The CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) certification is one of the most respected foundational credentials in networking. It validates the practical skills required to design, manage, troubleshoot, and secure enterprise networks in today’s hybrid and cloud-driven environments.

Issued by CompTIA, Network+ is vendor-neutral and globally recognized — making it ideal for aspiring network engineers, system administrators, and IT support professionals.

If you're preparing for the N10-009 exam, understanding the syllabus domain by domain is critical. Let’s break it down in a structured and practical way.

Exam Overview

• Exam Code: N10-009
• Number of Questions: Maximum 90
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Question Types: Multiple choice + performance-based questions
• Passing Score: 720 (on a scale of 100–900)

Domain 1: Networking Fundamentals (24%)

This domain builds the conceptual backbone of networking.

What You’ll Learn

• OSI and TCP/IP models
• Ports and protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH, DNS, SMTP, etc.)
• IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6)
• Subnetting concepts
• MAC addressing
• Network topologies
• Network types (LAN, WAN, WLAN, MAN, PAN)

Why It Matters

This domain ensures you understand how data flows through networks and how different layers interact.

Key Focus Areas

• Subnetting calculations
• CIDR notation
• Public vs private IP ranges
• Default gateways
• DNS resolution process

If you can confidently explain how a packet travels from source to destination — you’re mastering this domain.

Domain 2: Network Implementation (19%)

This domain focuses on building and configuring networks.

Topics Covered

• Routing technologies (static vs dynamic routing)
• VLAN configuration
• Switching concepts
• Wireless standards (802.11)
• Cloud networking basics
• SOHO vs enterprise network deployment

Practical Knowledge Expected

• Understanding trunking
• Configuring basic routing
• Implementing wireless encryption
• Deploying small network environments

This section tests your ability to move from theory to configuration.

Domain 3: Network Operations (16%)

Here, the focus shifts from deployment to management.

Core Concepts

• Monitoring tools
• Documentation best practices
• Network performance metrics
• Disaster recovery planning
• Backup and restore strategies
• SLA management

Real-World Application

You should understand:

• How to document network diagrams
• How to use SNMP for monitoring
• What metrics define network health
• How to plan for business continuity

This domain validates operational maturity.

Domain 4: Network Security (19%)

Security is no longer optional. It is foundational.

Key Areas

• Firewalls
• IDS/IPS
• Network segmentation
• VPN technologies
• Wireless security protocols (WPA3, WPA2)
• Access control models

Security Concepts Tested

• Authentication vs authorization
• Zero Trust principles
• Physical security controls
• Secure network design

Expect scenario-based questions requiring you to choose the most secure implementation.

Domain 5: Network Troubleshooting (22%)

This is one of the most practical domains.

Topics Covered

• Troubleshooting methodology
• Cable issues
• Interface configuration errors
• IP conflicts
• DNS issues
• Performance bottlenecks

What You Must Master

• The 7-step troubleshooting model
• Command-line tools:
• ping
• tracert / traceroute
• ipconfig / ifconfig
• netstat
• nslookup

This domain tests analytical thinking and logical problem-solving.