Phase 3: Networking & Cloud Fundamentals

This phase transitions from individual devices to the interconnected world of networks and cloud services. Understanding how devices communicate, the services that enable this communication, and the basics of cloud computing are critical skills for a modern IT technician. This is a heavily weighted domain on the A+ Core 1 exam.

Scenario: You are setting up a new small office network. You need to configure a router, connect devices to a switch, set up a wireless access point, and ensure all devices can access the internet and local resources like a file server.

Reflection Question: How does viewing a network through the lens of a layered model (like the OSI model) help you systematically troubleshoot connectivity issues, from a bad cable to an incorrect IP address?