Thoroughly updated to reflect the CompTIA Network+ N10-008 exam, Networking Essentials, 6th Edition is a practical, up-to-date, and hands-on guide to the basics of networking. Written from the viewpoint of a working network administrator, it requires absolutely no experience with either network concepts or day-to-day network management. Networking Essentials, guides readers from an entry-level knowledge in computer networks to advanced concepts in Ethernet networks; router configuration; TCP/IP networks; routing protocols; local, campus, and wide area network configuration; network security; wireless networking; optical networks; Voice over IP; the network server; and Linux networking. This edition reflects the latest exam topics and objectives associated with network security and hardening, cloud networking, virtualisation, 5G, and other recent advances in wireless technology, infrastructure management, and current hardware and devices. It also explains many new terms now addressed by CompTIA's N10-008 exam.

Clear goals are outlined for each chapter, and every concept is introduced in easy-to-understand language that explains how and why networking technologies are used. Each chapter is packed with real-world examples and practical exercises that reinforce all concepts and guide you through using them to configure, analyse, and fix networks.

Features

Provides a practical approach to introductory networking concepts
Presents tons of hands-on activities to help students learn by doing
Clearly outlines goals for each chapter with chapter-opening objectives and introductions
Highlights key terms and acronyms in the margins to enhance retention of networking terminology
Guides readers through application of concepts through configuring, analysing, and troubleshooting sections
Includes extensive problem sets, summaries, questions, and problems (including critical thinking questions) at the end of each chapter to assess learning
Allows students to practice custom-designed, hands-on router and switch configuration exercises with the Net-Challenge software
The companion web site features labs, Wireshark captures, and chapter quizzes
Updated for the new CompTIA Network+ N10-008 exam