CompTIA Network+ Exam N10 005 Training Kit

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CompTIA Network+: Exam N10-005
Objective

chapter

1.0
1.1

1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7
1.8

1.9
2.0
2.1

2.2

2.3
2.4

2.5

2.6

NetwOrk cONcepts (21 perceNt)
Compare the layers of the OSI and TCP/IP models: OSI model (Layer 1 – Physical, Layer 2 – Data link,

Layer 3 – Network, Layer 4 – Transport, Layer 5 – Session, Layer 6 – Presentation, Layer 7 – Application); TCP/IP model (Network Interface Layer, Internet Layer, Transport Layer, Application Layer
[Also described as: Link Layer, Internet Layer, Transport Layer, Application Layer])
Classify how applications, devices, and protocols relate to the OSI model layers: MAC address; IP
address; EUI-64; Frames; Packets; Switch; Router; Multilayer switch; Hub; Encryption devices; Cable;
NIC; Bridge
Explain the purpose and properties of IP addressing: Classes of addresses (A, B, C and D, Public vs.
Private); Classless (CIDR); IPv4 vs. IPv6 (formatting); MAC address format; Subnetting; Multicast vs.
unicast vs. broadcast; APIPA
Explain the purpose and properties of routing and switching: EIGRP; OSPF; RIP; Link state vs.
distance vector vs. hybrid; Static vs. dynamic; Routing metrics (Hop counts, MTU, bandwidth, Costs,
Latency); Next hop; Spanning-Tree Protocol; VLAN (802.1q); Port mirroring; Broadcast domain vs.
collision domain; IGP vs. EGP; Routing tables; Convergence (steady state)
Identify common TCP and UDP default ports: SMTP – 25; HTTP – 80; HTTPS – 443; FTP – 20, 21;
TELNET – 23; IMAP – 143; RDP – 3389; SSH – 22; DNS – 53; DHCP – 67, 68
Explain the function of common networking protocols: TCP; FTP; UDP; TCP/IP suite; DHCP; TFTP;
DNS; HTTPS; HTTP; ARP; SIP (VoIP); RTP (VoIP); SSH; POP3; NTP; IMAP4; Telnet; SMTP; SNMP2/3;
ICMP; IGMP; TLS
Summarize DNS concepts and its components: DNS servers; DNS records (A, MX, AAAA, CNAME,
PTR); Dynamic DNS
Given a scenario, implement the following network troubleshooting methodology: Identify the

problem (Information gathering, Identify symptoms, Question users, Determine if anything has
changed); Establish a theory of probable cause (Question the obvious); Test the theory to determine cause (Once theory is confirmed determine next steps to resolve problem; If theory is not
confirmed, re-establish new theory or escalate); Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem
and identify potential effects; Implement the solution or escalate as necessary; Verify full system
functionality and if applicable implement preventative measures; Document findings, actions and
outcomes
Identify virtual network components: Virtual switches; Virtual desktops; Virtual servers; Virtual PBX;
Onsite vs. offsite; Network as a Service (NaaS)
NetwOrk iNstaLLatiON aND cONFiGUratiON (23 perceNt)
Given a scenario, install and configure routers and switches: Routing tables; NAT; PAT; VLAN (trunking); Managed vs. unmanaged; Interface configurations (Full duplex, Half duplex, Port speeds, IP
addressing, MAC filtering); PoE; Traffic filtering; Diagnostics; VTP configuration; QoS; Port mirroring
Given a scenario, install and configure a wireless network: WAP placement; Antenna types; Interference; Frequencies; Channels; Wireless standards; SSID (enable/disable); Compatibility (802.11
a/b/g/n)
Explain the purpose and properties of DHCP: Static vs. dynamic IP addressing; Reservations; Scopes;
Leases; Options (DNS servers, suffixes)
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wireless problems: Interference; Signal strength; Configurations; Incompatibilities; Incorrect channel; Latency; Encryption type; Bounce; SSID mismatch;
Incorrect switch placement
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common router and switch problems: Switching loop; Bad cables/
improper cable types; Port configuration; VLAN assignment; Mismatched MTU/MTU black hole;
Power failure; Bad/missing routes; Bad modules (SFPs, GBICs); Wrong subnet mask; Wrong gateway;

