In this lesson, you will examine the purpose of IT certifications, with specific emphasis on CompTIA Network+ and how it fits into the career of a network tech. You will explore how networks work in general, covering such essential concepts as servers and clients, Ethernet, switches, and LANs. In the last two sections of the lesson, you will examine two different models that technicians use to troubleshoot networks: the OSI seven-layer model and the TCP/IP model.

In this lesson, you will learn about all kinds of network connections, such as cable types—coaxial, twisted-pair, and fiber—and wireless options. It should be fun and informative and carry you deeper into the CompTIA Network+ journey.

In this lesson, you will jump into network topologies and standards, exploring Ethernet in detail. You will get a shorter look at some other standards that used to matter as well, including the star topology, so you won't be surprised by them on the CompTIA Network+ exam.

Network hardware enables networking devices—nodes—to connect together into a network. In this lesson, you will learn about all the major device types, such as switches, routers, and wireless access points and how they function in modern networks.

Most modern networks use TCP/IP, so it's essential knowledge for competent techs. In this lesson, you will delve into the protocol suite, looking at the many protocols included, how they work together, and what resources they require. You will also research the addressing and naming conventions used in TCP/IP networks and how computers get named.

In this lesson, you will delve into interconnecting networks, such as the Internet. Routers are the primary tools used for the job, so you will explore how they work and what routing protocols they use.

This lesson is about virtualization, a process of using software to handle jobs traditionally serviced with hardware. You will learn about VLANs and virtual computing and how complex networks use these technologies to accomplish specific goals.

In this lesson, you will examine the many forms of remote connectivity, ways to interconnect a local computer or network with distant computers. You will explore everything from older-style dial-up and T-1 lines to the latest satellite and fiber connections.

In this lesson, you will explore the many aspects of network security. You will examine threats to your network, from social engineering to cracking encryption. Then you will look at the many ways the good guys combat the bad guys through authentication and authorization standards and protocols.

In this lesson, you will start to put together everything you've learned so far in this course. You will get the scoop on designing and implementing both wired and wireless SOHO networks. You will also explore categories of requirements, unified communication, specialized network devices, and industrial control systems.

In this lesson, you will roll up your sleeves and plunge into network troubleshooting. You will look first at the CompTIA Network+ troubleshooting model and then examine top network hardware faults. You will explore network hardware tools and finish the lesson with a discussion on troubleshooting WAN issues.

In this final lesson, you will look at a variety of practical concerns in network management, including emergency procedures, safety, segmentation, and network configuration and monitoring.