Applying a layer-by-layer approach to network troubleshooting can greatly assist with isolating symptoms and causes. In this topic, you will investigate some common issues that can affect cabled networks and identify the tools and techniques that can be used to solve problems at the Physical layer.
Text Lessons:
2.6.1 Specification and Limitations
2.6.2 Cable Issues
2.6.3 Cable Category Issues
2.6.4 Cable Testers
2.6.5 Wire Map Testers and Tone Generators
2.6.6 Attenuation and Interference Issues
2.6.7 Crosstalk Issues
2.6.8 Fiber Optic Cable Testing Tools
2.6.9 Cable Troubleshooting Strategies
Lab/Activity:
2.6.10 Lab: Explore Physical Connectivity 1
2.6.11 Lab: Explore Physical Connectivity 2
2.6.12 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 1
2.6.13 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 2
2.6.14 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 3
2.6.15 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 4
Quiz/Assessment:
2.6.16 Lesson Review (15 questions)
Topics Discussed:
How can you distinguish an issue caused by improper cable choice or termination from one caused by environmental factors?
Which tools can you use to diagnose issues with copper and fiber optic cable and connectors?
What is the difference between a regular cable tester and a cable certifier?
Which tool would you use to find the end of a specific cable within a wiring closet?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 2.6 Cable Troubleshooting, and complete the 2.6.10 Lab: Explore Physical Connectivity 1, 2.6.11 Lab: Explore Physical Connectivity 2, 2.6.12 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 1, 2.6.13 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 2, 2.6.14 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 3, 2.6.15 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 4 and the 15 question 2.6.16 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: January 29th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 30th, 2025
Cabling is only one part of physical installation. There are also important considerations around installing switches, routers, access points, and servers within a site. Power, temperature, humidity, and fire risks can all adversely affect the reliability of network services. There are also security and access control factors to account for. While you might not be responsible for site design at this stage in your career, you should be able to explain the importance of these factors when performing maintenance and upgrades.
Text Lessons:
2.5.1 Rack Systems
2.5.2. Humidity and Temperature
2.5.3 Power Management
2.5.4 Fire Suppression
Lab/Activity:
None
Quiz/Assessment:
2.5.5 Lesson Review (10 questions)
Topics Discussed:
How do rack systems ensure density and security?
What considerations must be made for supplying power to run networking equipment?
What are the risks from environmental factors, and how can they be controlled?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 2.5: Physical Installation Factors, and complete the 10 question 2.5.5 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: January 27th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 28th, 2025
Fiber optic media can support higher bandwidths over longer distances than copper wire. These advantages make it a popular choice for long-distance telecommunications networks and for reliable, high-speed networking within datacenters. Understanding the characteristics of fiber optic media will help you to support existing installations and upgrades.
Text Lessons:
2.4.1 Fiber Optic Cable Considerations
2.4.2 Single Mode Fiber and Multimode Fiber
2.4.3 Fiber Optic Connector Types
2.4.4 Fiber Optic Cable Installation
2.4.5 Fiber Distribution Panels and Fusion Splicing
2.4.6 Multi-Fiber Push On Connectors
2.4.7 Wavelength Division Multiplexing
Lab/Activity:
2.4.8 Lab: Connect Fiber Optic Cables
2.4.9 Identify Fiber Optic Connectors
Quiz/Assessment:
2.4.10 Lesson Review (15 questions)
Topics Discussed:
What advantages do fiber optic cables offer over copper cables?
What is the difference between single mode and multimode cables?
What are the different fiber connector types, and what are their typical uses?
What are duplex, parallel, and multiplexed transmission types?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 2.4: Fiber Optic Cables and Connectors, and complete the 2.4.8 Lab: Connect Fiber Optic Cables, the 2.4.9 Identify Fiber Optic Connectors activity, and the 15 question 2.4.10 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: January 13th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 14th, 2025
The networking industry has developed a standard model for deploying a structured cabling system. The model is adaptable to both small and large networks. In this topic, you will describe how a distribution system can provision network access throughout a building or site.
