CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ domain #2: network implementation [2022 update]

One of the most recognizable IT and information security networking certifications is Network+. As time goes on, new versions of certification exams are released, and Network+ releases the latest exam version, N10-008, in September of 2021. Some of the material covered in this latest exam version has changed and changes to Domain names. If you are looking for a great starter to your Network+ exam outline for Domain 2.0, look no further.

What is Network+?

Network+ is an IT and information security networking certification offered by CompTIA. This certification validates the skills and knowledge required to securely establish, maintain, and troubleshoot essential organization networks. This is one of the most popular networking certs on the market, with 500,000 cert holders worldwide.

Earn your Network+ certification, guaranteed!

Enroll in an upcoming live online boot camp and earn your CompTIA Network+, guaranteed.

Get Pricing

What has changed since the last Network+ exam version?

There have been some changes since exam version N10-007 that you need to be aware of. Aside from Domain name changes and slight changes to exam material weights, there have been sub-objective changes, especially on the foundational networking tools and technologies used to create secure networks. Below is a comparison of N10-007 and N10-008 (and their respective weights of exam material covered):

Network+ N10-007 Domains Network+ N10-008 Domains

1. Networking Concepts (23%) 1. Networking Fundamentals (24%)

2. Infrastructure (18%) 2. Network Implementations (19%)

3. Network Operations (17%) 3. Network Operations (16%)

4. Network Security (20%) 4. Network Security (19%)

5. Network Troubleshooting and Tools (22%) 5. Network Troubleshooting (22%)

Domain 2.0 has changed from “Infrastructure” to “Network Implementations.” This name change reflects a material streamlining that has shifted from focusing on the network infrastructure to implementing the network. It should also be stated that the percentage of exam material that the new Domain 2.0 covers have increased by 1%, from 18% to 19%, which is a minuscule yet measurable increase. Without further ado, let’s dive into the material covered by Domain 2.0.

Exam material covered by Domain 2.0: Network Implementation

2.1 Compare and contrast various devices, their features and their appropriate placement on the network

1. Networking Devices

Layer 2 switch
Layer 3 capable switch
Router
Hub
Access point
Bridge
Wireless LAN controller
Load balancer
Proxy server
Cable modem
DSL modem
Repeater
Voice gateway
Media converter
Intrusion prevention system (IPS)/Intrusion detection system (IDS) device
Firewall
VPN headend

2. Networked Devices

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)phone
Printer
Physical access control devices
Cameras
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) sensors
Internet of Things (IoT)
- Refrigerator
- Smart speakers
- Smart thermostats
- Smart doorbells
Industrial Control systems/supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)

2.2 Compare and contrast routing technologies and bandwidth management concepts

1. Routing

Dynamic routing
- Protocols: Routing Internet Protocol (RIP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
- Link state vs distance vector vs hybrid
- Static routing
- Default route
- Administrative distance
- Exterior vs interior
- Time to live

2. Bandwidth management

Traffic shaping
Quality of service (QoS)

2.3 Given a scenario, configure and deploy common Ethernet switching features

1. Ethernet switching features

Data virtual local area network (VLAN)
Voice VLAN
Port configurations
- Port tagging/802.1Q
- Port Aggregation
  - Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
- Duplex
- Speed
- Flow control
- Port mirroring
- Port security
- Jumbo frames
- Auto-medium-dependent interface crossover (MDI-X)
  - Media access control (MAC)address tables
  - Power over Ethernet (PoE)/Power over Ethernet plus (PoE+)
  - Spanning Tree Protocol
  - Carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD)

2. Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)

3. Neighbor Discovery Protocol

2.4 Given a scenario, install and configure the appropriate wireless standards and technologies

1. 802.11 standards

a
b
g
n (WiFi 4)
ac (WiFi 5)
ax (WiFi 6)

2. Frequencies and range

2.4GHz
5GHz

3. Channels

Regulatory impacts

4. Channel bonding

5. Service set Identifier (SSID)

Basic service set
Extended service set
Independent basic service set (Ad-hoc)
Roaming

6. Antenna types

Omni
Directional

7. Encryption standards

WiFi Protected Access (WPA)/ WPA2 Personal [Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)/ Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)]
WPA/WPA2 Enterprise (AES/TKIP)

8. Cellular technologies

Code-division multiple Access (CDMA)
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
Long-Term Evolution (LTE)
3G, 4G, 5G

9. Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO)and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO)

Earn your Network+ certification, guaranteed!

Enroll in an upcoming live online boot camp and earn your CompTIA Network+, guaranteed.

Get Pricing

Network+ Domain 2

Network+ is one of the most recognizable Networking certifications on the market today. To earn this certification, you first have to pass the cert exam. The exam contains 5 Domains of knowledge, with Domain 2.0 covering Network Implementations. This article will prove to be a good start in building your exam preparation outline for Domain 2.0.

Sources

Network+ Certification Exam Objectives, CompTIA
Network+ N10-007 vs. N10-008: What’s the Difference?, CompTIA

Posted: February 8, 2022

Greg Belding

View Profile

Greg is a Veteran IT Professional working in the Healthcare field. He enjoys Information Security, creating Information Defensive Strategy, and writing – both as a Cybersecurity Blogger as well as for fun.