CompTIA Network+ Exam Preparation.

 PREPARING FOR THE EXAM

The first few questions are simulations / performance-based questions. In the upper right-hand corner is a place to flag for review. Select this and move on. I always recommend leaving these until the very last.

Any question that doesn't make sense, flag for review. Do not dwell too long on a single question. I always mark something then flag it for review. That way if you run out of time at least you have a chance of getting the answer right.

Some of the questions are Beta questions and do not count, but they do not tell you that they are Beta questions.

At the end of the questions, if you have time left, you can "Review All". The questions that you flagged for review and questions you did not answer or did not select enough options will be marked "Incomplete". When you are satisfied withyour answer to the flagged questions, make sure to uncheck them.

Do not memorize questions from study material, all CompTIA has to do is change a word or two and the answer will be different. Understand concepts. 

Try to narrow down the answers to two and then choose the best answer. You should be able to determine what answers definitely do not fit the question.

When you are using test questions to prepare for the exam and you get an answer wrong, research it and find out why the answer is wrong and why the other answer is correct. DO NOT MEMORIZE!

Use quality resources like Professor Messer, Jason Dion, Mike Meyers, Darill Gibson (GCGA), or CBT Nuggets. 

Set a date to take the exam. Set aside a certain amount of time each day fo studying.

Make to read the entire question and all of the answers. Pay attention to words like MIST, BEST, and LEAST.

CompTIA is famous for reading comprehension questions. Pay close attention to how they word these questions.

They also like to lead you down one path during the first sentence making you think you have the answer, only to switch the scenario in the final part of the question. READ EVERYTHING before looking at the answers.

Do not use Brain Dumps. I have had students bring me what they say is study material they bought online that guaranteed a passing score. Most of these companies are overseas and you will never recover the money. I have looked at some of these questions when they gave me the material only to tell them after about 10 questions that 3 or 4 had the wrong answers. 

Here is a link to CompTIA with their warning as to using these types of text prep: CompTIA: Unauthorized Training Materials.

As with every CompTIA exam, make sure you know the acronyms. I have prepared a flashcard program for several of the CompTIA exams including ITF+, A+, Network+, Security+, and a couple of Microsoft MTA exams: Flashcard links.

If there is a subject you would like me to cover, feel free to post it in the comments. I will either make a blog post or a video to help you better understand the objective.

If you do decide that you need an explanation from me, make sure to subscribe, that way you will be notified when the explanation is posted.

CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) Mobile Study App

 Learnzapp N10-007 Study App

This is an App that I recommend to my students to help prepare for the CompTIA N10-007 exam. Realistic questions like on the actual exam. There are also explanations why the answers are correct and incorrect. 

You can download this for iOS and Android mobile devices. Comes with practice tests, flashcards, and study questions. 

CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) APP

Wiring Standards T568A and T568B

 T568A and T568B

The two common Ethernet wiring standards are T568A and T568B. There are only 4 wires that are changed between the two standards. Wires 1, 2, 3 & 6, wire 1 switches wire 3, and wire 2 switches with wire 6. I teach my students the easiest way to remember which wires change is to add 1 +2 + 3 = 6.

To check if the wires are in the correct order after inserting them into an RJ-45 connector, hold the connector away from you (as though you are ready to plug it into the back of the PC) with the locking tab facing down.

The 568A specification is shown below:

• Pin 1 - Green/White

• Pin 2 - Green

• Pin 3 - Orange/White

• Pin 4 - Blue

• Pin 5 - Blue/White

• Pin 6 - Orange

• Pin 7 - Brown/White

• Pin 8 - Brown

The 568B specification is shown below:

• Pin 1 - Orange/White

• Pin 2 - Orange

• Pin 3 - Green/White

• Pin 4 - Blue

• Pin 5 - Blue/White

• Pin 6 - Green

• Pin 7 - Brown/White

• Pin 8 – Brown

IPv4 IP Ranges, Private IP Ranges, Default Subnet Masks, etc.

 IPv4 IP address Charts

Below are charts to help you with the CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams.

The information that is highlighted in yellow is what you need to know for the exam.

Ethernet Cabling information for the CompTIA A+ and Network+ exams

 Ethernet Cabling Specifications

You need to know the following for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) and Network+ (N10-007) exams:

1. CAT (3, 5, 5w, 6, 6a, 7)
2. Speed/Capacity of each
3. Maximum distance before signal needs to be regenerated
4. Network Application

CompTIA Network+ *N10-007) Troubleshooting Methodology

 CompTIA's Network Troubleshooting Methodology

Make sure to know these steps in the proper order. This is a major objective on the exam. 

1. Identify the problem:

• Gather information.

• Duplicate the problem, if possible.

• Question users.

• Identify symptoms.

• Determine if anything has changed.

• Approach multiple problems individually.

2. Establish a theory of probable cause:

• Question the obvious.

• Consider multiple approaches.

• Top-to-bottom/bottom-to-top OSI model.

• Divide and conquer.

3. Test the theory to determine the cause:

• Once theory is confirmed, determine the next steps to resolve the problem.

• If the theory is not confirmed, re-establish a new theory or escalate.

4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and identify potential effects.

5. Implement the solution or escalate as necessary.

6. Verify full system functionality, and if applicable, implement preventive measures.

7. Document findings, actions, and outcomes.

CompTIA Network+ (N10-007 Topologies

Physical Bus Topology

The following is a representation of physical bus topology. The nodes are connected to a single cable with terminators at each end of the cable. This is also a logical bus topology as the signal transmitted from one node is sent to all the other nodes.

Physical Ring - Logical Bus

This is a physical ring that uses tokens. Only one device has the token at a point in time. The data only flows in one direction.

Physical Star - Logical Bus

IPv4 Subnetting - Videos

IPv4 Subnetting: 3rd & 4th octets

Here are a series of videos to help you understand subnetting. 

There is a 5 part set of videos to take you from understanding binary to basic subnetting.

Then we have added videos to help with understanding subnetting in the 3rd octet.

Other videos are basic subnetting problems and worded subnetting questions. More videos to come in the near future.

Here is the link to the videos: 

IPv4 Subnetting videos.