Chapter 3. Domain 3 Network Implementation

COMPTIA NETWORK+ EXAM OBJECTIVES COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER:

• 3.1 Identify the basic capabilities (For example: client support, interoperability, authentication, file and print services, application support and security) of the following server operating systems to access network resources:

  • UNIX / Linux / Mac OS X Server

  • NetWare

  • Windows

  • Appleshare IP (Internet Protocol)

• 3.2 Identify the basic capabilities needed for client workstations to connect to and use network resources (For example: media, network protocols and peer and server services).

• 3.3 Identify the appropriate tool for a given wiring task (For example: wire crimper, media tester / certifier, punch down tool or tone generator).

• 3.4 Given a remote connectivity scenario comprised of a protocol, an authentication scheme, and physical connectivity, configure the connection. Includes connection to the following servers:

  • UNIX / Linux / MAC OS X Server

  • NetWare

  • Windows

  • Appleshare IP (Internet Protocol)

• 3.5 Identify the purpose, benefits and characteristics of using a firewall.

• 3.6 Identify the purpose, benefits and characteristics of using a proxy service.

• 3.7 Given a connectivity scenario, determine the impact on network functionality of a particular security implementation (For example: port blocking / filtering, authentication and encryption).

• 3.8 Identify the main characteristics of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks).

• 3.9 Identify the main characteristics and purpose of extranets and intranets.

• 3.10 Identify the purpose, benefits and characteristics of using antivirus software.

• 3.11 Identify the purpose and characteristics of fault tolerance:

  • Power

  • Link redundancy

  • Storage

  • Services

• 3.12 Identify the purpose and characteristics of disaster recovery:

  • Backup / restore

  • Offsite storage

  • Hot and cold spares

  • Hot, warm and cold sites

All of the theory and "book knowledge" in the world will do you no good if you don't know how to apply what you have learned. Likewise, it is much easier to remember facts for the test if you can connect them to some real-world understanding of a subject. Being able to put together and manage a network takes more than just an understanding of the pieces that make up the network; you also need to understand how the pieces work together.

In particular, you should understand the most common server and client operating systems and know how they work together. You should also be familiar with the components that create or control connectivity such as wiring, authentication and encryption protocols, proxies, and so on. Finally, you should know how to protect your network with firewalls, fault-tolerance strategies, and disaster-recovery methods.

In this chapter on network implementation, we discuss all of these concepts in detail. We also focus on how they relate to one another in the construction and management of a network. At the end of this chapter, you should be more familiar with each of these components and their relation to establishing and maintaining a functional network.