Know the difference between workgroups and domains. A workgroup is often referred to as a peer-to-peer network, and there is no centralized administration. A domain is a server-based network; the server (often called a domain controller) manages user accounts and security for the network. Workgroups are best suited for networks with 10 or fewer computers and low security requirements.

Know the difference between a LAN, a WAN, a PAN, and a MAN. A LAN is a local area network, which typically means a network in one centralized location. A WAN is a wide area network, which means several LANs in remote locations connected to each other.

A PAN is a small Bluetooth network. A network that spans an area such as a city or a campus is a MAN.

Understand the difference between a patch cable and a crossover cable. Patch cables are used to connect hosts to a switch or a hub. Crossover cables switch pins 1 and 3 and 2 and 6 on one end. They are used to connect hubs to hubs, switches to switches, hosts to hosts, and hosts to routers.

Know what hubs, switches, and routers are. These are all network connectivity devices. Hubs and switches are used to connect several computers or groups of computers to each other. Routers are more complex devices that are often used to connect network segments or networks to each other.

Know what types of cables are used in networking and the connectors for each. Common network cables include coaxial, STP, UTP (Category 5/5e and Category 6), and fiber-optic. Coax cables use BNC connectors, STP and UTP use RJ-45 connectors, and fiber-optic uses ST, SC, and LC connectors. (You may also be tested on phone connectors, which are called RJ-11.)

Understand network topologies. Network topologies are bus, star, ring, mesh, and hybrid.