Introduction

If you are like the rest of the networking community, you probably have many certifications. Certification is one of the best things you can do for your career in the computer or networking field. It proves that you know what you’re talking about when it comes to the area in which you are certified.

In this book, you’ll find out what the Network+ exam is all about. Each chapter covers a part of the exam. At the end of each chapter, there are review questions to help you prepare for the exam.

What Is the Network+ Certification?

Network+ is a certification developed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). This organization exists to provide resources and education for the computer and technology community. This is the same body that developed the A+ exam for computer technicians. Back in 1995, they convened to develop a new certification that tests skills for Information Technology (IT). To ensure industry-wide support, it was sponsored by many IT industry leaders, including:

• Compaq Computers

• Digital Equipment Corporation (a part of Compaq)

• IBM

• Lotus

• Microsoft

• Novell

• TSS

• U.S. Robotics

• US West

• Wave Technologies

The Network+ exam was designed to test the skills of network technicians with 18 to 24 months of experience in the field. It tests areas of networking technologies such as the definition of a protocol, the OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) model and its layers, and the concepts of network design and implementation—such as which items are required for a network and the prerequisites for installation. In addition, it covers troubleshooting concepts and how-tos.