CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Resources — Official Docs, Tools & Labs

Below are official CompTIA links followed by trustworthy networking references and lab tools. Use this page as your launchpad; pair it with the Syllabus and Practice.

CompTIA official

• Network+ exam page — overview, exam details, and objectives summary
  https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/network/
• Candidate handbook & policies — IDs, testing rules, retakes, accommodations
  https://www.comptia.org/testing
• Continuing Education (CE) & renewal — CEUs, activities, timelines
  https://www.comptia.org/continuing-education
• Pearson VUE scheduling — test center & online testing options
  https://home.pearsonvue.com/comptia

Authoritative networking references

• IANA service name & port registry — canonical port numbers
  https://www.iana.org/assignments/service-names-port-numbers/service-names-port-numbers.xhtml
• RFC Editor — original protocol specs (DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, etc.)
  https://www.rfc-editor.org/
• Wi‑Fi Alliance — generations and security overviews
  https://www.wi-fi.org/

Tools (free and high signal)

• Wireshark — packet capture and protocol analysis
  https://www.wireshark.org/
• tcpdump — CLI packet capture
  https://www.tcpdump.org/
• iperf3 — bandwidth testing
  https://iperf.fr/
• mtr — combined ping/traceroute to spot loss/latency
  https://github.com/traviscross/mtr
• Angry IP Scanner — quick host discovery
  https://angryip.org/

Safe hands-on labs (low-cost, high value)

• Subnetting reps: daily 10-minute drills (write network/broadcast/usable range fast).
• Two-VLAN lab: one router/firewall VM + one switch/virtual switch; verify inter-VLAN routing, DHCP scope per VLAN, and DNS resolution.
• Packet reading: capture DNS lookups and TLS handshakes; identify “no query” vs “no response.”
• Wi‑Fi tuning: test 2.4 vs 5/6 GHz, channel selection, and WPA2/3 settings; disable WPS.

Study funnel (pair these links with your plan)

• Syllabus: domain-by-domain objectives → Open
• Cheatsheet: OSI/subnetting/ports/tools → Open
• Practice: timed drills & mocks → Start
• FAQ: quick answers & pacing tips → Read