CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Exam Cheat Sheet.xlsx
Domain Section Key Concepts
Physical Layer (Layer 1): Deals with the physical transmission of raw bit streams over a physical
medium. It defines electrical, mechanical, and procedural characteristics for establishing,
1.0 Networking 1.1 Explain concepts maintaining, and deactivating a physical link.
Concepts related to the Open Examples: Ethernet cables (Cat5e, Cat6), Fiber optic cables, Hubs, Network Interface Cards
(23%) Systems Interconnection (NICs), Radio frequencies (Wi-Fi).
(OSI) reference model.
Data Link Layer (Layer 2): Provides reliable data transfer across a physical link. It divides the
data stream into frames and adds error detection and correction mechanisms.
Examples: Ethernet switches, MAC addresses (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E), Wi-Fi access points, Point-
to-Point Protocol (PPP).
Network Layer (Layer 3): Provides logical addressing and routing, enabling data transfer between
different networks. It handles packet forwarding and routing decisions.
Examples: Routers, IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1, 2001:db8::1), IP protocols (IPv4, IPv6),
Routing protocols (OSPF, RIP)
Transport Layer (Layer 4): Provides reliable end-to-end data transfer between applications. It
handles segmentation, reassembly, and error recovery.
Examples: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), Port numbers (e.g.,
port 80 for HTTP, port 443 for HTTPS).
Session Layer (Layer 5): Establishes, manages, and terminates sessions between applications. It
handles dialog control and synchronization.
Examples: NetBIOS session services, SQL sessions
Presentation Layer (Layer 6): Handles data formatting, encryption, and compression. It ensures
that data is in a format that the receiving application can understand.
Examples: JPEG, PNG (image formats), ASCII, UTF-8 (character encoding), SSL/TLS (encryption).
Application Layer (Layer 7): Provides network services directly to applications. It is the
closest layer to the end user.
Examples: HTTP (web browsing), SMTP (email), FTP (file transfer), DNS (domain name resolution).
Physical and virtual appliances:
• Router: Forwards packets between networks.
1.2 Compare and contrast Example: Physical: Cisco ISR; Virtual: VyOS.
networking appliances, • Switch: Forwards frames within a LAN.
applications, and Example: Physical: Cisco Catalyst; Virtual: Open vSwitch.
functions • Firewall: Controls network traffic based on rules.
Example: Physical: Palo Alto Networks; Virtual: pfSense.
• IDS/IPS: Detects/prevents malicious activity.
Example: Physical: dedicated appliance; Virtual: Snort.
• Load Balancer: Distributes traffic across servers.
Example: Physical: F5 BIG-IP; Virtual: HAProxy.
• Proxy: Intermediary for requests.
Example: Physical: dedicated proxy server; Virtual: Squid.
• NAS (Network-Attached Storage): File-level storage on a network.
Example: Physical: Synology NAS.
• SAN (Storage Area Network): Block-level storage on a dedicated network.
Example: Physical: Fibre Channel SAN.
• Wireless:
• Access Point (AP): Provides wireless network access.
Example: Physical: Ubiquiti AP.
• Controller: Manages multiple APs.
Example: Physical or virtual: Cisco WLC.
Applications:
• CDN (Content Delivery Network): Caches content for faster delivery.
Example: Cloudflare, Akamai.
Functions:
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Secure, encrypted connection.
Example: Site-to-site VPN, remote access VPN.
• QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritizes network traffic.
Example: Giving VoIP priority over file transfers.
• TTL (Time to Live): Limits packet lifespan to prevent loops.
Example: TTL value in IP headers.
Network Functions Virtualization (NFV): Virtualizing network functions (firewalls, routers) as
software on standard hardware.
1.3 Summarize cloud Example: Running a virtual firewall on a server instead of a dedicated appliance.
concepts and
connectivity options Virtual Private Cloud (VPC): A logically isolated section of a public cloud, providing a private
network environment.
Example: An AWS VPC with its own IP address range and subnets.
Network Security Groups (NSGs) / Network Access Control Lists (NACLs): Security features to
control inbound and outbound traffic within a VPC. NSGs are stateful, NACLs are stateless.
