skills that show a basic competency with the networking needs of both personal and corporate computing environments.
CompTIA’s exam objectives are periodically updated to keep its exams applicable to the most recent technological developments. The foundational elements, however, remain constant even as higher-end technology advances. The Network+ objectives have recently been changed to a small degree to reflect the very latest changes in technology. At the time of this writing, this book is current for the 2015 Network+ N10-006 exam objectives as stated by CompTIA (www.comptia.org).
What Is Network+ Certification?
The Network+ certification offers an introductory step into the complex world of IT networking. You need to pass only a single exam to become Network+ certified. This is often the first step toward true networking knowledge and experience. By obtaining Network+ certification, you will be able to obtain more networking experience and gain an interest in networks in order to pursue more complex and in-depth network knowledge and certifications.
For the latest pricing on the exam and updates to the registration procedures, go to www.vue.com. You can register online for the exam. If you have further questions about the scope of the exam or related CompTIA programs, refer to the CompTIA website at www.comptia.org.
Is This Book for You?
CompTIA Network+ Review Guide is designed to be a succinct, portable exam review guide that can be used either in conjunction with a more complete study program (such as Sybex’s CompTIA Network+ Study Guide, computer-based training courseware, or a classroom/lab environment) or as an exam review for those who don’t need more extensive test preparation. It isn’t my goal to give the answers away but rather to identify topics on which you can expect to be tested and to provide sufficient coverage of those topics.
Perhaps you’ve been working with information technologies for many years. The thought of paying lots of money for a specialized IT exam preparation course probably doesn’t sound too appealing. What can they teach you that you don’t already know, right? Be careful, though. Many experienced network administrators have walked confidently into the test center only to walk sheepishly out of it after failing an IT exam. After you’ve finished reading this book, you should have a clear idea of how your understanding of networking technologies matches up with the expectations of the Network+ test writers.
Perhaps you’re relatively new to the world of IT – drawn to it by the promise of challenging work at a higher salary? You’ve just waded through an 800-page study guide, or you’ve taken a class at a local training center. Lots of information to keep in your head, isn’t it? Well, by organizing this book according to CompTIA’s exam objectives and by breaking up the information into concise, manageable pieces, I’ve created what I think is the handiest exam review guide available. Throw it in your backpack and carry it to work with you or get an additional copy of it on Kindle. As you read the book, you’ll be able to identify quickly those areas you know best and those that require a more in-depth review.
How Is This Book Organized?
This book is organized according to the official objectives list prepared by CompTIA for the Network+ Exam N10-006. The chapters correspond to the five major domains of objective and topic groupings. In fact, the exam is weighted across these five domains as follows:
■ Domain 1.0 Network Architecture (22 percent)
■ Domain 2.0 Network Operations (20 percent)
■ Domain 3.0 Network Security (18 percent)
■ Domain 4.0 Troubleshooting (24 percent)
■ Domain 5.0 Industry Standards, Practices, and Network Theory (16 percent)
Within each chapter, the top-level exam objective from each domain is addressed in turn. This discussion of each objective also contains an “Exam Essentials” section. Here you are given a short list of topics that you should explore fully before taking the test. Included in the “Exam Essentials” areas are notations on key pieces of information you should have taken out of CompTIA Network+ Review Guide.
At the end of each chapter you’ll find the “Review Questions” section. These questions are designed to help you gauge your mastery of the content in the chapter.
Interactive Online Learning Environment and Test Bank
The interactive online learning environment that accompanies CompTIA Network+ Review Guide: Exam N10-006, Third Edition provides a test bank with study tools to help you prepare for the certification exam – and it increases your chances of passing it the first time! The test bank includes the following:
Sample Tests All of the questions in this book are provided, including the Chapter Tests that include the Review Questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, there are two Practice Exams. Use these questions to test your knowledge of the study guide material. The online test bank runs on multiple devices.
Flashcards Questions are provided in digital flashcard format (a question followed by a single correct answer). You can use the flashcards to reinforce your learning and provide last-minute test prep before the exam.
Other Study Tools A glossary of key terms from this book and their definitions is available as a fully searchable PDF.
Tips for Taking the Network+ Exam
Here are some general tips for taking your exams successfully:
■ Bring two forms of ID with you. One must be a photo ID, such as a driver’s license. The other can be a major credit card or a passport. Both forms must include a signature.
■ Arrive early at the exam center so you can relax and review your study materials, particularly tables and lists of exam-related information.
■ Read the questions carefully. Don’t be tempted to jump to an early conclusion. Make sure you know exactly what the question is asking.
■ Don’t leave any unanswered questions. Unanswered questions give you no opportunity for guessing correctly and scoring more points.
■ There will be questions with multiple correct responses. When there is more than one correct answer, a message on the screen will prompt you to either “Choose two” or “Choose all that apply.” Be sure to read the messages displayed so you know how many correct answers you must choose.
■ Questions needing only a single correct answer will use radio buttons to select an answer, while those needing two or more answers will use check boxes.
■ When answering multiple-choice questions you’re not sure
