Chapter 2 of 5 · CompTIA A+ 220-1201
Networking
Ports, Wi-Fi, host services, configuration, hardware, SOHO setup, internet types and network tools.
- 10topics
- 42 minfast track
- 4diagrams and exhibits
- 23%of the exam
Topics in this chapter
Take them in order, or jump to the one you need.
- 1TCP and UDP ComparedCompare TCP and UDP, including connection setup, reliability, speed and typical uses, and see how port numbers send traffic to…4 min
- 2Common Ports and ProtocolsMemorise the well known TCP and UDP ports for file transfer, remote access, email, names, web, directory and management, with…4 min
- 3Wi-Fi Standards and FrequenciesCompare 802.11 Wi-Fi standards, the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, channels, range and interference so you can choose the right…4 min
- 4Bluetooth, NFC, RFID and CellularCompare short range and low power wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, Zigbee and Z-Wave with cellular 4G and 5G…4 min
- 5Services Provided by Networked HostsSummarise server roles such as DNS, DHCP, file, print, mail and syslog, plus internet appliances, legacy and embedded systems…4 min
- 6Network Configuration ConceptsUnderstand IP addressing, DHCP, static and APIPA addresses, IPv6, DNS record types, VLANs and VPNs, the concepts behind network…Diagram5 min
- 7Networking Hardware DevicesCompare routers, switches, access points, firewalls, hubs, modems, optical terminals, patch panels and Power over Ethernet, and…Diagram4 min
- 8SOHO Network ConfigurationConfigure a small office or home network: router setup, wireless security, DHCP, NAT, port forwarding, UPnP, content filtering…Diagram5 min
- 9Internet Connections and Network TypesCompare fiber, cable, DSL, satellite, cellular and wireless internet providers, and tell LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, SAN and WLAN network…4 min
- 10Networking Tools and Their PurposesLearn what crimpers, cable strippers, punchdown tools, tone generators, cable testers, loopback plugs, taps and Wi-Fi analyzers…4 min
About this chapter
What this chapter covers
Networking is the largest chapter of A+ Core 1 in terms of facts to learn. It covers how data moves between hosts, what the devices and services are, and how to set up and test a small network.
It follows the second domain of the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 outline. There are eight outline topics, and they are covered by ten pages.
How the topics fit together
The pages move from rules of communication to the equipment and the tools.
- Transport protocols and ports explain how services are reached.
- Wireless pages compare Wi-Fi bands with Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID) and cellular.
- Host services and configuration explain the Domain Name System (DNS), the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and addressing.
- Hardware and small office setup show the devices and how to configure a small network.
- Internet types and tools cover the provider link and the tools that build and test cables.
Ports are pure memory work, so make a short list and repeat it often, especially the secure and clear text pairs.
How to use these pages
Each topic page has the same shape, so you can skim for what you need.
- What it is: the idea in plain words.
- How it works: the mechanism, with diagrams and tables.
- What to remember for the exam: the facts to memorise.
- Common mistakes: the classic traps.
- Check yourself: three questions to test your understanding.
If you have a home router, open its settings page and find the items in the small office page. Seeing them makes the terms stick.
Ready for more practice?
The full CompTIA A+ 220-1201 question bank has 856 questions, with timed practice exams and an explanation for every answer.
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