Example: NSG allowing HTTP traffic to a web server, NACL blocking all traffic on a specific
subnet.
Cloud Gateways:
• Internet Gateway: Enables communication between a VPC and the internet.
Example: Allowing instances in a VPC to access the internet.
• NAT Gateway: Enables instances in a private subnet to connect to the internet while preventing
inbound internet connections.
Example: Allowing a private database server to download updates.
Cloud Connectivity Options:
• VPN: Encrypted connection over the internet.
Example: Site-to-site VPN between an office and a VPC.
• Direct Connect/ExpressRoute: Dedicated, private connection to the cloud provider.
Example: High-bandwidth connection for data center replication.
Deployment Models:
• Public: Shared resources over the internet.
Example: AWS, Azure.
• Private: Dedicated resources for a single organization.
Example: On-premises VMware cloud.
• Hybrid: Combination of public and private.
Example: On-premises database with cloud web front end.
Service Models:
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-to-use applications.
Example: Salesforce, Gmail.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtualized computing resources.
Example: AWS EC2, Azure VMs.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Platform for application development.
Example: Google App Engine.
, Example: Allowing a private database server to download updates.
Cloud Connectivity Options:
• VPN: Encrypted connection
CompTIA Network+ N10-009over the
Exam Cheat internet.
Sheet.xlsx
Example: Site-to-site VPN between an office and a VPC.
• Direct Connect/ExpressRoute: Dedicated, private connection to the cloud provider.
Example: High-bandwidth connection for data center replication.
Deployment Models:
• Public: Shared resources over the internet.
Example: AWS, Azure.
• Private: Dedicated resources for a single organization.
Example: On-premises VMware cloud.
• Hybrid: Combination of public and private.
Example: On-premises database with cloud web front end.
Service Models:
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-to-use applications.
Example: Salesforce, Gmail.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtualized computing resources.
Example: AWS EC2, Azure VMs.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Platform for application development.
Example: Google App Engine.
Scalability: Ability to increase or decrease resources as needed.
Example: Auto-scaling web servers during peak traffic.
Elasticity: Automatically adjusting resources based on demand.
Example: Automatically adding or removing VMs based on CPU usage.
Multitenancy: Multiple customers sharing the same physical resources.
Example:
ProtocolsMultiple
& Ports:websites hosted on the same server in a public cloud.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) (20/21): Transfers files between computers.
1.4 Explain common Example: Uploading files to a web server.
networking ports, • SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) (22): Secure file transfer over SSH.
protocols, services, and Example: Securely transferring files between servers.
traffic types • SSH (Secure Shell) (22): Secure remote access to devices.
Example: Remote server administration.
• Telnet (23): Unsecured remote access. (Avoid if possible)
Example: Legacy device management.
• SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) (25, 587): Sends email.
Example: Sending email from an email client.
• DNS (Domain Name System) (53): Resolves domain names to IP addresses.
Example: Translating "google.com" to its IP.
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) (67/68): Assigns IP addresses to devices.
Example: Automatic IP configuration on a network.
• TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) (69): Simple file transfer, often for booting devices.
Example: Network booting a thin client.
• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) (80): Web page transfer.
Example: Browsing websites.
• NTP (Network Time Protocol) (123): Synchronizes device clocks.
Example: Keeping servers' time accurate.
• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) (161/162): Monitors and manages network devices.
Example: Monitoring switch performance.
• LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) (389, 636): Accesses directory services.
Example: Authenticating users against a directory.
• HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) (443): Secure web page transfer.
Example: Secure online banking.
• SMB (Server Message Block) (445): File and printer sharing.
Example: Sharing files on a Windows network.
• Syslog (514): Logging network events.
Example: Centralized logging of device events.
• SQL Server (1433): Accessing SQL databases.
Example: Database connections.
• RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) (3389): Remote desktop access.
Example: Remotely controlling a Windows computer.
• SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) (5060/5061): VoIP signaling.
Example: Setting up VoIP calls.
IP Protocol Types:
• ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol): Diagnostics and error reporting.
Example: Ping, traceroute.
• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Reliable, connection-oriented data transfer.
Example: Web browsing, email.
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Unreliable, connectionless data transfer.
Example: Streaming video, VoIP.
• GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation): Encapsulates other protocols for tunneling.
Example: Creating VPN tunnels.
• IPSec (Internet Protocol Security): Secure IP communication.
• AH (Authentication Header): Authentication and integrity.
• ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload): Encryption and authentication.
• IKE (Internet Key Exchange): Secure key exchange.
Example: Secure VPN connections.
Traffic Types:
• Unicast: One-to-one communication.
Example: Web browsing.
• Multicast: One-to-many communication (specific group).
Example: Streaming video to multiple subscribers.
• Anycast: One-to-nearest communication.
Example: DNS servers.
• Broadcast: One-to-all communication.
Example: ARP requests.
Wireless Transmission Media:
• 802.11 Standards: Wi-Fi standards defining wireless communication.
1.5 Compare and contrast Examples: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 4/5/6/6E), each with varying speeds and frequencies.
transmission media and • Cellular: Mobile network communication using cell towers.
transceivers Examples: 4G LTE, 5G.
• Satellite: Long-distance communication using satellites.
Examples: Satellite internet, GPS.
Wired Transmission Media:
• 802.3 Standards: Ethernet standards defining wired communication.
Examples: 10Base-T, 100Base-TX, 1000Base-T, 10GBase-T, each with varying speeds and cable types.
• Single-mode vs. Multimode Fiber: Fiber optic cables for high-speed, long-distance transmission.
Single-mode for longer distances, multimode for shorter.
Examples: Single-mode for long-haul, multimode for data center connections.
• Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cable / Twinaxial Cable: Short-range, high-speed copper cables for
data center connections.
Examples: Connecting servers to switches within a rack.
• Coaxial Cable: Cable with a center conductor and shielding.
Examples: Cable television, older Ethernet (10Base2).
• Cable Speeds: Data transfer rates of cables.
Examples: 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 100 Gbps.
• Plenum vs. Non-Plenum Cable: Plenum cables are fire-resistant and used in air handling spaces.
Domain Section Key Concepts
Physical Layer (Layer 1): Deals with the physical transmission of raw bit streams over a physical
medium. It defines electrical, mechanical, and procedural characteristics for establishing,
1.0 Networking 1.1 Explain concepts maintaining, and deactivating a physical link.
Concepts related to the Open Examples: Ethernet cables (Cat5e, Cat6), Fiber optic cables, Hubs, Network Interface Cards
(23%) Systems Interconnection (NICs), Radio frequencies (Wi-Fi).
(OSI) reference model.
Data Link Layer (Layer 2): Provides reliable data transfer across a physical link. It divides the
data stream into frames and adds error detection and correction mechanisms.
Examples: Ethernet switches, MAC addresses (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E), Wi-Fi access points, Point-
to-Point Protocol (PPP).
Network Layer (Layer 3): Provides logical addressing and routing, enabling data transfer between
different networks. It handles packet forwarding and routing decisions.
Examples: Routers, IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1, 2001:db8::1), IP protocols (IPv4, IPv6),
Routing protocols (OSPF, RIP)
Transport Layer (Layer 4): Provides reliable end-to-end data transfer between applications. It
handles segmentation, reassembly, and error recovery.
Examples: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), Port numbers (e.g.,
port 80 for HTTP, port 443 for HTTPS).
Session Layer (Layer 5): Establishes, manages, and terminates sessions between applications. It
handles dialog control and synchronization.
Examples: NetBIOS session services, SQL sessions
Presentation Layer (Layer 6): Handles data formatting, encryption, and compression. It ensures
that data is in a format that the receiving application can understand.
Examples: JPEG, PNG (image formats), ASCII, UTF-8 (character encoding), SSL/TLS (encryption).
Application Layer (Layer 7): Provides network services directly to applications. It is the
closest layer to the end user.
Examples: HTTP (web browsing), SMTP (email), FTP (file transfer), DNS (domain name resolution).
Physical and virtual appliances:
• Router: Forwards packets between networks.