Duplicate IP address; Wrong DNS
Given a set of requirements, plan and implement a basic SOHO network: List of requirements;
Cable length; Device types/requirements; Environment limitations; Equipment limitations; Compatibility requirements

1, 3, 6, 7

6

7

8
4, 6, 8, 9, 12

9
13

12

7


5

9
13

13

3, 4

exam Objectives The exam objectives listed here are current as of this book’s publication date. Exam objectives
are subject to change at any time without prior notice and at CompTIA’s sole discretion. Please visit the CompTIA
Certifications webpage for the most current listing of exam objectives: http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/
certifications.aspx.

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Objective

chapter


3.0
3.1

2

3.2
3.3
3.4

3.5
3.6

3.7

3.8
4.0
4.1
4.2

4.3


4.4
4.5
4.6

5.0
5.1
5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

NetwOrk meDia aND tOpOLOGies (17 perceNt)
Categorize standard media types and associated properties: Fiber (Multimode, Singlemode); Copper (UTP, STP, CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a, Coaxial, Crossover, T1 Crossover, Straight-through);
Plenum vs. non-plenum; Media converters (Singlemode fiber to Ethernet, Multimode fiber to Ethernet, Fiber to Coaxial, Singlemode to multimode fiber); Distance limitations and speed limitations;

Broadband over powerline
Categorize standard connector types based on network media: Fiber (ST, SC, LC, MTRJ); Copper
(RJ-45, RJ-11, BNC, F-connector, DB-9 [RS-232], Patch panel, 110 block [T568A, T568B])
Compare and contrast different wireless standards: 802.11 a/b/g/n standards (Distance, Speed,
Latency, Frequency, Channels, MIMO, Channel bonding)
Categorize WAN technology types and properties: Types (T1/E1, T3/E3, DS3, OCx, SONET, SDH,
DWDM, Satellite, ISDN, Cable, DSL, Cellular, WiMAX, LTE, HSPA+, Fiber, Dialup, PON, Frame relay,
ATMs); Properties (Circuit switch, Packet switch, Speed, Transmission media, Distance)
Describe different network topologies: MPLS; Point to point; Point to multipoint; Ring; Star; Mesh;
Bus; Peer-to-peer; Client-server; Hybrid
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common physical connectivity problems: Cable problems (Bad
connectors; Bad wiring; Open; short; Split cables; DB loss; TXRX reversed; Cable placement; EMI/
Interference; Distance; Cross-talk)
Compare and contrast different LAN technologies: Types (Ethernet, 10BaseT, 100BaseT, 1000BaseT,
100BaseTX, 100BaseFX, 1000BaseX, 10GBaseSR, 10GBaseLR, 10GBaseER, 10GBaseSW, 10GBaseLW,
10GBaseEW, 10GBaseT); Properties (CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA, Broadcast, Collision, Bonding, Speed,
Distance)
Identify components of wiring distribution: IDF, MDF, Demarc, Demarc extension, Smart jack, CSU/
DSU
NetwOrk maNaGemeNt (20 perceNt)

Explain the purpose and features of various network appliances: Load balancer; Proxy server; Content filter; VPN concentrator
Given a scenario, use appropriate hardware tools to troubleshoot connectivity issues: Cable tester;
Cable certifier; Crimper; Butt set; Toner probe; Punch down tool; Protocol analyzer; Loop back plug;
TDR; OTDR; Multimeter; Environmental monitor
Given a scenario, use appropriate software tools to troubleshoot connectivity issues: Protocol analyzer; Throughput testers; Connectivity software; Ping; Tracert/traceroute; Dig; Ipconfig/ifconfig;
Nslookup; Arp; Nbtstat; Netstat; Route
Given a scenario, use the appropriate network monitoring resource to analyze traffic: SNMP;
SNMPv2; SNMPv3; Syslog; System logs; History logs; General logs; Traffic analysis; Network sniffer
Describe the purpose of configuration management documentation: Wire schemes; Network maps;
Documentation; Cable management; Asset management; Baselines; Change management
Explain different methods and rationales for network performance optimization: Methods (QoS,
Traffic shaping, Load balancing, High availability, Caching engines, Fault tolerance, CARP); Reasons
(Latency sensitivity, High bandwidth applications [VoIP, video applications, unified communications], Uptime)
NetwOrk secUritY (19 perceNt)
Given a scenario, implement appropriate wireless security measures: Encryption protocols (WEP,
WPA, WPA2, WPA Enterprise); MAC address filtering; Device placement; Signal strength
Explain the methods of network access security: ACL (MAC filtering, IP filtering, Port filtering);
Tunneling and encryption (SSL VPN, VPN, L2TP, PPTP, IPSec, ISAKMP, TLS, TLS2.0, Site-to-site and
client-to-site); Remote access (RAS, RDP, PPPoE, PPP, ICA, SSH)
Explain methods of user authentication: PKI; Kerberos; AAA (RADIUS, TACACS+); Network access

