Why Network+ Is the Industry Networking Standard
CompTIA Network+ is the vendor-neutral networking certification that validates foundational skills for IT networking careers. Required for many network administrator and support roles, Network+ proves you can design, configure, and troubleshoot networks.
Who This Guide Is For
- A+ certified professionals advancing their careers
- Help desk staff moving to network administration
- Career changers entering IT networking
- Anyone seeking vendor-neutral networking validation
The N10-009 Exam Structure
Exam Overview (Current Version)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Questions | Maximum 90 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Format | Multiple choice + PBQs |
| Passing Score | 720/900 |
| Cost | $369 |
Domain Distribution
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Networking Concepts | 23% |
| Network Implementation | 19% |
| Network Operations | 16% |
| Network Security | 19% |
| Network Troubleshooting | 23% |
Domain 1: Networking Concepts (23%)
OSI Model
Memorize all seven layers:
| Layer | Name | Function | Protocols/Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | User interface | HTTP, SMTP, FTP |
| 6 | Presentation | Data formatting | SSL, JPEG, ASCII |
| 5 | Session | Connection management | NetBIOS, RPC |
| 4 | Transport | End-to-end delivery | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Routing | IP, ICMP, routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Node-to-node | Ethernet, switches |
| 1 | Physical | Bits on wire | Cables, hubs |
TCP/IP Model
- Application (OSI 5-7)
- Transport (OSI 4)
- Internet (OSI 3)
- Network Access (OSI 1-2)
Common Ports
Memorize these critical ports:
| Port | Service | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| 20/21 | FTP | TCP |
| 22 | SSH | TCP |
| 23 | Telnet | TCP |
| 25 | SMTP | TCP |
| 53 | DNS | TCP/UDP |
| 67/68 | DHCP | UDP |
| 80 | HTTP | TCP |
| 110 | POP3 | TCP |
| 143 | IMAP | TCP |
| 443 | HTTPS | TCP |
| 3389 | RDP | TCP |
IP Addressing and Subnetting
IPv4 Classes:
- Class A: 1.0.0.0 - 126.255.255.255 (/8)
- Class B: 128.0.0.0 - 191.255.255.255 (/16)
- Class C: 192.0.0.0 - 223.255.255.255 (/24)
Subnetting Skills:
- Calculate network/host portions
- Determine valid host ranges
- CIDR notation conversion
Domain 2: Network Implementation (19%)
Network Devices
Switches:
- Managed vs. unmanaged
- VLANs and trunking
- Port mirroring
- PoE
Routers:
- Static vs. dynamic routing
- NAT and PAT
- DHCP relay
- ACLs
Wireless:
- Standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- Channels and frequencies
- WPA2/WPA3 configuration
Cable Types
| Type | Max Distance | Speed | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat5e | 100m | 1 Gbps | Standard networks |
| Cat6 | 100m (55m for 10G) | 10 Gbps | High-speed |
| Cat6a | 100m | 10 Gbps | Data centers |
| Fiber MMF | 550m-2km | 10+ Gbps | Buildings |
| Fiber SMF | 10km+ | 10+ Gbps | Long haul |
Domain 3: Network Operations (16%)
Documentation
- Network diagrams (physical, logical)
- IP address management
- Change management procedures
- Baseline documentation
Monitoring
- SNMP basics
- Syslog
- Network monitoring tools
- Performance baselines
High Availability
- Load balancing concepts
- Failover and redundancy
- Clustering
- Backup and recovery
Domain 4: Network Security (19%)
Security Concepts
CIA Triad:
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Availability
Common Attacks:
- DoS/DDoS
- Man-in-the-middle
- Spoofing
- Phishing
Security Devices
- Firewalls (stateful, stateless)
- IDS/IPS
- VPN concentrators
- Proxy servers
Wireless Security
- WPA2-Enterprise vs. Personal
- 802.1X authentication
- RADIUS servers
- Evil twin attacks
Domain 5: Network Troubleshooting (23%)
This is the largest domain. Master the methodology.
Troubleshooting Methodology
- Identify the problem
- Establish a theory
- Test the theory
- Establish a plan of action
- Implement the solution
- Verify functionality
- Document findings
Common Tools
Software:
- ping, tracert/traceroute
- nslookup, dig
- ipconfig/ifconfig
- netstat
- nmap
Hardware:
- Cable tester
- Multimeter
- Tone generator
- Wi-Fi analyzer
Common Issues
Layer 1:
- Cable faults
- Interface errors
- Power issues
Layer 2:
- VLAN misconfigurations
- Duplex mismatch
- STP issues
Layer 3:
- Routing problems
- IP conflicts
- Subnet misconfiguration
The 6-Week Study Plan
Weeks 1-2: Networking Fundamentals
- OSI and TCP/IP models
- IP addressing and subnetting
- Common protocols and ports
- 50 practice questions
Weeks 3-4: Implementation and Operations
- Network devices and cables
- Wireless configuration
- Monitoring and documentation
- Hands-on labs
Weeks 5-6: Security, Troubleshooting, and Review
- Security concepts and devices
- Troubleshooting methodology
- 2 full practice exams
- Weak area review
Hands-On Practice
Lab Options
- Packet Tracer (free from Cisco)
- GNS3 (network simulation)
- Home lab with managed switches
- Virtual networking
Essential Skills
- Configure IP addresses and subnets
- Set up VLANs on a managed switch
- Configure basic routing
- Use troubleshooting commands
- Analyze network traffic
Study Resources
Official Materials
- CompTIA Network+ Certification Guide
- CertMaster Practice
Third-Party Resources
- Professor Messer’s Network+ (free videos)
- Mike Meyers’ Network+ Guide
- Jason Dion’s practice exams
Career Impact
Immediate Benefits
- Role Access: Network Administrator, Support Engineer
- Salary Range: $55,000-$75,000
- DoD Compliance: Meets 8570 II requirements
Career Pathways
Networking Track:
- Network+ → CCNA → CCNP
Security Track:
- Network+ → Security+ → CySA+
Common Roles
- Network Administrator
- Network Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Tier 2/3
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not memorizing ports. They’re tested directly
- Weak subnetting skills. Practice until it’s automatic
- Ignoring PBQs. They’re worth significant points
- Skipping the methodology. Troubleshooting questions follow it
The Bottom Line
Network+ at $369 is a solid investment for networking careers. It’s vendor-neutral, widely recognized, and provides the foundation for advanced networking certifications.
Master subnetting, memorize critical ports, and practice troubleshooting scenarios. Your networking career accelerates here.