1.2 Compare and contrast Example: Physical: Cisco ISR; Virtual: VyOS.
networking appliances, • Switch: Forwards frames within a LAN.
applications, and Example: Physical: Cisco Catalyst; Virtual: Open vSwitch.
functions • Firewall: Controls network traffic based on rules.
Example: Physical: Palo Alto Networks; Virtual: pfSense.
• IDS/IPS: Detects/prevents malicious activity.
Example: Physical: dedicated appliance; Virtual: Snort.
• Load Balancer: Distributes traffic across servers.
Example: Physical: F5 BIG-IP; Virtual: HAProxy.
• Proxy: Intermediary for requests.
Example: Physical: dedicated proxy server; Virtual: Squid.
• NAS (Network-Attached Storage): File-level storage on a network.
Example: Physical: Synology NAS.
• SAN (Storage Area Network): Block-level storage on a dedicated network.
Example: Physical: Fibre Channel SAN.
• Wireless:
• Access Point (AP): Provides wireless network access.
Example: Physical: Ubiquiti AP.
• Controller: Manages multiple APs.
Example: Physical or virtual: Cisco WLC.
Applications:
• CDN (Content Delivery Network): Caches content for faster delivery.
Example: Cloudflare, Akamai.
Functions:
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Secure, encrypted connection.
Example: Site-to-site VPN, remote access VPN.
• QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritizes network traffic.
Example: Giving VoIP priority over file transfers.
• TTL (Time to Live): Limits packet lifespan to prevent loops.
Example: TTL value in IP headers.
Network Functions Virtualization (NFV): Virtualizing network functions (firewalls, routers) as
software on standard hardware.
1.3 Summarize cloud Example: Running a virtual firewall on a server instead of a dedicated appliance.
concepts and
connectivity options Virtual Private Cloud (VPC): A logically isolated section of a public cloud, providing a private
network environment.
Example: An AWS VPC with its own IP address range and subnets.
Network Security Groups (NSGs) / Network Access Control Lists (NACLs): Security features to
control inbound and outbound traffic within a VPC. NSGs are stateful, NACLs are stateless.
Example: NSG allowing HTTP traffic to a web server, NACL blocking all traffic on a specific
subnet.
Cloud Gateways:
• Internet Gateway: Enables communication between a VPC and the internet.
Example: Allowing instances in a VPC to access the internet.
• NAT Gateway: Enables instances in a private subnet to connect to the internet while preventing
inbound internet connections.
Example: Allowing a private database server to download updates.
Cloud Connectivity Options:
• VPN: Encrypted connection over the internet.
Example: Site-to-site VPN between an office and a VPC.
• Direct Connect/ExpressRoute: Dedicated, private connection to the cloud provider.
Example: High-bandwidth connection for data center replication.
Deployment Models:
• Public: Shared resources over the internet.
Example: AWS, Azure.
• Private: Dedicated resources for a single organization.
Example: On-premises VMware cloud.
• Hybrid: Combination of public and private.
Example: On-premises database with cloud web front end.
Service Models:
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-to-use applications.
Example: Salesforce, Gmail.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtualized computing resources.
Example: AWS EC2, Azure VMs.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Platform for application development.
Example: Google App Engine.
, Example: Allowing a private database server to download updates.
Cloud Connectivity Options:
• VPN: Encrypted connection
CompTIA Network+ N10-009over the
Exam Cheat internet.
Sheet.xlsx
Example: Site-to-site VPN between an office and a VPC.
• Direct Connect/ExpressRoute: Dedicated, private connection to the cloud provider.
Example: High-bandwidth connection for data center replication.
Deployment Models:
• Public: Shared resources over the internet.
Example: AWS, Azure.
• Private: Dedicated resources for a single organization.
Example: On-premises VMware cloud.
• Hybrid: Combination of public and private.
Example: On-premises database with cloud web front end.
Service Models:
• SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-to-use applications.
Example: Salesforce, Gmail.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtualized computing resources.
Example: AWS EC2, Azure VMs.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): Platform for application development.
Example: Google App Engine.
Scalability: Ability to increase or decrease resources as needed.
Example: Auto-scaling web servers during peak traffic.
