Exam objective

Core 1 2.0: Network Devices

A+ Topic

Network Devices for A+

This A+ topic covers technician-level recognition and role-based identification of common network devices in small or SOHO environments. The emphasis is on: what a device does, when to suspect it from symptoms, and how to pick the most likely device for a short scenario. It excludes enterprise design, deep protocol theory, vendor-specific provisioning, and advanced configuration workflows.

Start first lesson

6 lessons in this topic

1

Routers & Gateways

Identify the router or gateway role in off-network communication and internet path scenarios.

2

Switches & Hubs

Differentiate modern switch behavior from legacy hub behavior in local wired network scenarios.

3

Wireless Infrastructure Devices

Recognize access points, wireless routers, and extender-style devices by their role in providing or extending Wi-Fi service.

4

Modems & ONTs

Distinguish ISP edge devices from local routing devices and identify modem or ONT roles by service type.

5

Bridges, Repeaters & Extenders

Identify devices used to link or extend network reach without confusing them with primary routing devices.

6

Firewalls

Recognize the firewall's role in filtering traffic and identify when blocked access points to firewall involvement.

Common mistakes to avoid

1

- Router vs switch: switches forward traffic within a LAN; routers forward between networks. Many SOHO boxes combine both; identify by role, not box appearance alone.

2

Learners sometimes assume a central physical box is always a router; clarify whether the scenario describes local LAN forwarding (switch) or network-to-network forwarding (router).

3

Confusing the AP with a modem or router when devices are integrated. Also avoid diving into enterprise controller architectures; for A+, identify AP versus extender versus wireless router by described role.

4

Tendency to call the combined modem/router the "router" even when the fault is at the ISP handoff. Teach learners to check the modem/ONT link lights and whether the router's WAN interface has an address before assuming the router is at fault.