control (802.1x, posture assessment); CHAP; MS-CHAP; EAP; Two-factor authentication; Multifactor
authentication; Single sign-on
Explain common threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques: Wireless (War driving, War
chalking, WEP cracking, WPA cracking, Evil twin, Rogue access point); Attacks (DoS, DDoS, Man in
the middle, Social engineering, Virus, Worms, Buffer overflow, Packet sniffing, FTP bounce, Smurf);
Mitigation techniques (Training and awareness, Patch management, Policies and procedures,
Incident response)
Given a scenario, install and configure a basic firewall: Types (Software and hardware firewalls); Port
security; Stateful inspection vs. packet filtering; Firewall rules (Block/allow, Implicit deny, ACL); NAT/
PAT; DMZ
Categorize different types of network security appliances and methods: IDS and IPS (Behavior
based, Signature based, Network based, Host based); Vulnerability scanners (NESSUS, NMAP);
Methods (Honeypots, Honeynets)

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CompTIA Network+
Exam N10-005
Training Kit

Craig Zacker

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Published with the authorization of Microsoft Corporation by:
O’Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North
Sebastopol, California 95472
Copyright © 2012 by Craig Zacker
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this book may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of
the publisher.
ISBN: 978-0-7356-6275-9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 QG 7 6 5 4 3 2
Printed and bound in the United States of America.
Microsoft Press books are available through booksellers and distributors
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Microsoft and the trademarks listed at http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/
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copyeditor: Kathy Krause, Online Training Solutions, Inc.
indexer: Angela Howard
cover Design: Twist Creative • Seattle
cover composition: Karen Montgomery
illustrator: Rebecca Demarest

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Contents at a Glance
Introduction

xix

ChApTEr 1

Networking Basics

1

ChApTEr 2

The physical Layer

43

ChApTEr 3

Network Devices

101

ChApTEr 4

The Data-Link Layer

141

ChApTEr 5

Wireless Networking

191

ChApTEr 6

The Network Layer

229

ChApTEr 7

routing and Switching

291

ChApTEr 8

The Transport Layer

339

ChApTEr 9

The Application Layer

369

ChApTEr 10

Wide Area Networking

445

ChApTEr 11

Network Security

483

ChApTEr 12

Network Management

541

ChApTEr 13

Network Troubleshooting

583

Glossary

637

Index

655

About the Author

681

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Contents
introduction

chapter 1

xix

System Requirements

xix

Using the Companion CD

xx

Support & Feedback

xxi

Preparing for the Exam

xxii

Networking basics

1

Network Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
LANs and WANs

3

Signals and Protocols

5

Packet Switching and Circuit Switching

8

Client/Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks

9

The OSI Reference Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Protocol Interaction

12

Data Encapsulation

13

The Physical Layer

16

The Data-Link Layer

18

The Network Layer

22

The Transport Layer

25

The Session Layer

29

The Presentation Layer

31

The Application Layer

32

What do you think of this book? We want to hear from you!
Microsoft is interested in hearing your feedback so we can continually improve our
books and learning resources for you. To participate in a brief online survey, please visit:

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vii

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The TCP/IP Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
The Link Layer

35

The Internet Layer

36

The Transport Layer

36

The Application Layer

37

Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

chapter 2

Exercise

40

Chapter Review

40

the physical Layer

43

Cables and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Copper Cable Types

