Networking Fundamentals

A clear and concise resource on Windows networking, perfect for IT beginners

Did you know that nearly 85% of IT support roles require a good understanding of networking concepts? If you are looking to advance your IT career, you will need a foundational understanding of Windows networking. Network Fundamentals covers everything you need to know about network infrastructures, hardware, protocols, and services. You will learn everything you need to gain the highly in-demand Networking Fundamentals MTA Certification. This entry-level credential could be your first step into a rewarding, stable and lucrative IT career.

This new Sybex guide covers the basics of networking starting from the “ground level,” so no previous IT knowledge is required. Each chapter features approachable discussion of the latest networking technologies and concepts, closing with a quiz so you can test your knowledge before moving to the next section. Even if you are brand new to computers, Network Fundamentals will guide you to confidence and mastery.

• Understand wired and wireless networks in every detail
• Learn everything you need to attain the Networking Fundamentals MTA Certification
• Test your knowledge with end-of-chapter quiz questions
• Understand internet protocol (IP) and categorize IPv4 addresses
• Work with networking services and area networks
• Define network infrastructures and network security, including intranets, extranets, and VPNs

Beginning and established IT professionals looking to understand more about networking will gain the knowledge to create a network diagram and confidently explain basic networking concepts. Thanks to the features in this book, you will be able to apply your new networking skills in real world situations and feel confident when taking the certification test.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Crystal Panek, MCP, MCP+I, MCSA, MCSE, MCTS, MCDBA currently works on a contract basis creating courseware for several large IT training facilities. For over 15 years, she served as vice-president of a large IT training company where she developed training materials and courseware to help 1000's of students get through their certification exams. She has trained students and IT professionals at the MicroC, Stellacon Corporation, and the University of New Hampshire.