Elasticity: Automatically adjusting resources based on demand.
Example: Automatically adding or removing VMs based on CPU usage.
Multitenancy: Multiple customers sharing the same physical resources.
Example:
ProtocolsMultiple
& Ports:websites hosted on the same server in a public cloud.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) (20/21): Transfers files between computers.
1.4 Explain common Example: Uploading files to a web server.
networking ports, • SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) (22): Secure file transfer over SSH.
protocols, services, and Example: Securely transferring files between servers.
traffic types • SSH (Secure Shell) (22): Secure remote access to devices.
Example: Remote server administration.
• Telnet (23): Unsecured remote access. (Avoid if possible)
Example: Legacy device management.
• SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) (25, 587): Sends email.
Example: Sending email from an email client.
• DNS (Domain Name System) (53): Resolves domain names to IP addresses.
Example: Translating "google.com" to its IP.
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) (67/68): Assigns IP addresses to devices.
Example: Automatic IP configuration on a network.
• TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) (69): Simple file transfer, often for booting devices.
Example: Network booting a thin client.
• HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) (80): Web page transfer.
Example: Browsing websites.
• NTP (Network Time Protocol) (123): Synchronizes device clocks.
Example: Keeping servers' time accurate.
• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) (161/162): Monitors and manages network devices.
Example: Monitoring switch performance.
• LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) (389, 636): Accesses directory services.
Example: Authenticating users against a directory.
• HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) (443): Secure web page transfer.
Example: Secure online banking.
• SMB (Server Message Block) (445): File and printer sharing.
Example: Sharing files on a Windows network.
• Syslog (514): Logging network events.
Example: Centralized logging of device events.
• SQL Server (1433): Accessing SQL databases.
Example: Database connections.
• RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) (3389): Remote desktop access.
Example: Remotely controlling a Windows computer.
• SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) (5060/5061): VoIP signaling.
Example: Setting up VoIP calls.
IP Protocol Types:
• ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol): Diagnostics and error reporting.
Example: Ping, traceroute.
• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Reliable, connection-oriented data transfer.
Example: Web browsing, email.
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Unreliable, connectionless data transfer.
Example: Streaming video, VoIP.
• GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation): Encapsulates other protocols for tunneling.
Example: Creating VPN tunnels.
• IPSec (Internet Protocol Security): Secure IP communication.
• AH (Authentication Header): Authentication and integrity.
• ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload): Encryption and authentication.
• IKE (Internet Key Exchange): Secure key exchange.
Example: Secure VPN connections.
Traffic Types:
• Unicast: One-to-one communication.
Example: Web browsing.
• Multicast: One-to-many communication (specific group).
Example: Streaming video to multiple subscribers.
• Anycast: One-to-nearest communication.
Example: DNS servers.
• Broadcast: One-to-all communication.
Example: ARP requests.
Wireless Transmission Media:
• 802.11 Standards: Wi-Fi standards defining wireless communication.
1.5 Compare and contrast Examples: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 4/5/6/6E), each with varying speeds and frequencies.
transmission media and • Cellular: Mobile network communication using cell towers.
transceivers Examples: 4G LTE, 5G.
• Satellite: Long-distance communication using satellites.
Examples: Satellite internet, GPS.
Wired Transmission Media:
• 802.3 Standards: Ethernet standards defining wired communication.
Examples: 10Base-T, 100Base-TX, 1000Base-T, 10GBase-T, each with varying speeds and cable types.
• Single-mode vs. Multimode Fiber: Fiber optic cables for high-speed, long-distance transmission.
Single-mode for longer distances, multimode for shorter.
Examples: Single-mode for long-haul, multimode for data center connections.
• Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cable / Twinaxial Cable: Short-range, high-speed copper cables for
data center connections.
Examples: Connecting servers to switches within a rack.
• Coaxial Cable: Cable with a center conductor and shielding.
Examples: Cable television, older Ethernet (10Base2).
• Cable Speeds: Data transfer rates of cables.
Examples: 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 100 Gbps.
• Plenum vs. Non-Plenum Cable: Plenum cables are fire-resistant and used in air handling spaces.
