CompTIA N+ Learning Contents

N+ Certification

=Introduction to Networking=
The student will be able to define network types, describe characteristics of networked attached storage; diagram common topologies; describe common types of cabling and media connectors; list network connectivity devices and describe their functions.

=The OSI Model and TCP/IP=
The student will be able to identify the seven layers of the OSI model and to describe their functions, components, appropriate protocols and devices. The student will be able to define the purpose, function and/or use of the listed TCP/IP protocols; define the function of TCP/UDP ports and identify at least five well-known ports for common protocols; given five IP addresses (IPv4), identify class and default subnet mask as appropriate; given a computer, use TCP/IP as specified and test the configuration using a TCP/IP utility; given a troubleshooting scenario, identify the appropriate TCP/IP utility to use, all with complete accuracy.

=Major Network Operating Systems=
The student will be able to describe Novell NetWare, Microsoft Windows, UNIX and Macintosh OS, including features, current versions, requirements and available client software; describe issues of compatibility and interoperability between the various operating systems.

=Network Installation and Upgrade=
The student will be able to list resources for documenting existing system conditions; identify appropriate media type and connectors for two different network installations as specified; identify purposes, features and functions of network components; describe configuration requirements, protocols of major WAN and remote access technologies; given a network configuration, select appropriate NIC and network configuration settings; given a computer, install, configure and test a NIC; given a computer and specific parameters, configure a client to connect to Unix, NetWare, Windows servers; identify a punch-down tool, tone generator, media tester and wire crimper, define their purposes and demonstrate their uses;

=Network Access and Security=
The student will be able to describe procedures for installing a client for Windows XP and 2003 Server and for selecting a primary client; describe procedures for managing user accounts and maintaining password security; given a case history of a system intrusion, identify the hacker technique and describe an appropriate defense; describe the encryption process in message transmission; define various security policies for workers, environment/equipment and for out-processing an employee who is leaving.

=Fault Tolerance, Disaster Recovery and Troubleshooting=
The student will be able to define hot warm and cold sites and clustering technology; list methods of disk system fault tolerance; options and procedures for backup; describe options and procedures for virus protection; define software patches and their functions; given two case histories of system malfunctions, identify the probable cause and propose an appropriate solution in each case.

Subject	Contents
N+	Network Fundamentals
	OSI Layers and DOD model
	TCP/IP Fundamentals and command line utilities
	Configuring / Installing and Troubleshooting Wired and Wireless Networks
	Setting up Major Network Operating Systems in a Network
	WAN and Remote Access Technologies
	Network Access and Security
	Fault Tolerance, Disaster Recovery and Network Troubleshooting