Computer Networks/Wide Area Networks

This lesson introduces wide area networks, firewalls, access control, and remote access.

Objectives and Skills

Objectives and skills for the wide area networks, firewalls, access control, and remote access portion of Network+ certification include:^[1]

Explain the characteristics and benefits of various WAN technologies
- Fiber
  - SONET
  - DWDM
  - CWDM
- Frame relay
- Satellite
- Broadband cable
- DSL/ADSL
- ISDN
- ATM
- PPP/Multilink PPP
- MPLS
- GSM/CDMA
  - LTE/4G
  - HSPA+
  - 3G
  - Edge
- Dialup
- WiMAX
- Metro-Ethernet
- Leased lines
  - T-1
  - T-3
  - E-1
  - E-3
  - OC3
  - OC12
- Circuit switch vs packet switch
Given a scenario, deploy the appropriate wired connectivity standard
- Broadband standards
  - DOCSIS
Given a scenario, install and configure a basic firewall
- Types of firewalls
  - Host-based
  - Network-based
  - Software vs hardware
  - Application aware/context aware
  - Small office/home office firewall
  - Stateful vs stateless inspection
  - UTM
- Settings/techniques
  - ACL
  - Virtual wire vs routed
  - DMZ
  - Implicit deny
  - Block/allow
    - Outbound traffic
    - Inbound traffic
  - Firewall placement
    - Internal/external
Explain the purpose of various network access control models
- 802.1x
- Posture assessment
- Guest network
- Persistent vs non-persistent agents
- Quarantine network
- Edge vs access control
Compare and contrast the use of networking services and applications
- VPN
  - Site to site/host to site/host to host
  - Protocols
    - IPsec
    - GRE
    - SSL VPN
    - PTP/PPTP
- TACACS/RADIUS
- RAS
- Web services
- Unified voice services
- Network controllers
Identify the basics elements of unified communication technologies
- VoIP
- Video
- Real time services
  - Presence
  - Multicast vs unicast
- QoS
  - DSCP
  - COS
- Devices
  - UC servers
  - UC devices
  - UC gateways
Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve common WAN issues
- Loss of internet connectivity
- Interface errors
- Split horizon
- DNS issues
- Interference
- Router configurations
- Customer premise equipment
  - Smart jack/NIU
  - Demarc
  - Loopback
  - CSU/DSU
  - Copper line drivers/repeaters
- Company security policy
  - Throttling
  - Blocking
  - Fair access policy/utilization limits
- Satellite issues
  - Latency

Readings

Multimedia

Activities

Research plans available from different wired (cable, DSL, T1) and wireless (cellular, wireless, satellite) Internet providers. Compare mobility, availability, bandwidth, reliability, delay, concurrent connections, security, and cost.
Check firewall settings.
- Review Wikipedia: Windows Firewall and Microsoft: Understanding Windows Firewall Settings. View Windows firewall settings and verify that you have a firewall enabled.
- Test your firewall using a testing service such as Gibson Research: ShieldsUP!.
- Research available third-party host-based firewall software. What features are included in third-party host-based firewalls that are not included in the built-in operating system firewall?
Investigate remote access options.
- Ask whether your school or work organization supports remote access to their network, either through a virtual private network or through some type of remote desktop interface. If remote access is available and you have permission to use it, set up a remote connection from home and test remote connectivity. Ask what type of authentication service is used to support this remote access.
- If your school or work organization does not support remote access to their network, you can set up and test a free VPN connection to the Internet using VPNBook.
- Investigate settings available on your home network to provide remote access. Does your router support VPN or remote desktop port forwarding? Consider whether or not you would want to enable these services. If so, enable and test the connection. If not, just review the settings that would be necessary to make your network available remotely.
Research available Voice over IP / unified communications providers. Compare price and services offered for business and home users. Ask whether your school or work organization uses a VoIP / unified communications service.

Lesson Summary

Key Terms

References

↑ CompTIA: Network+ Certification Exam Objectives - Exam N10-006

[1] CompTIA: Network+ Certification Exam Objectives - Exam N10-006

[1]