Networking is a critical component in any IT role, especially for CompTIA A+ certification candidates. From supporting a Local Area Network (LAN) to managing Wide Area Networks (WANs), knowledge of network types and management tools will allow you to handle connectivity issues, maintain secure networks, and understand common industry terms. In this guide, we’ll cover network types, wireless options, VPNs, and essential management tools.
Understanding different network types is foundational for IT support, as each serves unique purposes based on size, location, and functionality.
A WWAN provides wireless data communication over a large geographical area, using cellular and satellite technologies.
A VPN creates an encrypted “tunnel” over the internet, allowing secure access to a private network remotely.
A metered connection is a network connection that has a data limit or charges based on data usage, commonly used in cellular or satellite networks.
Network troubleshooting and management tools are essential for diagnosing and resolving connectivity issues. Here are some foundational tools and commands:
ipconfig /all to see detailed IP information, such as subnet mask, DNS servers, and MAC address.LAN (Local Area Network) connects devices within a single location, such as an office, using wired connections like Ethernet. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) operates similarly but uses Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity, allowing mobility within the network’s range.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure connection over the internet that creates an encrypted tunnel to a private network. It’s commonly used for secure remote access to corporate resources, ensuring data remains private and secure while working remotely.
Common tools include Ping, Traceroute, ipconfig/ifconfig, nslookup, Netstat, and Wireshark. These tools help diagnose connectivity issues, measure latency, verify IP configuration, troubleshoot DNS, and analyze packet data for network diagnostics.
A metered connection restricts data usage by limiting background data, such as system updates, to save on data costs or avoid overages. This is commonly set for cellular and satellite connections where data may be capped or more costly.
A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a specialized high-speed network that connects storage devices to servers, allowing for centralized data management. SANs are often used in enterprise environments for efficient storage access, data backup, and disaster recovery.
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