The CompTIA Network+ certification is for IT professionals who have 9 months of experience and want to take the next step in their career. It’s pitched for individuals who are already A+ certified, but this isn’t a requirement and you can learn enough in our series of Network+ tutorials to pass the exam and become Network+ certified.
Domain 5.0: Network Tools
The CompTIA Network+ 2009 certification covers six domains: network technologies, media and topologies, devices, management, tools, and security. In this section of the free CompTIA Network+ 2009 tutorials, we cover domain 5.0: Network Tools. In this Network+ tutorial, you will learn:
- Command line interface tools such as traceroute, ipconfig, ifconfig, ping, arp ping, arp, nslookup, hostname, dig, mtr, route, nbtstat, netstat.
- Network scanners including packet sniffers, intrusion detection software, intrusion prevention software, and port scanners.
- Network hardware tools including cable testers, protocol analyzer, certifiers, TDR, OTDR, multimeter, toner probe, butt set, punch down tool, cable stripper, snips, voltage event recorder, and temperature monitor.
This section of the exam is very scenario based – given a certain scenario, what are the best tools you can use to troubleshoot, identify the problem, and then provide a resolution. Since the Network+ certification is considered an entry level networking exam, you should not fret about scenario-based testing and instead learn what the tools are for and how to use them.
One of your end-users, Bill, calls into the help desk and reports that he does not have a connection to the corporate network. The help desk representative does some preliminary troubleshooting with the end user and discovers the link light is not lit up on the NIC card on Bill’s computer. No other users are reporting a problem. After some review of the situation and checking his network cable, you believe the problem is between the switch and his wall port. What is the first hardware tool you will use to diagnose the problem?
A. Multimeter
B. Cable stripper
C. Voltage event recorder
D. Toner probe
In this situation, the answer is D. Toner probe, it is the best choice of the choices provided. A toner probe allows you to check each end of the port to make sure you are connected to the correct port.
Throughout this tutorial, you will learn about the tools – both software and hardware – that you use as a network administrator. Click the next page below to start this free Network+ tutorial for domain 5 of the Network+ exam requirements. After the tutorial, you can take a practice exam here.