46

Fiber Optic Cable

55

Power Line Networking

57

Media Converters

58

Topologies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Cable Topologies

59

Multiprotocol Label Switching

67

Cabling Standards

68

Installing Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Installing External Cables

70

Installing Internal Cables

73

Connecting to the Backbone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

viii

Exercise

99

Chapter Review

99

contents

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chapter 3

Network Devices

101

Network Interface Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Network Interface Adapter Functions

108

Optional Network Adapter Functions

109

Purchasing Network Interface Adapters

112

Installing a Network Interface Adapter

114

Troubleshooting a Network Interface Adapter

116

At the Other End of the Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Using Repeaters

117

Using Hubs

118

Using Bridges

122

Using Routers

124

Using Switches

129

Using Multifunction Devices

135

Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

chapter 4

Exercise

139

Chapter Review

139

the Data-Link Layer

141

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Ethernet Standards

143

Ethernet Components

145

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
PPP Standards

170

The PPP Frame

171

Authentication Protocols

175

The IPCP Frame

176

PPP Connection Establishment

177

contents

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ix

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
ARP Message Format

181

ARP Transactions

183

Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

chapter 5

Exercise

189

Chapter Review

190

wireless Networking

191

Wireless LAN Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Building a Wireless Standard

193

IEEE 802.11 Standards

194

Wireless LAN Architecture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
The Physical Layer

201

The Data-Link Layer

210

Installing a Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Examining the Site

215

Selecting Hardware

217

Installing and Configuring Wireless Hardware

222

Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

chapter 6

Exercise

226

Chapter Review

226

the Network Layer

229

Internet Protocol (IP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

x

IP Standards

231

IP Versions

232

IP Functions

233

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IPv4 Addressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
IPv4 Address Assignments

235

IPv4 Address Classes

236

IPv4 Address Types

237

Subnet Masking

238

Classless Inter-Domain Routing

243

Registered and Unregistered Addresses

245

Obtaining IP Addresses

247

Assigning IPv4 Addresses

248

IPv6 Addressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
IPv6 Address Types

251

IPv6 Address Assignment

260

Data Encapsulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
The IPv4 Datagram Format

264

The IPv6 Datagram Format

268

IPv4 Fragmentation

271

IPv6 Fragmentation

272

IP Routing

273

Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
ICMPv4

273

ICMPv6

280

Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Scenario #1

285

Scenario #2

285

Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Exercises

288

Chapter Review

288

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xi

chapter 7

routing and switching

291

Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
What Is Routing?

293

Router Functions

294

Router Products

297

Understanding Routing Tables

298

Routing in IPv6

308

Routing and ICMP

308

Routing and Network Address Translation

309

Static and Dynamic Routing

313

Switching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Routing vs. Switching

328

Configuring VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)

332

Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

333

Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Scenario #1

334

Scenario #2

334

Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

chapter 8

Exercises

337

Chapter Review

337

the transport Layer

339

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
The TCP Header

341

TCP Options

343

TCP Communications

345

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Ports and Sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

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Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366

chapter 9

Exercise

366

Chapter Review

366

the application Layer

369

Application Layer Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
DHCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
DHCP Origins

371

DHCP Objectives

372

IP Address Assignment

374

Creating Scopes

375

TCP/IP Client Configuration

375

DHCP Packet Structure

376

DHCP Options

378

DHCP Communications

380

Relay Agents

388

DHCPv6

389

DNS 395
Host Tables

395

DNS Objectives

396

Domain Naming

398

Resource Records

404

DNS Messaging

405

DNS Name Resolution

406

Reverse Name Resolution

412

DNS Name Registration

414

Zone Transfers

416

HTTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417
HTTP Requests

418

HTTP Responses

419

HTTP Message Exchanges

420

HTTPS

422

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xiii

FTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
FTP Commands

423

FTP Messaging

424

TFTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
Telnet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
Email Addressing

428

Email Clients and Servers

428

SMTP

430

POP3

433

IMAP

435

NTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442
Exercise

442

Chapter Review

442

chapter 10 wide area Networking

445

What Is a WAN? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .446
Connecting to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .448
Public Switched Telephone Network

448

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

450

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

452

Cable Television (CATV) Networks

454

Satellite-Based Services

455

Last Mile Fiber

456

Cellular Technologies

457

Connecting LANs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459

xiv

Leased Lines

460

SONET/SDH

463

Packet Switching

465

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Remote Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
Dial-up Remote Access