Introduction xv

Lesson 1 Understanding Local Area Networking 1

Examining Local Area Networks, Devices, and Data Transfer 3

Defining the LAN 3

Identifying Types of LANs 20

Getting to Know Perimeter Networks 23

Identifying Network Topologies and Standards 25

Identifying Network Topologies 25

Defining Ethernet Standards 29

Identifying the Differences Between Client/Server and Peer-to-Peer 32

Skill Summary 36

Knowledge Assessment 38

Multiple Choice 38

Fill in the Blank 40

Business Case Scenarios 41

Scenario 1-1: Planning and Documenting a Basic LAN 41

Scenario 1-2: Selecting the Correct Networking Model 41

Scenario 1-3: Selecting Network Adapters for Your LAN Computers 41

Scenario 1-4: Configuring the Correct Subnet Mask 41

Solutions to Business Case Scenarios 42

Lesson 2 Defining Networks with the OSI Model 43

Understanding OSI Basics 45

Defining the OSI Model Layers 46

Defining the Communications Subnetwork 48

Define the Physical Layer 49

Define the Data Link Layer 51

Understanding Layer 2 Switching 52

Understanding Layer 3 Switching 56

Understanding Characteristics of Switches 56

Defining the Upper OSI Layers 58

Defining the Transport Layer 59

Defining the Session Layer 62

Defining the Presentation Layer 63

Defining the Application Layer 64

Reviewing the OSI Layers 65

Defining the TCP/IP Model 67

Skill Summary 68

Knowledge Assessment 69

Multiple Choice 69

Fill in the Blank 71

Business Case Scenarios 71

Scenario 2-1: Installing the Appropriate Switch 71

Scenario 2-2: Defining the IP Address and Ports Used by Destination Servers 72

Scenario 2-3: Ensuring a Newly Created Email Account’s Logon is Encrypted 72

Scenario 2-4: Creating a Permanent ARP Table Entry 72

Lesson 3 Understanding Wired and Wireless Networks 75

Recognizing Wired Networks and Media Types 77

Identifying and Working with Twisted-Pair Cables 77

Identifying and Working with Fiber-Optic Cable 86

Understanding Wireless Networks 89

Identifying Wireless Devices 89

Identifying Wireless Networking Standards 91

Skill Summary 97

Knowledge Assessment 98

Multiple Choice 98

Fill in the Blank 100

Business Case Scenarios 100

Scenario 3-1: Selecting Channels for a WLAN 100

Scenario 3-2: Running Cable Drops Properly 100

Scenario 3-3: Selecting Network Adapters for Your WLAN Computers 101

Scenario 3-4: Securing a WLAN 101

Lesson 4 Understanding Internet Protocol 103

Working with IPV4 105

Categorizing IPv4 Addresses 105

Default Gateways and DNS Servers 114

Defining Advanced IPv4 Concepts 117

Working with IPV6 129

Understanding IPv6 130

Configuring IPv6 133

Skill Summary 140

Knowledge Assessment 142

Multiple Choice 142

Fill in the Blank 144

Business Case Scenarios 145

Scenario 4-1: Defining a Private Class C IP Network 145

Scenario 4-2: Specifying the Correct Device 145

Scenario 4-3: Implementing the Correct Class Network 145

Scenario 4-4: Implementing the Correct Subnet Mask 145

Lesson 5 Implementing TCP/IP in the Command Line 147

Using Basic TCP/IP Commands 149

Working with the Command Prompt Window 149

Using ipconfig and ping 152

Working with Advanced TCP/IP Commands 162

Using netstat and nbtstat 162

Using tracert and pathping 167

Using nslookup 170

Using ftp and telnet 171

Using Windows PowerShell 173

Using net 180

Skill Summary 188

Knowledge Assessment 189

Multiple Choice 189

Fill in the Blank 192

Business Case Scenarios 195

Scenario 5-1: Connecting to an FTP Server 195

Scenario 5-2: Troubleshooting TCP/IP Results 195

Scenario 5-3: Documenting a Basic Wide Area Network 196

Scenario 5-4: Using Advanced Ping 196

Lesson 6 Working with Networking Services 199

Setting Up Common Networking Services 201

Working with the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) 202

Introducing Remote Administration 208

Enable Remote Desktop 210

Access Remote Desktop 210

Defining More Networking Services 213

Defining RRAS 213

Defining IPsec 217

Defining Name Resolution Techniques 218

Defining DNS 218

Defining WINS 222

Skill Summary 223

Knowledge Assessment 225

Multiple Choice 225

Fill in the Blank 227

Business Case Scenarios 227

Scenario 6-1: Selecting the Appropriate Services 227

Scenario 6-2: Selecting the Appropriate Services 228

Scenario 6-3: Setting Up a DHCP Server 228

Scenario 6-4: Setting Up a New DHCP and Migrating Old Computers 228

Scenario 6-5: Managing Remote Connections 228

Lesson 7 Understanding Wide Area Networks 231

Understanding Routing 233

Identifying Static and Dynamic Routing 233

Understanding Quality of Service (QOS) 237

Defining Common WAN Technologies and Connections 239

Defining Packet Switching 239

Defining T-Carriers 249

Defining Other WAN Technologies and Internet Connectivity 250

Skill Summary 252

Knowledge Assessment 254

Multiple Choice 254

Fill in the Blank 256

Business Case Scenarios 256

Scenario 7-1: Selecting the Appropriate Service and Protocol 256

Scenario 7-2: Selecting the Appropriate WAN Technology 256

Scenario 7-3: Recommending the Right Service 257

Scenario 7-4: Setting Up Routes to Other Networks 257

Lesson 8 Defining Network Infrastructures and Network Security 259

Understanding Networks Outside the LAN 261

Defining the Internet 261

Defining Intranets and Extranets 262

Configuring VPN Connections and Authentication 264

Selecting Types of VPN Protocols 265

Selecting Authentication for VPN Connections 267

Creating a VPN Connection Using the Create a VPN Connection Wizard 268

Creating a VPN Connection Using Windows 10 Settings 270

Using Connection Manager (CM) and the Connection Manager Administration Kit (CMAK) 272

Understanding Security Devices and Zones 273

Defining Firewalls and Other Perimeter Security Devices 273

Redefining the DMZ 277

Putting It All Together 278

Skill Summary 281

Knowledge Assessment 282

Multiple Choice 282

Fill in the Blank 284

Business Case Scenarios 285

Scenario 8-1: Setting Up a DMZ 285

Scenario 8-2: Selecting the Appropriate Solution 285

Scenario 8-3: Setting Up a PPTP Server 285

Scenario 8-4: Creating a WAN with VPN 286

Appendix Answer Key 289

Lesson 1: Understanding Local Area Networking 290

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 290

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 291

Lesson 2: Defining Networks with the OSI Model 292

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 292

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 293

Lesson 3: Understanding Wired and Wireless Networks 293

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 293

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 294

Lesson 4: Understanding Internet Protocol 295

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 295

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 296

Lesson 5: Implementing TCP/IP in the Command Line 297

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 297

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 298

Lesson 6: Working with Networking Services 298

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 298

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 299

Lesson 7: Understanding Wide Area Networks 301

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 301

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 302

Lesson 8: Defining Network Infrastructure and Network Security 302

Answers to Knowledge Assessment 302

Answers to Business Case Scenarios 303

Index 305

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