Network+ 2009 Released!

Domain % of Examination
1.0 Network Technologies 20%
2.0 Network Media and Topologies 20%
3.0 Network Devices 17%
4.0 Network Management 20%
5.0 Network Tools 12%
6.0 Network Security 11%
Total 100%

The new exam objectives are close to the older one except for the following changes:
1.5 Identify common IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols

• Link state

1. OSPF
2. IS-IS

• Distance vector

1. RIP
2. RIPv2
3. BGP

• Hybrid

1. EIGRP

1.6 Explain the purpose and properties of routing

• IGP vs. EGP
• Static vs. dynamic
• Next hop
• Understanding routing tables and how they pertain to path selection
• Explain convergence (steady state)

1.1 Explain the function of common networking protocols

• SIP (VoIP)
• RTP (VoIP)
• SNMP2/3
• ICMP
• IGMP
• TLS

2.6 Categorize LAN technology types and properties
Types:

• Ethernet
• 10BaseT
• 100BaseTX
• 100BaseFX
• 1000BaseT
• 1000BaseX
• 10GBaseSR
• 10GBaseLR
• 10GBaseER
• 10GBaseSW
• 10GBaseLW
• 10GBaseEW
• 10GBaseT

Properties

• CSMA/CD
• Broadcast
• Collision
• Bonding
• Speed
• Distance

2.8 Install components of wiring distribution

• Vertical and horizontal cross connects
• Patch panels
• 66 block
• MDFs
• IDFs
• 25 pair
• 100 pair
• 110 block
• Demarc
• Demarc extension
• Smart jack
• Verify wiring installation
• Verify wiring termination

3.2 Identify the functions of specialized network devices

• Multilayer switch
• Content switch
• IDS/IPS
• Load balancer
• Multifunction network devices
• DNS server
• Bandwidth shaper
• Proxy server
• CSU/DSU

3.3 Explain the advanced features of a switch

• PoE
• Spanning tree
• VLAN
• Trunking
• Port mirroring
• Port authentication

4.2 Identify types of configuration management documentation

• Wiring schematics

• Physical and logical network diagrams
• Baselines
• Policies, procedures and configurations
• Regulations

4.5 Explain different methods and rationales for network performance
optimization
Methods:

• QoS
• Traffic shaping
• Load balancing
• High availability
• Caching engines
• Fault tolerance

Reasons:

• Latency sensitivity
• High bandwidth applications
• VoIP
• Video applications
• Uptime

4.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common connectivity issues and select an
appropriate solution
Physical issues:

• Cross talk
• Nearing crosstalk
• Near End crosstalk
• Attenuation
• Collisions
• Shorts
• Open impedance mismatch (echo)
• Interference
• Logical issues:
• Port speed
• Port duplex mismatch
• Incorrect VLAN
• Incorrect IP address
• Wrong gateway
• Wrong DNS
• Wrong subnet mask

Issues that should be identified but escalated:

• Switching loop
• Routing loop
• Route problems
• Proxy arp
• Broadcast storms

Wireless Issues:

• Interference (bleed, environmental factors)
• Incorrect encryption
• Incorrect channel
• Incorrect frequency
• ESSID mismatch
• Standard mismatch (802.11 a/b/g/n)
• Distance
• Bounce
• Incorrect antenna placement

5.2 Explain the purpose of network scanners

• Packet sniffers
• Intrusion detection software
• Intrusion prevention software
• Port scanners

5.3 Given a scenario, utilize the appropriate hardware tools

• Cable testers
• Protocol analyzer
• Certifiers
• TDR
• OTDR
• Multimeter
• Toner probe
• Butt set
• Punch down tool
• Cable stripper
• Snips
• Voltage event recorder
• Temperature monitor

6.1 Explain the function of hardware and software security devices

• Network based firewall
• Host based firewall
• IDS
• IPS
• VPN concentrator

6.2 Explain common features of a firewall

• Application layer vs. network layer
• Stateful vs. stateless
• Scanning services
• Content filtering
• Signature identification
• Zones