469

Virtual Private Networking

470

SSL VPN

475

Using a VPN Concentrator

475

Remote Terminal Emulation

475

Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
Exercise

480

Chapter Review

480

chapter 11 Network security

483

Authentication and Authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 485
Network Authentication Systems

486

Authentication Protocols

493

Tunneling and Encryption Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501
IPsec

501

SSL and TLS

507

Wireless Security Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 509
WEP

509

802.1X

511

WPA

512

Other Wireless Security Techniques

513

Firewalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515
Packet Filtering

516

Stateful Packet Inspection

520

Firewall Implementations

521

Creating a Peripheral Network

525

Other Security Appliances

526

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xv

Security Threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528
Denial of Service

529

Man in the Middle

529

Malware

530

Buffer Overflow

531

Social Engineering

531

Wireless Threats

532

Mitigation Techniques

533

Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 535
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 538
Exercise

538

Chapter Review

538

chapter 12 Network management

541

Network Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542
Cable Diagrams

543

Network Diagrams

544

Network Maps

546

Hardware Configurations

546

Change Management

547

Baselines

547

Network Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 549
Logs

xvi

549

SNMP

556

Protocol Analyzers

558

Port Scanners

563

Vulnerability Scanners

565

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Virtualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566
Virtualization Architectures

567

Desktop Virtualization

569

Virtual Switching

570

Presentation Virtualization

570

Application Virtualization

571

Virtual PBXes

571

Performance Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572
Caching Data

573

Traffic Control

574

Redundant Services

575

Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 578
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 579
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 580
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581
Exercise

581

Chapter Review

581

chapter 13 Network troubleshooting

583

Troubleshooting Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585
The Ping Program

585

Traceroute

586

Ifconfig and Ipconfig.exe

588

ARP

589

Netstat

590

Nbtstat.exe

594

Nslookup

595

Dig

596

Route

597

What do you think of this book? We want to hear from you!
Microsoft is interested in hearing your feedback so we can continually improve our
books and learning resources for you. To participate in a brief online survey, please visit:

www.microsoft.com/learning/booksurvey/
contents

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xvii

Troubleshooting Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 597
Identify the Problem

598

Establish a Theory

601

Test the Theory

601

Establish a Plan of Action

602

Implement the Solution

603

Verify System Functionality

603

Document Findings

604

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

605

Troubleshooting Wireless Problems

606

Troubleshooting Router and Switch Problems

607

Network Troubleshooting Scenario: “I Can’t Access a Website” . . . . . . . . 612
Incident Administration

612

Gathering Information

613

Possible Cause: Internet Router Problem

614

Possible Cause: Internet Communication Problem

616

Possible Cause: DNS Failure

617

Possible Cause: LAN Communications Problem

622

Possible Cause: Computer Configuration Problem

626

Possible Cause: User Error

630

Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631
Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631
Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 634

xviii

Exercise

634

Chapter Review

634

Glossary

637

Index

655

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Introduction
This training kit is designed for information technology (IT) professionals who support or plan
to support networks and who also plan to take the CompTIA Network+ exam. It is assumed
that before you begin using this kit, you have a CompTIA A+ certification or the equivalent
knowledge, as well as 9 to 12 months of work experience in IT networking.
The material covered in this training kit and on the Network+ exam relates to the technologies in a network that support distributed access to web content, media, operating systems,
and applications. The topics in this training kit cover what you need to know for the exam as
described on the Certification Exam Objectives document for the exam, which is available at:
http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/network.aspx
By using this training kit, you will learn how to do the following:


Use the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model to understand network
processes.



Install and maintain the various cables and other media used to build networks.



Understand the protocols that networked computers use to communicate.



Understand how routers and switches connect network devices to each other and to
other networks.



Connect to distant networks by using wide area network (WAN) technologies.



Secure a network by using firewalls and other tools.



Use network monitoring and diagnostic tools.



Troubleshoot network problems in a systematic and logical manner.

