A+ Essentials Tutorial

5.0 Networks

5.1 Identify the fundamental principles of networks

• Describe basic networking concepts

  • Addressing

  • Bandwidth

  • Status indicators

  • Protocols (e.g. TCP / IP including IP, classful subnet, IPX / SPX including NWLINK, NETBEUI / NETBIOS)

  • Full-duplex, half-duplex

  • Cabling (e.g. twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optic, RS-232, USB, IEEE 1394 / Firewire)

  • Networking models including peer-to-peer and client / server

• Identify names, purposes and characteristics of the common network cables

  • Plenum / PVC

  • UTP (e.g. CAT3, CAT5 / 5e, CAT6)

  • STP

  • Fiber (e.g. single-mode and multi-mode)

• Identify names, purposes and characteristics of network connectors (e.g. RJ45 and RJ11, ST / SC / LC, MT-RJ)

• Identify names, purposes and characteristics (e.g. definition, speed and connections) of technologies for establishing connectivity for example:

  • LAN / WAN

  • ISDN

  • Broadband (e.g. DSL, cable, satellite)

  • o Dial-up

  • Wireless (all 802.11)

  • Infrared

  • Bluetooth

  • Cellular

  • VoIP

5.2 Install, configure, optimize and upgrade networks

• Install and configure network cards (physical address)

• Install, identify and obtain wired and wireless connection

5.3 Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for networks

• Explain status indicators, for example speed, connection and activity lights and wireless signal strength