2.3.5 Termination Tools and Techniques (5:13 minutes)
Lab/Activity:
2.3.6 Lab: Explore Multiple Locations in a Lab
2.3.7 Lab: Connect Network Devices
2.3.8 Lab: Connect Patch Panel Cables 1
2.3.9 Lab: Connect Patch Panel Cables 2
Quiz/Assessment:
2.3.10 Lesson Review (10 questions)
Topics Discussed:
What is the difference between the MDF and an IDF, and how do they relate to patch panels?
When should you use stranded core twisted pair cable instead of solid core twisted pair?
What is the difference between the T568A and T568B standards?
When you use a punch down tool, which way should the blade be facing?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 2.3: Wiring Implementation, and complete the 2.3.6 Lab: Explore Multiple Locations in a Lab, the 2.3.7 Lab: Connect Network Devices, the 2.3.8 Lab: Connect Patch Panel Cables 1, the 2.3.9 Lab: Connect Patch Panel Cables 2 and the 10 question 2.3.10 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: January 9th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 10th, 2025
Copper wire twisted pair cabling is the most popular choice for access networks in offices. You are likely to work with this network media daily as part of your duties as a network professional. Understanding the characteristics of twisted pair will enable you to properly install and service your networks.
Text Lessons:
2.2.1 Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable
2.2.2 Shielded and Screened Twisted Pair Cable
2.2.3 Cat Cable Standards
2.2.4 Twisted Pair Connector Types
2.2.5 Plenum and Riser-rated Cable
2.2.6 Coaxial and Twinaxial Cable and Connectors
Lab/Activity:
2.2.7 Lab: Connect to an Ethernet Network
2.2.8 Lab: Connect a Cable Modem
2.2.9 Identify Cabling
2.2.10 Identify Connectors
Quiz/Assessment:
2.2.11 Lesson Review (10 questions)
Topics Discussed:
Why are wires twisted together in twisted pair cables?
What is the difference between STP cabling and UTP cabling?
What speeds and distances are supported by different cable categories?
How can you tell the difference between RJ11 and RJ45 connectors?
What are the uses of coax and twinax copper cabling?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 2.2: Copper Cables and Connectors, and complete the 2.2.7 Lab: Connect to an Ethernet Network, the 2.2.8 Lab: Connect a Cable Modem, the 2.2.9 Identify Cabling Activity, the 2.2.10 Identify Connectors Activity and the 10 question 2.2.11 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: January 8th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 9th, 2025
In this lesson, you will identify the components used in an Ethernet network implementation. A standard provides detailed specifications for Physical layer media and interfaces. The Ethernet standard dominates the wired LAN product market. Large and small networks use Ethernet technology to provide both backbone and end user services. Due to the wide deployment of Ethernet today, you will undoubtedly be required to manage and troubleshoot Ethernet networks.
Text Lessons:
2.1.1 Network Data Transmission
2.1.2 Ethernet Standards
2.1.3 Media Access Control and Collision Domains
2.1.4 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet Standards
2.1.5 Gigabit Ethernet Standards
2.1.6 Fiber Ethernet Standards
Lab/Activity:
2.1.7 Ethernet Specifications
2.1.8 Lab: Reconnect to an Ethernet Network
Quiz/Assessment:
2.1.9 Lesson Review (10 questions)
Topics Discussed:
Why is it useful to categorize network types, appliances, applications, functions, and topologies?
What are the advantages of a client-server network compared to a peer-to-peer network?
How does a logical topology differ from a physical topology?
What do diagrams of point to point, star, and mesh topologies look like?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 2.1: Ethernet, and complete the 2.1.7 Ethernet Specifications activity, the 2.1.8 Lab: Reconnect to an Ethernet Network, and the 10 question 2.1.9 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: January 6th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 7th, 2025
Network problems can arise from a variety of sources outside your control. As a network professional, your users, your managers, and your colleagues will all look to you to identify and resolve those problems efficiently. To do that, you will need a strong fundamental understanding of the tools and processes involved in troubleshooting a network. Being able to resolve problems in these areas is a crucial skill for keeping your network running smoothly.