Refer to the objective mapping page in the front of this book to see where in the book
each exam objective is covered.

system requirements
CompTIA suggests you have access to various hardware and software to help you prepare for
the Network+ exam. The items include equipment, spare hardware, spare parts, tools, software, and other items you might need. You’ll find a list of items at the back of the CompTIA
Network+ Certification Exam Objectives: N10-005 guide, which you can download from
the CompTIA website. Please visit http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/
network.aspx for more information.

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Using the companion cD
A companion CD is included with this training kit. The companion CD contains the following:


practice tests You can reinforce your understanding of the topics covered in this
training kit by using electronic practice tests that you customize to meet your needs.
You can practice for the Network+ certification exam by using tests created from a
pool of 200 realistic exam questions, which give you many practice exams to ensure
that you are prepared.



an ebook An electronic version (eBook) of this book is included for when you do not
want to carry the printed book with you.

Note

cOmpaNiON cONteNt FOr DiGitaL bOOk reaDers

If you bought a digital-only edition of this book, you can enjoy select content from the
print edition’s companion CD. Visit http://go.microsoft.com/FWLink/?Linkid=248373 to get
your downloadable content.

how to Install the practice Tests
To install the practice test software from the companion CD to your hard disk, perform the
following steps:
1.

Insert the companion CD into your CD drive and accept the license agreement. A CD
menu appears.

Note

iF the cD meNU DOes NOt appear

If the CD menu or the license agreement does not appear, Autorun might be disabled
on your computer. Refer to the Readme.txt file on the CD for alternate installation
instructions.

2.

Click Practice Tests and follow the instructions on the screen.

xx introduction

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how to Use the practice Tests
To start the practice test software, follow these steps:
1.

Click Start, All Programs, and then select Microsoft Press Training Kit Exam Prep.

2.

A window appears that shows all the Microsoft Press training kit exam prep suites
installed on your computer.

3.

Double-click the practice test you want to use.

When you start a practice test, you choose whether to take the test in Certification Mode,
Study Mode, or Custom Mode:


Certification Mode Closely resembles the experience of taking a certification exam.
The test has a set number of questions. It is timed, and you cannot pause and restart
the timer.



study mode Creates an untimed test during which you can review the correct answers and the explanations after you answer each question.



custom mode Gives you full control over the test options so that you can customize
them as you like.

In all modes, the user interface when you are taking the test is basically the same but with
different options enabled or disabled depending on the mode.
When you review your answer to an individual practice test question, a “References” section is provided that lists where in the training kit you can find the information that relates to
that question. After you click Test Results to score your entire practice test, you can click the
Learning Plan tab to see a list of references for every objective.

how to Uninstall the practice Tests
To uninstall the practice test software for a training kit, use the Programs And Features option
in Control Panel.

support & Feedback
The following sections provide information on errata, book support, feedback, and contact
information.

introduction xxi

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Errata & Book Support
We’ve made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this book and its companion content. Any
errors that have been reported since this book was published are listed on our Microsoft Press
site at oreilly.com:
http://go.microsoft.com/FWLink/?Linkid=248372
If you find an error that is not already listed, you can report it to us through the
same page.
If you need additional support, email Microsoft Press Book Support at:
mspinput@microsoft.com
Please note that product support for Microsoft software is not offered through the
addresses above.

We Want to hear from You
At Microsoft Press, your satisfaction is our top priority, and your feedback is our most
valuable asset. Please tell us what you think of this book at:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/booksurvey
The survey is short, and we read every one of your comments and ideas. Thanks in
advance for your input!

Stay in Touch
Let’s keep the conversation going! We are on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MicrosoftPress.

preparing for the exam
CompTIA certification exams are a great way to build your resume and let the world know
about your level of expertise. Certification exams validate your on-the-job experience and
product knowledge. Although there is no substitute for on-the-job experience, preparation
through study and hands-on practice can help you prepare for the exam. We recommend
that you augment your exam preparation plan by using a combination of available study
materials and courses. For example, you might use the Training Kit and another study guide
for your “at home” preparation, and take a CompTIA professional certification course for the
classroom experience. Choose the combination that you think works best for you.

xxii introduction

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chapter 1

Networking Basics
T

his chapter introduces the fundamental computer networking concepts that form the basis for all of the questions on
the CompTIA Network+ examination. You might be inclined to
skip around in this book during your exam preparation regimen,
but you should make sure that you understand the principles in
this chapter before you do so. Otherwise, you might find yourself struggling later, both in the exam room and on the job.

imp ortant

Have you read
page xxii?
It contains valuable
information regarding
the skills you need to
pass the exam.

