Network+: Exam Details and Process

Introduction

There are many networking certs out there, with a lot of IT vendors providing first-class training to help you achieve the goal of passing the exam so that you can indeed get that prestigious certification. According to a recent survey, these are the top five networking certifications in terms of job demand and financial compensation:

• The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), offered by Cisco Systems
• The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), offered by Cisco Systems
• The Juniper Networks Certified Enterprise Routing and Switching Expert (JNCIE-ENT), offered by Juniper Networks
• The CompTIA Network+
• The Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA), offered by Wireshark

In this article, we’ll focus primarily on the CompTIA Network+ cert.

Exam Overview – The Goals

It is important to keep in mind that the Network+ cert is really not considered to be an “advanced cert” per se; it is viewed more as a beginning-to-intermediate cert for a network engineer. Here are some of the key topics a student will learn as they study and practice for the Network+ cert:

1. Design the Various Network Topologies

In this aspect, the student will learn all about the various networking topologies, such as peer-peer networks, client-server networks, bus networks, ring networks, star networks, mesh networks, tree networks and hybrid networks. The latter can be a combination of any of these aforementioned network-based topologies.

2. Configure and Manage the Network Topologies

Once the student has learned how to design some of the abovementioned networks, their next task is to learn how to configure them according to the needs of the business or corporation.  Equally important is the management of these networks, where the student will also learn key optimization strategies to make sure that network traffic is flowing consistently and smoothly.

3. Learning How to Use the Various Networking Devices

Once the student has a grasp on how to properly configure and deploy a particular network configuration, he or she will then focus on how to properly place such devices as routers, hubs, switches, firewalls and network intrusion devices, along the network configuration. This will give them experience in learning how to segment data flows, but also help them understand where these devices should be placed in order to provide maximum security for the business or corporation.

4. Learn About the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Network Configuration

Each network configuration obviously has its own set of pros and cons and the student will learn them for each network configuration listed above. He or she will also learn how each and every network configuration will work best and under what conditions.

5. Implement Network Security and the Related Protocols

The student will also learn how to make the network configurations they have designed safe and secure as possible from a cyberattack. In this regard, they will be taught what common vulnerabilities and weaknesses a typical network configuration will possess and how they can be fixed.

In addition, the student will be taught how to read, analyze and disseminate the log report information that is outputted daily from the networking devices that have been implemented in the configuration. A special focus will be placed on how to identify any network bottlenecks or anomalies from these log reports. Apart from this, they will also learn in great detail about the TCP/IP and IPSecv6 networking protocols.

6. Troubleshoot and Configure Any Network Problems

While it depends on the network configuration’s level of complexity, each configuration will have problems of its own. In this regard, every effort will be made to teach the student about the common network problems which can come into existence and the quickest way to fix them.

7. Learning How to Support Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Another critical aspect of any network infrastructure is the deployment and implementation of a Virtual Private Network. In these particular instances, the student will be taught how the network configuration they have designed can be used to support a VPN. Also, the student will be taught how to support and maintain VPNs on a daily basis.

Exam Details

The latest Network+ cert exam is called the “CompTIA Network+ N10-007,” and this was launched on March of 2018. It was updated to reflect the following issues:

1. Testing for the important security-related concepts which bridge the gap of network engineers working with cybersecurity experts.
2. The incorporation of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as they relate to cloud computing, as well as the coverage of the various cloud deployment and service models
3. The inclusion of topics surrounding virtualization and how it relates to networking
4. The latest concepts that are used to keep network configuration robust and optimized.

Common Network+ FAQs

The following matrix reviews some of the more commonly-asked questions about the Network+ cert exam in more detail:

Question                                                   Answer

Exam Preparation

The CompTIA+ has a number of key resources that a student can use to prepare for the Network+ exam.  These include the following:

1. The CompTIA CertMaster Practice for Network+

This is an e-learning tool that gauges your learning activity in real time.  For example, through a series of practice quizzes, this tool will immediately identify what you already know and those areas in which you need more focus and help. There is a free trial available here. You can also purchase this training program for a reasonably-priced $189.00 here.

2. The CompTIA+ Study Guides and E-Books

CompTIA+ has an official study guide for this cert, entitled “Official CompTIA Study Guide for Network+.” There are two versions of this, one in hard copy and one eBook version. Both of these versions come with the actual study guide and a classroom labs book. The lab book includes the following:

• Hands-on exercise practicals
• Practical labs
• A detailed/comprehensive glossary of key networking terms
• Integrated training videos
• Online practice tests

The study guide costs $149.00 in hardcopy and $139.00 in eBook. To purchase a study guide, click here.

3. The CompTIA+ Training Strategies Group

This is CompTIA’s version of instructor-led classroom training. To get more information on this and fill out a contact form to request more information, click here.

There are other resources available also for getting Network+ cert training. InfoSec Institute also has a boot camp and an online training course, while another study guide can be purchased directly from Amazon.

Additional Tools You Need for Training

As mentioned in the last section, the CompTIA+ Study Guides come with hands-on practical labs, so it is also recommended that you have the following pieces of equipment to use as you go through these labs:

• Data packet sniffer
• Network port scanner
• Wi-Fi analyzer
• Firewall and router
• The latest OS of either Linux or Windows
• Network cabling crimpers
• Cable testers
• A switch and a hub
• An unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable
• RJ45 cable connectors

The software components should be free to download, and the hardware accessories can be purchased for a relatively low price from any computer repair store.

Job Prospects for Network+ Cert Holders

The following matrix shows some of the representative job titles that require a Network+ cert and their corresponding salaries:

Job Title                                                             Salary

(Source)

Upon further examination of this list, the average salary for a Network+ cert holder with at least one to four years of solid work experience is at $62,000.

Conclusion

Overall, this article has reviewed in detail what the Network+ cert is like, along with a list of commonly asked FAQs, various study tools and job prospects.

As mentioned, the Network+ cert is geared towards the networking professional that is just starting out in the field or has a moderate amount of experience. As businesses and corporations rely more on more upon their network infrastructure, especially for remote access situations, the demand for individuals that possess the Network+ cert will only grow stronger.

Sources

Top 5 Computer Networking Certifications, Business News Daily

CompTIA Network+, CompTIA

Essential Questions About CompTIA Network+, Straighterline

How to Reschedule Your Exam, CompTIA

At the Pearson VUE Test Center, PCATweb

Salary for Certification: CompTIA Network+, PayScale

Be Safe

Section Guide

Ravi
Das (writer/revisions editor)

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