The Integrated CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Study Guide [120 Minute Read]

A First-Principles Approach to Networking

Welcome to The Integrated CompTIA Network+ Study Guide. This guide moves beyond surface-level memorization to build a robust mental model of networking—understanding the "why" behind every technology and design decision.

Rather than presenting disconnected facts, we begin with foundational principles that explain how networks actually work. Once you understand these core concepts, the specific protocols, devices, and configurations become logical extensions rather than arbitrary features to memorize.

Each topic is aligned with the official CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Exam Objectives.

Audience: IT professionals with CompTIA A+ certification or 9-12 months hands-on experience in a junior network administrator or network support technician role.

Passing Score: 720 out of 900

Exam Format: Maximum 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based), 90 minutes

(Table of Contents - For Reference)

  • Phase 1: First Principles of Networking
    • 1.1. The Network Abstraction: Why Networks Exist
      • 1.1.1. The Three Fundamental Problems Networks Solve
      • 1.1.2. The Trade-off Triangle: Speed, Reliability, Cost
    • 1.2. The Layered Model: Divide and Conquer Complexity
      • 1.2.1. Why Layers Matter
      • 1.2.2. The Mental Model for Troubleshooting
    • 1.3. Addressing and Delivery: Finding and Reaching Destinations
      • 1.3.1. Physical vs. Logical Addressing
      • 1.3.2. The Routing Decision Framework
    • 1.4. Security as a Design Principle: Defense in Depth
      • 1.4.1. The CIA Triad as a Decision Framework
      • 1.4.2. Trust Boundaries and Segmentation
  • Phase 2: Networking Concepts (23%)
    • 2.1. The OSI Reference Model
      • 2.1.1. Layer 1-3: The Infrastructure Layers
      • 2.1.2. Layer 4-7: The Service Layers
    • 2.2. Network Devices and Their Functions
      • 2.2.1. Switching and Routing Appliances
      • 2.2.2. Security and Storage Appliances
      • 2.2.3. Wireless Infrastructure
    • 2.3. Cloud Concepts and Connectivity
      • 2.3.1. Cloud Service and Deployment Models
      • 2.3.2. Cloud Networking Components
    • 2.4. Ports, Protocols, and Traffic Types
      • 2.4.1. Common Ports and Protocols
      • 2.4.2. IP Protocol Types and Traffic Patterns
    • 2.5. Transmission Media and Transceivers
      • 2.5.1. Wired Media and Standards
      • 2.5.2. Wireless Standards and Frequencies
      • 2.5.3. Transceiver Types and Connectors
    • 2.6. Network Topologies and Architectures
      • 2.6.1. Physical and Logical Topologies
      • 2.6.2. Data Center Architectures
    • 2.7. IPv4 Network Addressing
      • 2.7.1. Public vs. Private Addressing
      • 2.7.2. Subnetting with VLSM and CIDR
    • 2.8. Modern Network Environments
      • 2.8.1. SDN and SD-WAN
      • 2.8.2. Zero Trust and SASE
      • 2.8.3. Infrastructure as Code
      • 2.8.4. IPv6 Addressing
    • 2.9. Reflection Checkpoint: Networking Concepts Mastery
  • Phase 3: Network Implementation (20%)
    • 3.1. Routing Technologies
      • 3.1.1. Static vs. Dynamic Routing
      • 3.1.2. Route Selection and Address Translation
      • 3.1.3. First Hop Redundancy
    • 3.2. Switching Technologies
      • 3.2.1. VLANs and Trunking
      • 3.2.2. Spanning Tree Protocol
    • 3.3. Wireless Configuration
      • 3.3.1. Channels and Frequencies
      • 3.3.2. SSIDs and Network Types
      • 3.3.3. Wireless Security and Authentication
    • 3.4. Physical Installation Factors
      • 3.4.1. Installation Locations and Cabling
      • 3.4.2. Power and Environmental Considerations
    • 3.5. Reflection Checkpoint: Implementation Mastery
  • Phase 4: Network Operations (19%)
    • 4.1. Organizational Processes and Procedures
      • 4.1.1. Documentation Requirements
      • 4.1.2. Life-cycle and Change Management
      • 4.1.3. Configuration Management
    • 4.2. Network Monitoring Technologies
      • 4.2.1. SNMP and Flow Data
      • 4.2.2. Log Aggregation and SIEM
      • 4.2.3. Monitoring Solutions
    • 4.3. Disaster Recovery Concepts
      • 4.3.1. DR Metrics and Sites
      • 4.3.2. High Availability and Testing
    • 4.4. IPv4 and IPv6 Network Services
      • 4.4.1. DHCP and SLAAC
      • 4.4.2. DNS Architecture and Records
      • 4.4.3. Time Protocols
    • 4.5. Network Access and Management Methods
      • 4.5.1. VPN Technologies
      • 4.5.2. Management Connection Methods
    • 4.6. Reflection Checkpoint: Operations Mastery
  • Phase 5: Network Security (14%)
    • 5.1. Basic Security Concepts
      • 5.1.1. Logical Security Controls
      • 5.1.2. Identity and Access Management
      • 5.1.3. Physical Security and Deception
      • 5.1.4. Security Terminology and Compliance
      • 5.1.5. Network Segmentation
    • 5.2. Network Attacks
      • 5.2.1. DoS and Layer 2 Attacks
      • 5.2.2. DNS and Rogue Device Attacks
      • 5.2.3. Social Engineering and Malware
    • 5.3. Security Features and Solutions
      • 5.3.1. Device Hardening and NAC
      • 5.3.2. Security Rules and Zones
    • 5.4. Reflection Checkpoint: Security Mastery
  • Phase 6: Network Troubleshooting (24%)
    • 6.1. The Troubleshooting Methodology
      • 6.1.1. Problem Identification and Theory
      • 6.1.2. Testing, Planning, and Resolution
    • 6.2. Cabling and Physical Interface Issues
      • 6.2.1. Cable Problems and Signal Degradation
      • 6.2.2. Interface Counters and Port Status
      • 6.2.3. Hardware Issues
    • 6.3. Network Service Issues
      • 6.3.1. Switching and Routing Problems
      • 6.3.2. Addressing Issues
    • 6.4. Performance Issues
      • 6.4.1. Bandwidth and Latency Problems
      • 6.4.2. Wireless Performance Issues
    • 6.5. Troubleshooting Tools
      • 6.5.1. Software Tools and Commands
      • 6.5.2. Hardware Tools
      • 6.5.3. Device Commands
    • 6.6. Reflection Checkpoint: Troubleshooting Mastery
  • Phase 7: Exam Readiness & Strategy
    • 7.1. Exam Structure and Question Types
    • 7.2. Common Exam Patterns and Distractors
    • 7.3. Scenario-Based Practice Questions (60 Questions)
      • Domain 1: Networking Concepts (Q1-14)
      • Domain 2: Network Implementation (Q15-26)
      • Domain 3: Network Operations (Q27-38)
      • Domain 4: Network Security (Q39-46)
      • Domain 5: Network Troubleshooting (Q47-60)
  • Phase 8: Comprehensive Glossary