Exam objectives in this chapter:
Objective 1.1: Compare the layers of the OSI and TCP/IP models.


OSI model:



TCP/IP model:



Layer 1 – Physical



Network Interface Layer



Layer 2 – Data link



Internet Layer



Layer 3 – Network



Transport Layer



Layer 4 – Transport



Application Layer



Layer 5 – Session



Layer 6 – Presentation



Layer 7 – Application



(Also described as: Link Layer,
Internet Layer, Transport Layer,
Application Layer)

Objective 1.2: Classify how applications, devices, and protocols relate to the OSI model layers.


MAC address



Multilayer switch



IP address



Hub



EUI-64



Encryption devices



Frames



Cable



Packets



NIC



Switch



Bridge



Router

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ReAL WoRLD

reiNveNtiNG NetwOrk+

Anyone familiar with the earlier incarnations of the CompTIA Network+ examination might
notice that there are some rather profound differences between the objectives tested by
the N10-004 version of 2009 and those in the N10-005 version released in late 2011. Some
of these changes are representative of the latest developments in networking technology,
and others demonstrate a definite change in the focus of the exam.
First, and most obvious, is the elimination of many technologies that have lapsed into
obsolescence. With Ethernet now unquestionably the dominant data-link layer protocol
on the desktop, older protocols such as Token ring and Fiber Distributed Data Interface
(FDDI), which were included in the 2005 edition of the objectives, are now gone. Conversely,
the 802.11 wireless LAN standards that barely rated a mention in 2005 and received two
objectives in 2009 now have four, making them a major part of the exam.
At the network and transport layers, TCp/Ip is now ubiquitous, displacing older alternatives
such as IpX/SpX, NetBEUI, and AppleTalk. This is not to say that you will never encounter
any of these protocols in the field ever again, but they are now considered rare, if not actually endangered, species.
Whereas the 2005 objectives specified the need for basic knowledge of various server
operating systems, the 2009 and 2011 objectives place far more concentration on specific
areas of network support, such as configuration management, performance optimization,
and troubleshooting methodologies. The operating system names no longer appear in the
objectives at all.
The 2011 objectives also clarify the examination’s emphasis on infrastructure management.
New objectives single out services such as DNS and DhCp for particular concentration and
deemphasize hardware and software technologies that are fading from general use.

Network communications
What is a data network? Simply put, a data network is an array of computers and other devices
connected together by a common medium that enables them to communicate with each
other. That common medium can be wired, using copper or fiber optic cables; wireless, using
infrared or radio signals; or connected to a service provider, such as a telephone or cable television network. A data network can be as simple as two home computers connected together,
or as complex as the Internet, joining millions of computers together around the world.
Why connect computers together? The two primary reasons to create data networks are to:

2



Share hardware



Share data

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Networking Basics

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In the early days of the PC, the only way to print a document was to connect a printer
directly to a computer. As more and more companies adopted the PC as a business tool, it
became impractical to buy a printer for every computer or to move a single printer from
computer to computer as needed. By connecting computers to a network, they could share a
single printer.

Key

In the same way, networking made it possible for computers to share data. Rather
than save a document file to a removable disk and walk it to another computer—a process
colloquially known as the sneakernet—users could store files on a common server, enabling
anyone to access them. As networks grew larger and more complex, so did the applications
that made use of them. Today, in addition to document files and printer jobs, networks carry
data in the form of email messages, webpages, video streams, and many other types.

LANs and WANs

Key

The earliest PC networks used copper-based cables as the network medium, and many still
do. A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers or other devices that share a common
location, such as a room, a floor, or a building; and a common network medium, such as a
particular type of cable. The medium interconnects the computers so that they are capable of
sharing data with each other. LANs can include network connection devices, such as switches
and routers, and are also characterized by their relatively high data transmission rates and
their ability to function without the need for outside service providers.
A typical small LAN is shown in Figure 1-1. LANs are wholly owned by an organization and
require no licensing or registration. Anyone can purchase the hardware required and assemble a LAN in his or her home or office.

