Network+ Certification (N+)

Course Overview

The CompTIA Network+ certification has become an international standard for network engineering. This course allows network support engineers to develop their skills and prepare for the Network+ examination.

The Local Area Network (LAN) is the foundation of any corporate network and as such it should be considered a 'mission-critical' system. Many LAN problems can be avoided by a well-designed LAN implementation and successful management. This course covers all of the fundamental information and skills required to design, install and configure a basic LAN with TCP/IP addressing. Troubleshooting is a key element of any support role and various options and tools for problem determination and resolution are described and used within the course. In addition the course looks at more advanced topics, such as directories and data security.

Audience

LAN support or administration personnel wishing to implement and manage their network more effectively. The course also prepares delegates for the CompTIA Network+ examination.

Skills Gained

• identify the functions of the OSI 7-Layer Model, associating networking functions and protocols within these layers
• describe the components of a network, identifying strengths and weaknesses of network types and configure network protocols
• outline the addressing and internetworking of the TCP/IP protocol suite, describe and configure basic IP functions and services
• troubleshoot IP, using in-built utilities
• describe the functions of Remote Access and configure dial-up connectivity, list and implement the main security features that will be required in a business network
• install a local area network, using TCP/IP, servers and clients
• formulate and test a troubleshooting methodology for a local area network, for both hardware, software and user faults

Prerequisites

Delegates must have a working knowledge of PCs and network clients, e. g. Windows 9x or NT Workstation. It is also required that all delegates have an appreciation of PC hardware configuration, including IRQs, etc., and a fundamental understanding of the function of a LAN. These requirements may be satisfied by attending an A+/PC Support or Networking with TCP/IP course.

Course Outline

• Basic Network Structure and Directories
• Characteristics of networks
• Network Topology Implementations
• IEEE standards; Ethernet; Token-Ring; Segments and backbones; Routers, Brouters, Bridges
• 802. 3 Ethernet and 802. 5 Token-Ring
• Features of Ethernet networks; CSMA/CD access mechanism; 802. 3 frame format; Token-Ring networks
• FDDI
• Fault-tolerant features; FDDI cabling specifications;
• Fault Tolerance and High Availability Systems
• Mirroring, Duplexing, Striping, Volumes + Tape backup
• Network Components
• Networking media and connectors
• TCP/IP Fundamentals and Utilities
• Addressing and subnetting; IP configuration, DHCP, DNS, WINS and host files; Utilities
• Remote connectivity
• PPP and SLIP; PPTP; Modems
• Network Security
• Security models; Access control; User rights; Standard password practices; Use of a firewall
• Installation, Maintaining + Supporting a Network
• Practical network installation; NOS installations; Vendor patches, fixes and upgrades; backup procedures and backup media storage; Anti-virus procedures
• Troubleshooting a Network
• Problem determination and resolution procedures; Error messages and diagnostics tools
• Enterprise Networking
• Introduction to WANs and WAN protocols
• CompTIA Network+ Examination
• Preparation for the Network+ examination