CompTIA A+ Core 2 Networking Concepts

Core 2 CompTIA A+

Covers advanced computer hardware, software configuration, and troubleshooting, including networking concepts.
Builds upon the knowledge gained in the CompTIA A+ Core 1, expanding on foundational concepts.
Includes practical, hands-on activities and scenarios for real-world application.

Networking Concepts

Network Topologies: Different physical and logical arrangements, such as bus, star, ring, mesh. Understanding how data flows and the strengths/weaknesses of each structure. Examples: Ethernet, Token Ring, Wi-Fi.
Network Protocols (TCP/IP): Understanding the layers in the TCP/IP model (Application, Transport, Network, Data Link, Physical), fundamental protocols operating at each layer (e.g., HTTP, TCP, IP, Ethernet), and how they interact to enable communication.
Network Devices: Detailed understanding of routers, switches, hubs, and access points, and their roles in network traffic flow. Explaining the functions of each and their purpose in various network setups.
Network Addressing: IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes. Recognizing the purpose of subnet masks and how they affect the size of networks and ranges of usable IP addresses. Understanding how to configure and troubleshoot the network settings.
Network Communication: Exploring network connection types (wired, wireless) and details of network configurations using various connection types, such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Understanding network connectivity issues and troubleshooting.
Wireless Networking (Wi-Fi): Understanding various Wi-Fi standards (802.11). Troubleshooting common Wi-Fi connectivity problems like signal strength, interference, and security issues. Knowing how to configure various aspects of Wi-Fi like security protocols (WPA2, WPA3, etc), channels, and speed settings.
Network Security: Introduction to basic network security concepts like firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and common network security threats. Recognizing and explaining potential security vulnerabilities and how to mitigate common network attacks.

Software Troubleshooting

Operating System (OS) Troubleshooting: Advanced diagnosis and repair of operating system issues. Analyzing system failures and making necessary system corrections. Identifying and repairing issues related to Windows and macOS software configuration, conflicts and application issues.
Application Software Troubleshooting: Diagnosing issues, identifying sources, and finding solutions involving specific software applications including their installations, upgrades, and performance. Troubleshooting both software-related issues, GUI interactions, and specific software functionality.
Software Conflicts: Understanding how software applications and utilities interact and overlap, knowing how to resolve problematic conflicts between them. Diagnosing problems caused by installing, updating, and accessing software packages.
User Accounts and Permissions: Correct identification of problems with user accounts and security permissions; troubleshooting account issues and conflicts with system privileges. Analyzing user permissions issues.
Software Updates and Drivers: Analyzing and resolving installation issues, problems with corrupted drivers, and system instability from outdated or incompatible software. Diagnosing and repairing issues related to outdated drivers which are not recognized or are not compatible with newer versions of the operating system or applications.
Software Installation: Recognizing and resolving issues arising from software installations; diagnosing installation problems, understanding and using software installer options, and creating clean software installations.

Hardware Troubleshooting

Power Supply Problems: Diagnosing power supply issues. Understanding common PSU symptoms and using diagnostic tools to identify problems.
Motherboard Troubleshooting: Identifying and fixing motherboard problems, understanding how to diagnose and resolve issues affecting motherboard components and functions including BIOS and different components of the motherboards.
RAM Troubleshooting: Identifying issues involving RAM (Memory); analyzing RAM compatibility, issues related to faulty RAM, and diagnosing issues related to RAM settings.
Hard Drive (HDD/SSD) Troubleshooting: Analyzing hard drive functions for issues, diagnosing and fixing storage failures, performance issues or storage-related errors. Identifying faulty drives.
Internal Component Diagnosis: Using diagnostic tools and methods for assessing the status of various internal components and systems. Recognizing potential hardware issues and determining possible solutions. Methods for assessing different devices and their functions using diagnostic software and hardware tools.
Peripheral Device Troubleshooting: Addressing problems with peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external hard drives. Analyzing interactions of various devices to troubleshoot peripheral problems. Diagnosing issues resulting from problems with peripherals and drivers.
Identifying Hardware Conflicts: Understanding and recognizing problems arising from hardware conflicts in a system; evaluating hardware issues like driver conflicts and configuration errors. Identifying conflicts, configuring the hardware devices, and diagnosing problems causing conflicts. Recognizing component conflicts and establishing hardware compatibilities within a system.
Troubleshooting Hardware Failures: Diagnosing and resolving hardware failures. Using diagnostic tools and methods for accurately assessing hardware failure and determining potential causes. Determining appropriate troubleshooting and repair methods for hardware failures.
Identifying and Diagnosing External Device Issues: Analyzing external device connections and issues with external devices connected to the computer (e.g., USB ports). Identifying discrepancies, and determining issues related to the connection or software components involved.