FiGUre 1-1 A typical small LAN.

Key

Devices connected to a LAN, such as computers or printers, are generically referred to as
nodes. A 50-node network is therefore a single network medium with 50 computers or other
devices connected to it.

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3

exAm tip

Virtually all of the wired LANs installed today use a technology known as Ethernet or, more
precisely, IEEE 802.3. There are several other antiquated LAN technologies, including Token
ring and FDDI, that are no longer covered by the Network+ exam, and for which products
are no longer available on the market, but that you might conceivably encounter in older
installations.

Key

LANs are expandable within certain limits imposed by the protocols they use to communicate, but in large installations, it is often necessary to connect multiple LANs together. To
do this, you use a device called a router, as shown in Figure 1-2. A router is simply a device
that connects networks together, forming what is known as a “network of networks” or, more
commonly, an “internetwork.”

Router

FiGUre 1-2 Two LANs connected by a router.

Note

internet or internet?

Do not confuse the terms “internetwork” or “internet” (with a lowercase “i”) with the Internet (with a capital “I”). The term “Internet” describes a specific example of that for which
“internetwork” is the generic designation. In other words, the Internet is a specific type of
internetwork, but not every use of the term “internetwork” refers to the Internet.

Key

4

A wide area network (WAN) is a group of computers connected by a longer distance
communication technology provided by a third-party service provider, such as a telephone
company. Internet connections for LANs or individual computers, whether they use dial-up
modems and telephone lines or broadband technologies, are all WAN links. Corporate networks also use WAN technologies to connect offices at remote sites together. Most WAN connections are point-to-point links joining two sites together; a company with multiple branch
offices in different cities might have separate WAN links connecting each branch to the main
office. As with LANs, WANs are connected together by routers, as shown in Figure 1-3.

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Router

Router

WAN Link

FiGUre 1-3 Two LANs connected by a WAN link.

moRe iNfo

waN techNOLOGies

For more information on the various types of WAN technologies currently in use, see
Chapter 10, “Wide Area Networking.”

WAN connections can take many forms and use many different communications technologies. Subscribers, whether private individuals or large companies, can choose from among
a variety of WAN providers offering connections with different speeds and services. Generally speaking, WAN connections are much slower than LAN connections and are far more
expensive. Most LANs today run at 100 or 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps), and the only
costs involved are for the required hardware components. WAN connections typically run at
speeds of up to 4 Mbps for residential Internet connections, and up to 25 Mbps for business
connections. Very few even approach the speed of a modest LAN. Subscription prices vary
depending on the speed of the connection and the other services provided.

Signals and protocols
All of the computers connected to a network communicate by exchanging signals with each
other. The nature of the signals depends on the network medium. The three most common
types of signals used for network communications are as follows:


electrical Networks that use copper-based cables as a medium communicate by using electrical signals, voltages generated by the transceiver in each node.



Light Fiber optic cables carry signals in the form of pulses of light, and some wireless
networks use infrared light as a signaling medium.



radio Most wireless networks communicate by using radio signals.

In each of these cases, the signals form a simple code that enables the computers to
transmit data over the network. At the signaling level, network communications are extremely
simple, consisting only of positive or negative voltages, the presence or absence of light, or

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chapter 1

5

specific radio frequency variations. The process by which complex data structures, such as
print jobs, email messages, and video streams, get reduced to simple signals is the responsibility of software components called protocols, which run on each computer.
Protocols are essentially languages that operate at various levels of the networking software on each computer or other device. Just as two people must speak the same language
to be able to talk to each other, two computers on the same network must use the same
protocols to communicate. Unlike human speech, however, which uses a single language, a
networked computer uses multiple protocols in layers, forming a construction known as a
protocol stack.
Key

The signals that the computer transmits over the network medium are at the bottom of
the stack, and the applications that handle the data are at the top, as shown in Figure 1-4.
One of the primary functions of the protocol stack is to reduce the data generated by the
applications running on the computer down to the simple signals suitable for the network
medium. When the signals arrive at their destination, the protocol stack performs the same
process in reverse, interpreting the incoming signals and restoring them to their original form.
Application

Protoco