Network+ Training Guide

Mike Harwood (MCSE, A+, Network+, Server+, Linux+) is the manager of a multisite network and co-author of numerous computer books. When he's not working, Mike entertains his two daughters, Paige and Breanna, with stories of magical lands where networks configure themselves and users are always friendly. Drew Bird (CNI, MCNE, MCP, Network+, Server+, Linux+) has been working in the IT industry since 1988. In addition to authoring a number of computer books and performing training and consultancy assignments, Drew is the managing editor of the Internet.com-owned Web sites EnterpriseStorageForum.com and IntranetJournal.com. Drew lives with his wife, Zoë, and their dog, Merlin, in the hills outside Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. When he's not working, Drew enjoys most outdoor activities, including snowboarding, camping, and kayaking. Bill Ferguson (MCT, MCSE, MCP+I, A+, Network+) has been in the computer industry for more than 15 years. Originally in technical sales and sales management with Sprint, Bill made his transition to Certified Technical Trainer in 1997, with ExecuTrain. Bill now runs his own company as an independent contractor in Birmingham, Alabama, teaching classes for most of the national training companies and some regional training companies. In addition, Bill writes and produces technical training videos for Virtual Training Company, Inc. He currently has certifications in A+, Network+, Windows 2000 management, Windows XP management, and Windows 2000 security. Bill keeps his skills sharp by reviewing books and sample tests. He says, "My job is to understand the material so well that I can make it easier for my students to learn than it was for me to learn." Dave Bixler (MCSE, MCNE, PSE, CCSE) is the technology services manager for one of the largest systems integrators in the United States. He has been working in the industry for the past 15 years, working on network designs, server implementations, and network management. Dave has focused on Internet technologies, including DNS and Web servers, information security, firewalls, and Windows 2000. Dave has also worked on a number of titles as an author, a technical editor, or a book reviewer. Dave's industry certifications include Microsoft's MCPS and MCSE, as well as Novell's CNE for NetWare versions 3.x, 4.x, and IntranetWare, ECNE, and MCNE. Dave lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with his wife, Sarah, and his sons, Marty and Nicholas.

I. EXAM PREPARATION.

1. Introduction to Networking.


Introduction. What Is a Network? Peer-to-Peer Versus Client/Server Networks. LANs, WANs, and MANs. LAN Topologies. The IEEE and Networking Standards.

2. Cabling and Connectors.


Introduction. Media Considerations. Baseband Versus Broadband Signaling. Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-Duplex. Common Network Cable. Media Connectors. Features and Characteristics of Ethernet 802.3 Standards. Choosing the Appropriate Media Connector for Adding Clients to an Existing Network.

3. Networking Components and Devices.


Introduction. Hubs. Switches. Working with Hubs and Switches. Bridges. Routers. Gateways. CSUs/DSUs. Wireless Access Point (WAPs). Modems. Network Cards (NICs). ISDN Terminal Adapters. System Area Network Cards. Identifying MAC Addresses.

4. The OSI Model.


Introduction. Why Do We Need a Network Model? OSI Reference Model 101. The Layers at Which Devices Operate.

5. Overview of Network Protocols.


Introduction. Introduction to Protocols. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange (IPX/SPX). AppleTalk. NetBEUI. Protocol Overview and Comparison.

6. Working with TCP/IP.


Introduction. TCP/IP Protocols. TCP/UDP Ports. TCP/IP-Based Network Services. IP Addressing. Subnetting. Reasons to Subnet. Default Gateways. Identifying the Differences Between Public and Private Networks.

7. WAN Technologies.


Introduction. Introduction to WAN Technologies. WAN Technologies.

8. Remote Access and Security Protocols.


Introduction. Remote Access Protocols and Services. Security Protocols. Types of Remote Access.

9. Network Operating Systems and Clients.


Introduction. Introduction to Network Operating Systems. Windows NT 4. Windows 2000. Novell NetWare. Linux. Operating System Interoperability. Operating System Client Support. Client Operating Systems.

10. Fault Tolerance, Disaster Recovery, VLANs, and NAS.


Introduction. Understanding Fault Tolerance. Disaster Recovery. VLANs. Network Storage.

11. Configuring Network Connectivity.


Introduction. Configuring Remote Connectivity. Selecting an NIC and Network Configuration Settings. Configuring Clients to Access Servers. Adding, Modifying, or Removing Network Services.

12. Securing the Network.


Introduction. Threats to Security. Physical and Logical Security. Firewalls. Proxy Servers. Understanding How Security Affects a Network.

13. Troubleshooting Connectivity.


Introduction. Troubleshooting Tools. Troubleshooting in a Small Office/Home Office Environment. Troubleshooting Remote Connectivity Errors.

14. Troubleshooting Tools and Utilities.


Introduction. Selecting the Appropriate Tool for Wiring. Interpreting Visual Indicators. Using Diagnostic Utilities.

15. Troubleshooting Procedures and Best Practices.


Introduction. Troubleshooting Basics. The Art of Troubleshooting. Troubleshooting Topology Errors. Troubleshooting Client Connectivity Errors. Troubleshooting Wiring- and Infrastructure-Related Problems. Troubleshooting Checklists.

II. FINAL REVIEW.

Fast Facts.


1.0-Media and Topologies. 2.0-Protocols and Standards. 3.0-Network Implementation. 4.0-Network Support.

Study and Exam Prep Tips.


Learning As a Process. Study Tips. Exam Prep Tips.

Practice Exam.


Answers to Exam Questions.

III. APPENDIXES.

Appendix A. Glossary.
Appendix B. Overview of the Certification Process.


Description of the Path to Certification. About the Network+ Certification Program.

Appendix C. What's on the CD-ROM.


ExamGear. Electronic Version of This Book's Text. Copyright Information and Disclaimer.

Appendix D. Using the ExamGear, Training Guide Edition Software.


Exam Simulation. Study Tools. How ExamGear, Training Guide Edition Works. Installing and Registering ExamGear, Training Guide Edition. Using ExamGear, Training Guide Edition. Checking the Web Site. Obtaining Updates. Contacting Que Certification Publishing. License Agreement. License. Software and Documentation. License Term and Charges. Title. Updates. Limited Warranty and Disclaimer. Limitation of Liability. Miscellaneous. U.S. Government Restricted Rights.