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Exam Information
Official specifications published by CompTIA
Exam Format
90 min
Up to 90
720
Foundation
Registration
$369 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
Continuing Education (CE) Program; Higher-level CompTIA Certification; Retake Exam
N10-009 Exam Topics and Domains
N10-009 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Access control, Compliance, Ethernet, Google Cloud, and more.
1
Networking Concepts
23%
Explain concepts related to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model
OSI Model LayersData Encapsulation and PDUs
- Identify the purpose and characteristics of each OSI layer
- Understand data encapsulation and decapsulation processes
- Compare OSI model to TCP/IP model
Compare and contrast networking appliances, applications, and functions
Network Infrastructure DevicesSecurity and Management AppliancesWireless Infrastructure
- Compare functions of network infrastructure devices
- Identify appropriate devices for security requirements
- Understand wireless infrastructure components
Summarize cloud concepts and connectivity options
Cloud Service ModelsCloud Deployment ModelsVirtual Networking and Cloud Concepts
- Differentiate between cloud service models
- Compare cloud deployment models
- Understand virtual networking in cloud environments
Explain common networking ports, protocols, services, and traffic types
TCP and UDP ProtocolsCommon TCP/UDP Ports and ServicesIP Protocols and Traffic Types
- Memorize common TCP/UDP port numbers
- Differentiate between connection-oriented and connectionless protocols
- Understand traffic types and their use cases
Compare and contrast transmission media and transceivers
Copper CablingFiber Optic CablingConnectors and TransceiversPower over Ethernet
- Compare copper and fiber optic cabling characteristics
- Identify appropriate transceivers for network requirements
- Understand PoE standards and power budgets
2
Network Implementations
20%
Deploy appropriate wired connectivity standards
Ethernet StandardsCable Standards and Wiring
- Deploy appropriate Ethernet standards
- Understand cable wiring standards
- Select correct cable types for connections
Deploy appropriate wireless standards and technologies
Wi-Fi Standards (802.11)Wireless Frequencies and ChannelsWireless Security and AuthenticationWireless Technologies
- Deploy appropriate 802.11 wireless standards
- Configure wireless security and encryption
- Understand wireless frequencies and channel planning
Explain and configure IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes
IPv4 Addressing and SubnettingIPv6 AddressingIPv4/IPv6 Coexistence and NAT
- Calculate IPv4 subnets and determine usable hosts
- Configure IPv6 addressing schemes
- Understand NAT/PAT and IPv4/IPv6 coexistence
Configure switching technologies and features
VLANs and TrunkingSpanning Tree ProtocolAdvanced Switching Features
- Configure VLANs and trunk ports
- Understand Spanning Tree Protocol operation
- Implement advanced switching features like LACP and QoS
Configure routing protocols and concepts
Static and Dynamic RoutingDynamic Routing ProtocolsFirst Hop Redundancy Protocols
- Configure static and dynamic routing
- Compare routing protocol characteristics
- Implement first hop redundancy protocols
Explain important factors of physical installations
Distribution Frames and Infrastructure - NEWEnvironmental and Power Considerations
- Understand MDF and IDF distribution hierarchy - NEW
- Implement proper cable management
- Design for environmental and power requirements
Deploy and configure networking services
DHCP ConfigurationDNS ConfigurationNTP and IPAM
- Deploy and configure DHCP services
- Configure DNS records and zones
- Implement NTP and IPAM
Explain software-defined networking concepts
SDN Architecture - ENHANCEDModern SDN Technologies - NEW
- Explain SDN architecture and components
- Understand SD-WAN, VxLAN, and IaC concepts - NEW
- Recognize automation and orchestration benefits
3
Network Operations
19%
Explain the use of documentation and diagrams
Network Documentation TypesNetwork Baselines and Reports
- Create and maintain network documentation
- Differentiate between documentation types
- Establish network baselines
Explain disaster recovery and high availability concepts
Redundancy and High AvailabilityBackup and Recovery
- Implement high availability and redundancy
- Configure backup and recovery procedures
- Understand RTO, RPO, MTTR, and MTBF
Explain network monitoring and performance concepts
Performance MonitoringSNMP and Flow Monitoring
- Monitor network performance metrics
- Configure SNMP monitoring
- Implement flow-based traffic analysis
Explain remote access methods and implications
VPN TechnologiesRemote Management Protocols
- Configure VPN for remote access
- Implement secure remote management
- Understand out-of-band management
Explain policies and best practices
Network PoliciesAgreements and Procedures
- Implement network policies and procedures
- Understand change management processes
- Manage service level agreements
Use network services and tools - NEW
Automation and Orchestration - NEW
