiple choice and performance based questions
• A maximum of 90 questions (you may have less)
• 90 minute time limit to complete the exam
• Scoring is on a scale of 100-900 with a passing score of 720

CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam Study Tips

Without good study habits, it’s going to be hard to pass any CompTIA exam. Try to integrate these habits into your study routine so you can learn quickly and efficiently!

1. Consistency: Establish a routine so that you fall into the habit of studying frequently.
2. Flash Cards: These will help you memorize those facts you’re having difficulty with. Be sure to include cards with information you’re comfortable with to reinforce it further!
3. Your Study Area: One of the most important aspects of good study habits is your environment. Remove distractions (like your phone) and find a clean quiet area to work.
4. Hands-on Experience: Wherever possible, physically do tasks you are learning about. For many people this kind of learning sticks with them longer and provides a better understanding of the subject material.
5. Ask Questions: If you are struggling with a particular topic, don’t be afraid to seek out help. If you are attending a class ask your instructor, if you are self-studying you might be able to seek out help via web forums or through personal connections.
6. Eat Well and Rest: Arguably one of the most important aspects of a good study routine. Make sure you have proper nutrition, and get a good night’s sleep daily. Both of these will help with energy levels and focus; you will find yourself struggling to learn if you are tired or hungry! Over studying can leave you feeling burnt out, be sure to pace yourself.