Network+ Mastery Course: Unlocking the Power of Networking Fundamentals for Success
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Objective 1: Networking Fundamentals
{{< figure src="networking-fundamentals-osi-model.png" alt="An informative graphic displaying interconnected network nodes, illustrating the OSI model layers and their functions. Each layer is color-coded and labeled, creating a visual guide for understanding the layers and their interactions." caption="Navigating the Network Layers: A Visual Guide to OSI Model Fundamentals." >}}
Introduction to Networking Fundamentals
Introduction to the importance of Networking Fundamentals
Overview of the OSI model and encapsulation concepts
Exploring network topologies and their characteristics
Detailed explanation of the seven layers of the OSI model
Functions, protocols, and examples associated with each layer
Emphasizing the role of encapsulation in data transmission
Exploring various network topologies: bus, star, ring, mesh, and hybrid
Advantages, disadvantages, and use cases for each topology
Discussing the impact of topology on network performance and fault tolerance
Comparing and contrasting LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN, and WLAN
Understanding the scope and typical use cases for each network type
Differentiating between client-server and peer-to-peer networks
Cables, Connectors, and IP Addressing
Overview of different cable types and their appropriate usage
Explaining connectors, termination standards, and fiber types
Configuring subnets and understanding IP addressing schemes
Ports, Protocols, and Network Services
Explaining common ports and protocols and their applications
Introducing encrypted alternatives for secure communication
Understanding IP protocol types and connection-oriented vs. connectionless
Network Services, Connectivity Options, and Architecture
Exploring DHCP, DNS, and NTP services and their functionalities
Understanding basic corporate and datacenter network architecture
Summarizing cloud concepts and connectivity options
Explaining different connection types in storage area networks
Discussing Fibre Channel, FCoE, and iSCSI technologies
Cloud Computing and Infrastructure Concepts
Understanding deployment models: public, private, hybrid, and community
Explaining service models: SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, and DaaS
Introduction to infrastructure as code and its importance in automation
Exploring security implications in cloud computing and multitenancy
Understanding the concepts of elasticity and scalability in networks
Highlighting the importance of network security measures
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Objective 2: Network Implementations
{{< figure src="network-devices-management.png" alt="An image depicting a network technician managing a control panel with various networking devices, such as routers, switches, and access points. The technician is connecting cables, configuring settings, and optimizing network performance. The devices are labeled and color-coded for clarity." caption="Mastering the Network: Efficient Management of Networking Devices." >}}
Introduction to Networking Devices
Overview of networking devices and their roles
Explanation of Layer 2 switches, routers, hubs, access points, etc.
Comparison of various networking devices and their features
Routing Technologies and Concepts
Understanding dynamic routing protocols: RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP
Explaining link state, distance vector, and hybrid routing protocols
Configuration and usage of static routing and default routes
Bandwidth Management and QoS
Introduction to bandwidth management and traffic shaping
Explaining quality of service (QoS) principles and techniques
Implementation of QoS for prioritizing network traffic
Ethernet Switching Features and Configurations
Configuration and deployment of VLANs and Voice VLANs
Explaining port configurations, tagging, and aggregation
Implementation of port security, mirroring, and jumbo frames
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) and Neighbor Discovery Protocol
Understanding ARP and its role in resolving IP addresses to MAC addresses
Explaining Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP) in IPv6 networks
Troubleshooting common issues related to ARP and NDP
Wireless Standards and Technologies
Exploring different 802.11 standards: a, b, g, n, ac, ax
Frequencies, range, and channel bonding in wireless networks
Overview of antenna types, encryption standards, and SSID configurations
Cellular Technologies and Wireless Communication
Understanding cellular technologies: CDMA, GSM, LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G
Exploring the concepts of MIMO and MU-MIMO in wireless communication
Analyzing the advancements and implications of cellular networks
Objective 3: Network Operations
{{< figure src="network-performance-monitoring.png" alt="An image showcasing a network operations center (NOC) with multiple screens displaying real-time performance metrics, logs, and environmental sensor data. Technicians are monitoring and managing the network's performance and addressing any issues. The NOC is well-organized and equipped with advanced monitoring tools." caption="Optimizing Network Performance: Inside the Network Operations Center (NOC)." >}}
Performance Monitoring and Management
Introduction to performance metrics and sensors
Understanding device/chassis performance metrics
Monitoring temperature, CPU usage, and memory
Network metrics: bandwidth, latency, and jitter
Overview of SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
Using traps, OIDs, and MIBs for monitoring
Network Logs and Logging
Importance of network device logs
Log reviews and their significance
Types of logs: traffic logs, audit logs, syslog
Logging levels/severity levels
Interface statistics/status and their interpretation
Monitoring interface errors or alerts
Environmental Factors and Sensors
Monitoring environmental factors: temperature, humidity, electrical
Importance of monitoring flooding and its impact on the network
Baselines and their significance in network monitoring
Overview of NetFlow data for network analysis
Tracking network uptime and downtime
Plans, Procedures, and Policies
