The Network + exam is a start or a stepping-stone for many people in building the credentials they need for a successful IT career. These days it can count even more for other vendor's certifications like the Microsoft MCSA. Officially CompTIA describes its Network + exam as suitable for measuring "the technical knowledge of networking professionals with 18 - 24 months experience in the IT industry." CompTIA has mapped the subject matter for this exam into a number of different objective domains. Much of networking involves using the verb "map" and the noun "domain" in exciting new ways.

CompTIA asks us to note that: "All percentages are approximate and are subject to change." So if your exam contains 21% on Media & Technologies you have been warned.

Media & Topologies (20%)
Without protocols, networks would experience a communications break down. It's always the same. The many forms of the major protocol suite known as TCP/IP are covered extensively, but only to a certain level of detail. You may be expected to be familiar with IP lore such as private vs. public addresses, address classes and subnetting. Familiarity with the OSI model and the "lesser " protocols like NetBEUI is a good idea too.

Protocols & Standards (25%)
You may need to recognize logical or physical network topologies (the map of the network) given a schematic diagram or description. You may be asked to specify the main features of networking standards, such as token ring, FDDI and wireless. Much emphasis is placed on the many varieties of Ethernet. You should know them all. Any hands on experience will help you pass. Newer technologies like wireless networking and Gigabyte Ethernet are also covered in some questions.

Media & Topologies (20%)
You may need to recognize logical or physical network topologies (the map of the network) given a schematic diagram or description. You may be asked to specify the main features of networking standards, such as token ring, FDDI and wireless. Much emphasis is placed on the many varieties of Ethernet. You should know them all. Any hands on experience will help you pass. Newer technologies like wireless networking and Gigabyte Ethernet are also covered in some questions.

Network Implementation (23%)
This section covers the day-to-day-tasks you will be handling once you've landed that network admin job. CompTIA's surveys and job task analyses take that to mean some of the following and then some:

• Identifying the basic capabilities of server operating systems like: Windows Unix/Linux, NetWare and Macintosh.
• Identifying the basic capabilities of client workstations.
• Identifying the basic capabilities network attached storage, VLANs, fault tolerant hardware and software and the purpose and characteristics of disaster recovery.
  

Network Support (32%)
Ah yes, the users and the computers and the troubles. This category is the largest objective domain of all the domains. Perhaps this is because your most important task is always to keep the machines working, the users happy and the troubles at bay. The people at CompTIA will supply you the network problems in various scenarios and you will provide them the solutions. That seems fair, doesn't it? TCP/IP utilities like ARP, Tracert and ping may be the key to solving a given problem. If clients can't connect to a Windows, Linux, NetWare or Macintosh server, it will be up to you to explain why and how to solve the problem - at least within the confines of a mostly multiple choice test.

Speaking of tests. …Where are you going to start? How about trying 408 questions on networking and nothing but networking? We've got the questions. We've got the answers. We've got the explanations.

Examiner™ has everything you need to pass Network +. We guarantee it! In fact, we are confident enough in Examiner's ability to prepare you for the test to offer an Exam Pass Guarantee. For the official CompTIA objectives in full and in PDF file format click here.