1. Amazing networking technology
My experience in manufacturing computers and obtaining CompTIA A + certification status greatly facilitated my transition to the automation division as a junior administrator. A network segment with several dozens of users was transferred to my area of responsibility. Employees performed most of the functional tasks by gaining access from their workstations to services hosted on servers through a data transfer medium formed using communication channels, network equipment, and network protocols.
A significant part of the problems was connected specifically with the operation of a computer network, and for their quick solution it was necessary to understand the principles by which modern network technologies work in general and how to service modern computer networks in particular.
At that time I was already studying network technologies at a university and was more and more amazed at how they can work stably at all, how the equipment / software produced / developed by different groups of people at different times in different countries can consistently provide functioning, for example, my network geographically distributed organization? For me, the beginning of solving these problems was the preparation for certification of CompTIA Network +.
2. Acquaintance with certification
CompTIANetwork+ certification over the decade and a half of its existence has helped more than half a million IT professionals start a career in networking. Being vendor-independent, it focuses on universal principles and tools for building and maintaining modern computer networks without reference to the technologies of a particular manufacturer.
To get the first (exam with the code N10-001) version of this certification in the early 2000s, I had to very well understand the operating principles and features of the most common network technologies at that time: real - Ethernet and virtual TCP / IP, both version 4 and and 6. The exam checked not only the theoretical knowledge of the basics of building and maintaining networks based on these technologies, but also the practical skills of administering network devices and operating systems.
The evolution of network technologies accelerating every year, in particular, associated with the massive transition to a cloud model of consuming IT services , at the time of writing this article (2016) led us to the 6th version (exam with code N10-006) Network + certification. The number, and most importantly, the complexity of the topics being tested has become much higher - 5 domains of knowledge and skills objectively evaluate whether it is worth the candidate to be allowed to access networks based on technologies.
1.0. Network Architecture. Here, questions about the differences between virtual switches and real ones and the scenarios for using software-defined networks (SDN)
2.0 are clearly highlighted . Network Operations. Bonding options for ports; the rules for creating trunks, as well as the basic principles of managing changes in the network, can make an experienced administrator think too.
3.0 Network Security Typical network threats, the vulnerabilities through which they are implemented, and a set of measures to minimize the risks posed by threats clearly require Security + status .
4.0. Network Troubleshooting. Top 100 typical network faults, causes and solutions.
5.0 Industry Standards, Practices and Network Theory. The OSI / ISO reference model is the simplest topic here, the rest will have to be practically learned: starting from the family of wireless standards and their differences and ending with the types of organizational and administrative documentation on network maintenance issues.
2.0 are clearly highlighted . Network Operations. Bonding options for ports; the rules for creating trunks, as well as the basic principles of managing changes in the network, can make an experienced administrator think too.
3.0 Network Security Typical network threats, the vulnerabilities through which they are implemented, and a set of measures to minimize the risks posed by threats clearly require Security + status .
4.0. Network Troubleshooting. Top 100 typical network faults, causes and solutions.
5.0 Industry Standards, Practices and Network Theory. The OSI / ISO reference model is the simplest topic here, the rest will have to be practically learned: starting from the family of wireless standards and their differences and ending with the types of organizational and administrative documentation on network maintenance issues.
Otherwise, the format (Multiple-choice), the number and duration (90 questions per 90 minutes), as well as the cost ($ 285 per attempt) of the exam remained the same.
3. Methodology of preparation
In the early 2000s, I had enough experience as a junior administrator of a small heterogeneous computer network in a system integrator to gain the practical experience necessary for passing an exam: to understand structural diagrams (starting from the floor plan of an object with information sockets and ending with a routing scheme), diagnose TCP / IP stack on hosts running Windows \ Linux, crimp the twisted pair in the end. In any case, the command line of the network equipment of specific manufacturers was not required.
The main emphasis was on the theory, which was more than covered by a thoughtful reading of the timeless creation of one of the creators of the Internet Douglas Camera “TCP / IP: principles, protocols and structure. Volume 1 ”and reflections on the topic“ How can the technology of the public global Internet network use pigeon mail, Native American signal fires and telegraph communication lines? ”
Today, reading this book is only necessary, but NOT enough. In terms of topics related to network protection, I definitely recommend the timeless study guide for cadets of the leading military-space university of the Russian Federation “Security of global network technologies” authored by information security guru Vladimir Mikhailovich Zima.
In terms of virtualization technologies for creating software-defined networks (SDNs), it’s easiest to take advantage of great online courses that are available absolutely free: Software-defined Networking on Coursera.org and Network Virtualization Fundamentals on VMware Learning Portal .
Having passed this path, you can “train” yourself in paid test systems (Boson, TestOut, MeasureUp, etc.) with a pool of questions of the level corresponding to the exam, emulating what happens on a real exam. In search engines and topic forums like certcollection.org, you can always find these testing systems by exam codes. Having achieved a consistently high percentage of correct answers (> 90%), we can hope for successful passing the exam on the first attempt in the controlled environment of an authorized testing center VUE.
4. Result
With a break of more than 10 years, I had to get a certification on the basics of Network + networks already as a teacher of copyright courses for admission to participation in the mass training program for the US Army , and believe me, even this was not easy.
At the same time, for those beginning their studies in the study of network technologies, Network + will be a good help in obtaining vendor-dependent certifications from leading manufacturers (Cisco, Dell, HP, etc.) who recognize and integrate it into their programs.
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