CompTIA Network+

This series provides an overview of networking principles and practices. It is designed to prepare the student to pass the CompTIA Network+ exam. Topics include network topologies, operating systems, transmission media and network components. The series also covers the OSI Reference Model, common networking protocols with a focus on TCP/IP, and remote connectivity methods and protocols, as well as network planning, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting.

Syllabus

NETWORKING TOPOLOGY AND OPERATING SYSTEMS

Explains common physical and logical network topologies. This section also provides an overview of major operating systems, including Microsoft Windows NT, Novell Netware, and UNIX.

• Basic Network Structure
• Mesh Topology
• Star Topology
• Ring Topology
• Bus Topology
• Operating System Fundamentals
• Windows NT
• Novell NetWare
• UNIX
• Network Clients
• Networking Protocols
• RAID Fault Tolerance
• Newer Fault Tolerance Classifications

NETWORK MEDIA AND ELEMENTS

Explains the advantages of various network transmission media and the connectors used with these media. This section also explains the attributes and functions of common network elements.

• Network Media Types
• Wireless Media
• Twisted Pair Cable
• Cabling Standards
• STP
• Coaxial Cable
• Fiber-Optic Cable
• Fiber Optic Technologies and T-Carrier
• Simplex, Half Duplex, and Full Duplex
• LANs and WANs
• Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Networking
• NICs and Network Infrastructure
• Hub Types

THE OSI REFERENCE MODEL AND PHYSICAL LAYER

Provides an overview of the OSI reference model of data communication networks. This course also explains devices that pertain to the physical layer.

• OSI Reference Model
• Application Layer
• Presentation Layer
• Session Layer
• Transport Layer
• Transport Layer
• Data Link Layer
• Physical Layer
• Other Data Communications Models
• Network Card Installation
• Network Card Diagnostics
• Resolving Resource Conflicts
• Network Card Troubleshooting
• Hubs, Repeaters and Multistation Access Units
• Media Attachment Units and Transceivers

DATA LINK LAYER

Provides an overview of IEEE 802.x specifications. This section then discusses in depth the three most common specifications: 802.2, 802.3 and 802.5.

• Bridges
• IEEE 802.x Specifications
• IEEE 802.2 Logical Link Protocol
• IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Protocol
• CSMA/CD Data Frame Format
• CSMA/CD Functionality
• Ethernet Network Examples
• IEEE 802.5 Token Ring Protocol
• Token Ring Frame Format
• MAC Layer Addressing

UNDERSTANDING TCP/IP

Explains concepts related to the Network and Transport layers of the OSI Reference model. This section then provides an overview of TCP/IP fundamentals.

• Network Layer and Routing Fundamentals
• Routers, Brouters, and Gateways
• Routable and Nonroutable Protocols
• Subnetworks and IP Addressing
• Transport Layer Specifics
• The TCP/IP Protocol Suite
• TCP Sockets and Services
• TCP Frame Format
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
• Internet Protocol
• IP Packet Data Fields
• IP Addressing
• Classful IP

TCP/IP CONFIGURATION AND UTILITIES

Shows how to perform common TCP/IP administrative tasks.

• Domain Name Service (DNS)
• DNS Setup and Configuration
• Assigning a Static IP Address
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS)
• IP Default Gateway Setup
• ARP
• Ipconfig, Winipcfg and Nslookup
• Nbtstat and Netstat
• Ping and Tracert
• Telnet, FTP and TFTP
• Additional Protocols

REMOTE CONNECTIVITY

Provides an overview of remote connectivity concepts and protocols, including PPP, SLIP, PPTP and ISDN, and shows the user how to install and configure a modem for dial-up networking.

• Dial-Up Networking Elements
• Channels and Protocols
• Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
• Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP)
• Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
• Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
• Modem Installation
• Modem Testing
• Modem Troubleshooting and Configuration
• RAS and VPN

NETWORK INSTALLATION

Explains how to plan, implement and document an effective network installation.

• Planning and Preparation
• Network Documentation
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Required Approvals
• Documenting Network Connections
• Environmental Security Risks
• Environmental Performance Risks
• Network Diagrams
• SCSI
• Alternative Power Supplies
• Media Filters and Patch Panels
• Compatibility and Cabling Issues

SECURITY, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT

Provides an overview of good network security practices. This section also shows users how to obtain and implement software patches and upgrades, and discusses backup and antivirus procedures.

• Network Security
• Share-Level Security
• User-Level Security
• Password Practices
• Rights, Profiles and Policies
• Data Encryption
• Vendor Tests and Upgrades
• Standard Backup Strategies
• Backup Types
• Antivirus Software

TROUBLESHOOTING

Shows users how to take a systematic approach to troubleshooting network problems.

• Identifying Problem Boundaries
• Systematic Troubleshooting
• A Troubleshooting Scenario
• User vs. System Problems
• Physical and Logical Trouble Indicators
• Connectivity Problems
• RAS and Logon Problems
• Bootup and Printing Problems
• Installation and Configuration Problems
• Network Troubleshooting Tools

Qualifications

Qualification: Printable Transcript

On completion of this course you may print a transcript off as evidence of your progression throughout the course.

Requirements for Entry

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Study Options

If you do not have Internet access, or would prefer to study this course via the traditional paper/postal based study method, you can find more information on the course by clicking on the link below.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 40 hrs.