Competency: General Networking Terminology 1. Describe the principles of data transmission. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the purposes, benefits, and risks for installing a network. 3. Explain and convert number systems (e.g., binary, decimal, and hexadecimal.) 4. Identify types of networks (e.g., LAN, WAN, and MAN) and their features and applications. 5. Interpret basic networking terminology and concepts. 6. Identify various network operating systems (e.g., Novell, Linux, Apple, and Mac). 7. Identify the relationship between computer networks and other communications networks (e.g., telephone system). 8. State the differences between various network environments (e.g., peer-to-peer, client-server, thin client, n-tier, internetworks, intranets, and extranets). 9. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of peer-to-peer and client/server networks. 10. Identify services delivered by a server, such as application server, communication server, domain/directory server, fax server, file and print server, mail server, and Web server. 11. Identify applications and server services, including printer, DNS, DHCP, and Internet services. 12. State the functions of common help desk tools and resources such as incident tracking, knowledge database, and staffing. 13. Describe the role of the ISP. 14. Define and explain the function of DNS, DHCP, WINS and host files. 15. Differentiate between various current protocols (e.g., AppleTalk, TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NETBEUI, and DHCP). 16. Explain current network standards and pseudo-standards (e.g., IEEE, RFCs, and ISO). 17. Describe the role of the NIC (Network Interface Card) including explanation of the MAC (Media Access Control) address and its uses. 18. Define terms related to network media (e.g., shielding, crosstalk, and attenuation). 19. Identify standard high-speed networks (e.g., broadband, ISDN, SMDS, ATM, and FDDI). 20. Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of network connectors (e.g., RJ45 and RJ11, ST/SC/LC, MT-RJ, and USB). 21. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for networks. 22. Identify a MAC address. 23. Define the purpose, function, and/or use of the following protocols within TCIP/IP: IP, TCP, UDP, FTP, TFTP, and SMTP. HTTP, HTTPS, POP3/IMAP4, TELNET ECMP, ARP and NTP. 24. Identify IP addresses and their default subnet masks. 25. Identify the purpose of sub-netting and default gateways. 26. Identify the main characteristics of network attached storage. 27. Identify the purpose and characteristics of fault tolerance. 28. Identify the differences between public vs. private networks. 29. Identify the basic characteristics (e.g., speed, capacity, and media) of the following WAN technologies: Packet switching vs. circuit switching, ISDN, FDDI, ATM, Frame Relay, Sonnet/SDH, T1/E1, T3/E3, and OCx. 30. Define the function of the following remote access protocols and services: RAS, PPP, PPTP, and ICA. Page 1
Competency: Specific Network Operating System (NOS) Concepts 1. Identify the general characteristics and functions of network operating systems (e.g., window NT, LINUX, and UNIX). 2. List and describe the function of the system files for major operating systems. 3. Navigate the desktop operating system environment using system utilities, system administrative tools, filestructure tools, and hardware-management tools. 4. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for operating systems. 5. Properly setup protocols, clients, and adapters on a network operating system. 6. Identify major considerations faced when installing a network operating system. 7. Configure a client to connect to a typical server such as UNIX/Linus, Netware, Windows, or Macintosh. 8. Determine the impact of modifying, adding, or removing network services (e.g., DHCP, DNS, and WINS) on network resources and users. 9. Install and configure MS Windows client and/or server operating systems operating systems in a server-centric network environment. 10. Monitor and correct server performance issues. 11. Configure and connect computers to configure a domain environment. 12. Install cable to configure a domain environment. 13. Design and configure subnetting tables. 14. Select the appropriate NIC and network configuration settings (e.g., DHCP, DNS, WINS) protocols and NETBIOS/host name, given a network configuration. Competency: OSI Model & Functionality 1. Identify the properties of the open system interconnection (OSI) standard. 2. Describe the evolution of OSI from its inception to the present and into the future. 3. Describe the primary function of each layer of the OSI model and the way each relates to networking activities. 4. Describe devices in a network environment and their place in the OSI model. 5. Describe the network processes that use protocols and map these to the appropriate OSI levels. 6. Identify the OSI layers at which the following network components operate: hubs, switches, bridges, routers, NICs, and WAPs. Page 2
Competency: Network Topologies 1. Explain network topologies (e.g., star, bus, ring, broadband, and baseband). 2. List advantages and disadvantages and distinguish between the topologies and protocols of local area networks and those of wide area networks. 3. Compare and contrast wireless networking to wired networking. 4. Explore the concept of broadband and various incarnations, including DSL, cable, and high-speed wireless (e.g., satellite, WiFi, WiMax, and GSM). 5. Identify components and features of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802 Networking Specifications. 6. Identify the principles and operation of fiber optics, analog, and digital circuits. 7. Identify the principles and operation of wire (e.g., coaxial and fiber optics) and wireless systems and install. 8. Identify names, purposes, and characteristics (e.g., definition, speed, and connections) of technologies for establishing connectivity. 9. Demonstrate the use of connectivity methods (e.g., cable modem, DSL, T1, dial-up, and WiFi) and peripheral equipment (e.g., portable storage devices, printers, cable modem, and wireless technologies). 10. Specify the general characteristics (e.g., carrier speed, frequency, transmission type, and topology) of the following wireless technologies: 802.ll, 802.11x, infrared, and Bluetooth. 11. Identify factors which affect the range and speed of wireless service (e.g., interference, antenna type, and environmental factors). 12. Test, validate, and troubleshoot IP connectivity using TCP/IP utilities. 13. Demonstrate use of remote access (e.g., VPN and teleconferencing). Page 3