Troubleshooting requires a best practice approach to both problem-solving and customer/client communication. A troubleshooting model provides you with proven processes on which to base your techniques and approach.
Text Lessons:
1.4.1 Network Troubleshooting Methodology
1.4.2 Identify the Problem
1.4.3 Identify Problem Symptoms
1.4.4 Establish a Theory of Probable Cause
1.4.5 Test the Theory to Determine the Cause
1.4.6 Establish a Plan of Action
1.4.7 Implement the Solution
1.4.8 Verify the Solution
1.4.9 Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes
Lab/Activity:
1.4.10 Lab: Troubleshooting Methodology
Quiz/Assessment:
1.4.11 Lesson Review (15 questions)
Topics Discussed:
What are the advantages of applying a structured methodology to troubleshooting?
What is the sequence of steps in CompTIA’s troubleshooting methodology?
What activities are performed at each step?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 1.4: Troubleshooting Methodology , and complete the 1.4.10 Lab: Troubleshooting Methodology and the 15 question 1.4.11 Lesson Review quiz to complete the Section.
Assigned: December 11th, 2024 Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 12th, 2024
The OSI model involves quite a lot of abstraction. As a practical example, it is worth examining how a basic network is implemented. In this topic, you will describe the connection and configuration options for components within a typical small office/home office (SOHO) router. You will also explore some of the organizations responsible for managing the Internet and the various numbering schemes used for network address notation.
Text Lessons:
1.3.1 SOHO Routers
1.3.2 Physical Layer Functions
1.3.3 Data Link Layer Functions
1.3.4 Network Layer Functions
1.3.5 Transport and Application Layer and Security Functions
1.3.6 The Internet
Text and Video Lesson:
1.3.7 Binary and Hexadecimal
Lab/Activity:
1.3.8 Lab: Explore a Single Location in a Lab
1.3.9 Lab: Create a Home Wireless Network
1.3.10 Lab: Create a SOHO Network
Quiz/Assessment:
1.3.11 Lesson Review (10 questions)
Topics Discussed:
What separate functions are packed into a typical SOHO router appliance?
How are Internet services provisioned and managed?
What types of numbering schemes are used to represent network addresses?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 1.3: SOHO Networks , and complete the 1.3.8 Lab: Explore a Single Location in a Lab, 1.3.9 Lab: Create a Home Wireless Network, 1.3.10 Lab: Create a SOHO Network and the 10 question 1.3.11 Lesson Review quiz to complete the Section.
Assigned: December 9th, 2024 Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 10th, 2024
Network types and topologies determine the scale and flow of data through a network. Identifying the different topologies is essential to designing or troubleshooting a network. No matter what your specific role in network implementation and management, you will need to understand the characteristics of the network topology you are working with and identify how the topology affects network design, performance, and troubleshooting.
Text Lessons:
1.1.1 Networking Concepts
1.1.2 Network Types
1.1.3 Network Topology
1.1.4 Star Topology
1.1.5 Mesh Topology
Lab/Activity:
1.1.6 Network Topologies (5 questions)
1.1.7 Lab: Create Network Topologies
Quiz/Assessment:
1.1.8 Lesson Review (11 questions)
Topics Discussed:
Why is it useful to categorize network types, appliances, applications, functions, and topologies?
What are the advantages of a client-server network compared to a peer-to-peer network?
How does a logical topology differ from a physical topology?
What do diagrams of point to point, star, and mesh topologies look like?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 1.1: Networking Overview, and complete the 5 question 1.1.6 Network Topologies quiz, the 1.1.7 Lab: Create Network Topologies, and the 11 question 1.1.8 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: December 3rd, 2024 Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 5th, 2024