- Implement Infrastructure as Code - NEW
- Use configuration management tools
- Understand network automation benefits
4
Network Security
14%
Explain common security concepts
Security Frameworks and PrinciplesSecurity Controls
- Explain Zero Trust architecture - NEW
- Implement defense in depth principles
- Design secure network segmentation
Compare and contrast common types of attacks
Network-Based AttacksWireless and Social Engineering AttacksMalware and Application Attacks
- Identify common network attack types
- Recognize social engineering tactics
- Understand attack vectors and mitigations
Explain the basics of network security
Modern Security Frameworks - NEWFirewall TechnologiesIntrusion Detection and PreventionVPN and EncryptionAuthentication and Access ControlSecurity Monitoring
- Understand SASE and SSE frameworks - NEW
- Configure firewalls and IDS/IPS
- Implement authentication with 802.1X and RADIUS
- Deploy VPN solutions with appropriate encryption
Explain methods of network access control
Access Control MethodsAccess Control Models
- Implement network access control methods
- Configure 802.1X and port security
- Understand access control models
Explain the importance of physical security
Physical Security ControlsAsset Management and Disposal
- Implement physical security controls
- Secure network equipment and facilities
- Properly dispose of network assets
5
Network Troubleshooting
24%
Explain the troubleshooting methodology
CompTIA Troubleshooting StepsTroubleshooting Approaches
- Apply CompTIA troubleshooting methodology
- Use systematic approaches to problem solving
- Document troubleshooting steps and outcomes
Troubleshoot common cabling and physical connectivity issues
Cable ProblemsHardware and Connection Issues
- Troubleshoot physical layer connectivity issues
- Use cable testing tools effectively
- Diagnose and resolve cabling problems
Troubleshoot common issues with network services
IP Configuration IssuesNetwork Service Problems
- Troubleshoot IP configuration problems
- Diagnose DHCP and DNS issues
- Resolve service-related connectivity problems
Troubleshoot general networking issues
Layer 2 ProblemsLayer 3 and Routing ProblemsPerformance and Other Issues
- Troubleshoot Layer 2 switching problems
- Diagnose routing and Layer 3 issues
- Identify and resolve performance problems
Use appropriate network troubleshooting tools
Command-Line ToolsNetwork Analysis ToolsHardware Testing Tools
- Use command-line tools for network troubleshooting
- Analyze network traffic with protocol analyzers
- Test physical infrastructure with hardware tools
How do I earn this certification?
Passing N10-009 earns the CompTIA Network+ certification. It sits in the Infrastructure track.
Next Level Options
- SY0-701 - CompTIA Security+Natural progression into network security; most popular choice after Network+
- CV0-004 - CompTIA Cloud+Builds on networking knowledge for cloud environment management
- XK0-005 - CompTIA Linux+Complements networking with Linux system administration skills
- CS0-003 - CompTIA CySA+Advanced security analytics building on Network+ foundation
- 200-301 - Cisco CCNAVendor-specific networking certification building on Network+ foundation
Alternative Paths
- PK0-005 - CompTIA Project+Develop project management skills for IT infrastructure projects
- SK0-005 - CompTIA Server+Complementary server administration and hardware knowledge
- Juniper JNCIA-Junos Alternative vendor certification for networking professionals
- Aruba Certified Network Technician (ACNT) Specialize in enterprise wireless networking
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for N10-009 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-06-20
Updates
- Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax on 6 GHz) N10-009 NEW in N10-009 - added coverage of 6 GHz band and Wi-Fi 6E • Release date: 2024-06-20
- SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) N10-009 NEW in N10-009 - Domain 2.8 coverage • Release date: 2024-06-20
- VxLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) N10-009 NEW in N10-009 - Domain 2.8 coverage for data center networking • Release date: 2024-06-20
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) N10-009 NEW in N10-009 - Domains 2.8 and 3.6 coverage • Release date: 2024-06-20
- Zero Trust Architecture N10-009 NEW in N10-009 - Domain 4.1 security framework coverage • Release date: 2024-06-20
- SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) N10-009 NEW in N10-009 - Domain 4.3 security framework • Release date: 2024-06-20
- SSE (Security Service Edge) N10-009 NEW in N10-009 - Domain 4.3 security component of SASE • Release date: 2024-06-20
- MDF/IDF (Main/Intermediate Distribution Frames) N10-009 NEW in N10-009 - Domain 2.6 physical infrastructure • Release date: 2024-06-20
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Junior network administrators and Network support technicians.
- CompTIA A+ certification (or equivalent knowledge)
- 9-12 months hands-on experience as a junior network administrator or network support technician
- Basic understanding of networking concepts
- Familiarity with network troubleshooting