Introduction to plans and procedures in network operations
Change management and its role in maintaining network stability
Incident response plan, disaster recovery plan, and business continuity plan
System life cycle and its impact on network operations
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for network management
Documentation and Policies
Importance of organizational documents and policies
Overview of common documentation: network diagrams, wiring diagrams
Site survey reports and audit/assessment reports
Baseline configurations and their role in network management
Understanding common agreements: NDA, SLA, MOU
Network Availability and Resilience
Explaining high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) concepts
Load balancing and its role in ensuring network availability
Multipathing and NIC teaming for redundancy
Redundant hardware and clustering for improved network resilience
Facilities and infrastructure support for network uptime
Backup and Restore
Importance of network device backup and restore
Backing up and restoring device state and configuration
Understanding the different recovery sites: cold, warm, hot, and cloud
Implementing redundancy and high availability (HA) mechanisms
MTTR, MTBF, RTO, and RPO in network operations
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Objective 4: Network Network Security
{{< figure src="network-security-administration.png" alt="An image illustrating a network administrator configuring a network firewall, implementing access control lists (ACLs), and managing patch and firmware updates on network devices. The administrator is working diligently to enhance network security and protect against vulnerabilities." caption="Strengthening Network Security: Administrator's Vigilance in Action." >}}
Network Hardening Techniques
Introduction to network hardening
Best practices for network hardening
Securing SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
Implementing Router Advertisement (RA) Guard
Configuring port security and dynamic ARP inspection
Control plane policing and private VLANs
Physical Security and Its Importance
Understanding the significance of physical security
Implementing best practices for physical security
Securing switchports and disabling unneeded services
Changing default passwords and enforcing password complexity
Implementing DHCP snooping and changing default VLAN
Patch and Firmware Management
Importance of patch and firmware management in network security
Best practices for managing patches and firmware updates
Configuring access control lists and role-based access
Understanding firewall rules and implicit/explicit deny
Wireless security considerations and best practices
Wireless Security and IoT Access
Implementing MAC filtering and proper antenna placement
Setting appropriate power levels for wireless networks
Configuring wireless client isolation and guest network isolation
Understanding preshared keys (PSKs) and EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol)
Exploring geofencing and captive portal for enhanced wireless security
Considerations for IoT access and securing IoT devices
Detection and Prevention Methods
Exploring various detection methods for network security
Implementing camera-based detection and motion detection
Using asset tags and tamper detection mechanisms
Employee training and its role in prevention
Implementing access control hardware such as badge readers and biometrics
Importance of locking racks, cabinets, and access control vestibules
Asset Disposal and Sanitization
Best practices for asset disposal in network security
Performing factory reset and wiping configurations
Sanitizing devices before disposal to ensure data security
Proper methods for disposing of network assets securely
Objective 5: Network Troubleshooting
{{< figure src="network-troubleshooting-technician.png" alt="An image showcasing a network technician using diagnostic tools, such as a cable tester and a laptop with network software tools, to troubleshoot and resolve network connectivity issues. The technician is surrounded by a network rack and cables." caption="Network Troubleshooting in Action: Technician Resolving Connectivity Issues." >}}
Network Troubleshooting Methodology
Introduction to network troubleshooting
Identify the problem: Gathering information, questioning users, and determining symptoms
Establish a theory of probable cause: Considering multiple approaches and using the OSI model
Test the theory to determine the cause: Confirming or reestablishing theories
Establish a plan of action: Resolving the problem and identifying potential effects
Implement the solution or escalate: Fixing the problem or escalating as necessary
Verify full system functionality: Ensuring the problem is resolved and implementing preventive measures
Document findings, actions, outcomes, and lessons learned
Troubleshooting Cable Connectivity Issues
Common cable considerations: Throughput, speed, and distance
Understanding shielded and unshielded cables, plenum, and riser-rated cables
Exploring cable applications: Rollover/console cables, crossover cables, and Power over Ethernet
Troubleshooting common cable issues: Attenuation, interference, incorrect pinout, bad ports, open/short, and more
Essential tools for cable troubleshooting: Cable crimper, punchdown tool, tone generator, cable tester, and more
Network Software Tools and Commands
Exploring essential network software tools: WiFi analyzer, protocol analyzer, bandwidth speed tester, and more
Understanding command line tools: ping, ipconfig/ifconfig/ip, nslookup/dig, traceroute/tracert, and more
Basic network platform commands for troubleshooting: show interface, show config, show route, and more
Considerations when using network software tools and commands: Device configuration review, routing tables, and more
Troubleshooting General Networking Issues
Common networking issues: Collisions, broadcast storms, duplicate MAC/IP addresses, asymmetrical routing, and more
Troubleshooting techniques for specific issues: Switching loops, routing loops, DHCP server issues, and more
Network performance considerations and baselines
Addressing security-related issues: Firewall settings, blocked services/ports/addresses, and more
Exploring DNS, NTP, BYOD, and licensed feature challenges