Competency: Equipment for Network Access (firewall, DSU/CSU, TI, Wi-Fi, etc.) 1. Explain different functions of network communications equipment (e.g., modems, DSL/CSU, NIC, bridges, switches, routers, and hubs.) 2. Identify the purpose, features and functions of the following network components: Hubs, Switches, Bridges, Routers, Gateways, Brouters, CSU/DSU, Network, Interface Cards, ISDN Adapters, System Area Network Cards, Wireless Access Points, and Modems. 3. Discuss various types of network adapters. 4. Install and configure necessary hardware and software for a basic network installation, including the creation of a shared resource. 5. Explain the uses of current and emerging specialized server hardware, including RAID, blades, SMP, storage devices ultra SCSI, and hot-swappable technologies. 6. Explain advantages and disadvantages of wireless technologies. 7. Identify the types of wireless network media (e.g., WiFi, WiMax, and GSM.) 8. Differentiate between broadband and baseband. 9. Identify different types of network cabling such as CAT5, Coax, fiber, and select the appropriate type of connectors for each. 10. Install and configure network cards (physical address). 11. Describe types of modems (e.g., analog, cable, and DSL) and standards. 12. Identify uses of virtual machines. 13. Configure a connection (e.g., IP, IPX, dial-up, PPPOE, authentication, and physical connectivity) given a remote connectivity scenario. 14. Select the appropriate TCP/IP utility from among the following: Tracert, Ping, Arp, Netstat, Nbstat, Ipconfig/Ifconfig, Winipcfg, or Nslookup given a troubleshooting scenario. 15. Select the appropriate tool (e.g., wire crimper, media tester/certifier, punch down tool, tone generator, and optical tester) given a wiring task. 16. Interpret visual indicators (e.g., link lights and collision lights) to determine the nature of a network problem. 17. Identify the utility and interpret the output based on output from a diagnostic utility (e.g., tracert, ping, and ipconfig). 18. Identify the cause of a client connectivity problem (e.g., incorrect protocol/client software/authentication configuration, or insufficient rights/permission). 19. Identify the cause of the problem involving a wiring/infrastructure (e.g., bad media, interference, and network hardware). 20. Choose the appropriate media type and connectors to add a client to an existing network. 21. Identify the purposes, characteristics, and benefits of software firewalls and hardware firewalls. 22. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of routers, switches, modems, and other network devices. 23. Identify key elements of VPN (virtual Private Network) and RAS (Row Access Strobe) technology for secure connectivity. Page 4
Competency: Network Security 1. Define network security. 2. Identify security requirements and the need for data protection. 3. Develop, document, and implement a network security plan (e.g., install, configure, upgrade, and optimize security). 4. Identify, define, and describe the relevance of security goals (e.g., integrity, confidentiality, and availability). 5. Perform preventative maintenance for computer and network security. 6. Demonstrate understanding of physical and logical security issues and solutions. 7. Identify the security procedures and policies necessary to maintain, monitor, and support a network. 8. Identify potential risks and entrance points, including internal and external risks and the tools used to neutralize them (e.g., firewalls, monitoring, antivirus, spyware, and spam protection). 9. Identify techniques for disaster prevention and recovery (e.g., backup and restore). 10. Explain principles of basic network security (e.g., IP spoofing, packet sniffing, password compromise, and encryption). 11. Illustrate what fundamental legal issues involved with security management. 12. Identify various security, video, building utility monitoring systems and how they link to the network. 13. Describe and implement various forms of malware protection for servers, including antivirus software, spam, adware, spyware filtering, and patch management. 14. Demonstrate an understanding of and be able to identify both internal and external threats. 15. List the major types of malicious code and identify appropriate countermeasures. 16. Detail types of social engineering attacks. 17. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept and significance of auditing, logging, and system scanning. 18. Explain intrusion detection and identify some characteristics of an intrusion detection system. Page 5
References: Career Cluster for Information Technology. 2008. National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium. Washington, DC. Business Education Standards. National Business Education Association. Reston, VA. Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Network Software Operations /Competency Lists. 2009-2010. Virginia Department of Education. Richmond, VA. Network Administration. 1998. Career and Technical Education. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Jefferson City, MO. Computer Operating Systems and Information Technology Foundations. 2005. Career and Technical Education, Tennessee Department of Education. Nashville, TN. Networking 1 and 2 Course Student Profiles. 2008. South Carolina Career and Technology, South Carolina Department of Education. Columbia, SC. Information Support Services and Networking Strands. 2007. Massachusetts VTEC Frameworks. Office for Career/Vocational Technical Education, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Malden, MA. IT Technical Support and Networking Course, Student Performance Standards. 2010. Florida Department of Education, Tallahassee, FL. Information Technology Essentials, Georgia Standards. 2009. Career Technical and Agriculture Education, Georgia Department of Education. Atlanta, GA. Information Technology Industry Sector Curriculum Standards. 2005. Career and Workforce Innovations Unit, California Department of Education, Sacramento, CA. Internet and Computing Core Certification Standards. 2008. Certiport, Inc. American Fork, UT. Computer Networking Fundamentals Job Ready Assessment. 2009. NOCTI. Big Rapids, MI. Networking 1, Networking Systems 1, and Networking Systems 11 Course Competencies. 2010. Technical College System of Georgia, Atlanta, GA. Comp TIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives. Computing Technology Industry Association, Downers Grove, IL, 2008. Network and Computer Systems Administration. Skills Net. Network Systems and Data Communication Analysis, Skills Net. Page 6