1.1 Describe the OSI Model

• Identify each layer and describe its purpose and function
• Map the most common IP suite protocols to the OSI layers

1.2 Describe and recognize the most common Data Link protocols and their associated physical connections (Layers 1 and 2)

• Recognize and describe the common network topologies
• Describe the most common layer media (Layer1)
• Describe the common Data Link (Layer 2) connections
• Describe Ethernet technology and media
• Describe Wireless technology and media

1.3 Describe Layer 3 routing concepts with detailed focus on IP

• Compare/contrast classful subnets versus classless networks
• Explain IP addressing rules
• Describe Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP)
• Explain WHY IPv6 was invented (To support larger number of device addresses)
• Describe how IPV4 routing works

1.4 Identify common dynamic routing protocols and describe their function on a network

• Compare and contrast with static routes
• Describe Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
• Describe Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and why it exists

1.5 Describe the purpose and function of Layer 4 (Transport) protocols on an IP network

• Compare and contrast TCP and UDP within the IP protocol stack

1.6 Describe the common IP-based upper layer (Layers 5, 6, & 7) protocols and applications

• Identify and describe the purpose of a port
• Identify the common upper-layer applications and their functions

1.7 Describe multicast technology and its purpose

• Describe how a switch deals with multicast traffic differently
• Identify common applications and protocols that use multicast on a network

1.8 Describe the concept of QoS (Quality of Service)

• Describe the common use cases for Quality of Service
• Apply the fundamental axiom of prioritization: "If there is no congestion, prioritization has no effect"
• Describe the difference between "over-provisioning" and prioritization and when to use one versus the other in a small business context

1.9 Describe how to secure a network using basic security features

• Define basic security concepts
• Describe common network access security methods
• Identify and describe common administrative access security methods (i.e. for infrastructure devices)
• Describe the concepts and functions of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) concepts
• Describe the purpose and functions of firewalls, and Proxy Servers at a high level
• Describe the common Data Integrity technologies (Encryption, Certificates, etc.)

1.10 Describe the common ways to increase availability and performance of a network

• Describe the concept of redundancy
• Describe the concept of Link Aggregation

1.11 Describe the concept and use of VLANs

• Describe a VLAN and its benefits
• Describe Port Based VLANS IEEE 802.1Q

1.12 Describe the common Network Management technologies

• Describe Device Management
• List and describe the common tools used to manage traffic on a network

2.1 Consult with an SMB customer to assess their business and technical needs and create a plan for a networking solution

• Gather/Analyze customer business requirements
• Plan for cable and port requirements
• Plan for bandwidth and QoS requirements (Including types of traffic, ISCSI etc.)
• Plan for critical and high traffic users/servers
• Plan for anticipated future growth of network
• Plan for serviceability and management
• Plan for mobility and wireless
• Plan for security
• Plan for voice
• Plan for green IT

2.2 Design a networking solution to meet the customer needs identified in the planning stage

• Specify number of ports and types including:
• Determine speed requirements including: Access speed, uplink speed, backplane speeds
• Design network topology
• Determine types of media
• Determine number uplinks required
• Determine redundancy scheme including: spanning tree topology, layer 3 routing protocols, link aggregation or when multiple links per host are required
• Assess business requirements and design all elements of network security into a single, integrated security solution
• Specify network management tools to be used
• Design wireless & mobility

2.3 Identify and describe best practices for designing solutions

• Take advantage industry standards and HP developed best practices
• Take into consideration HP Networking strengths in the design
• Sflow and traffic monitoring

3.1 Prepare for and install networking equipment

• Perform pre-project survey to validate appropriate design
• Install modules and components in devices in specified slots based on manufacturer and design requirements
• Build initial configuration files as required by design
• Update firmware and initial configuration files
• Perform specific configuration of devices - Device name, Port names, VLANs, Routing, Certificates, Spanning Tree, SSIDs, PoE, DHCP Servers and Relays, etc.
• Configure WAN devices
• Implement required security devices
• Physically connect devices per design requirements

3.2 Install and configure management and administration solution

• Install management software (PMC+)
• Configure management software per design requirements (Application security)
• Run device discovery for specified devices
• Run and store default reports including discovered devices, network map, etc.
• Develop and implement management policies per design requirements

3.3 Validate installed solution

• Validate installed solution
• Validate required devices show in management software
• Validate wireless coverage, roaming and capacity results compared to design
• Validate management policy results
• Perform backup of initial configuration (Management solution and device configurations)

4.1 Manage network assets using HP and 3rd party tools

• Interpretation of counters and logs
• Use HP tools to ease deployment of multiple devices
• Interpret output of or data within existing HP tools

4.2 Optimize network performance by improving segmentation and topology

• Small scale capacity planning - thinking ahead, planning for expansion and future growth
• Verify identified bottleneck or limitation

4.4 Optimize L3 routing protocol convergence and scalability

• Tune advanced layer 3 routing protocols, including dynamic and static

4.5 Optimize network availability

• Implement trunking

4.6 Optimize and scale wireless network configuration

• Use wireless optimization tools and techniques
• Optimize RF Coverage, User count, and cell size adjustments

4.7 Optimize security on wired/wireless networks and devices

• Centralize security implementation and administration

4.8 Optimize power utilization by implementing Green IT practices

• Implement Power, Cooling, PoE

5.1 Troubleshoot routed and switched networks

• Describe specific tools appropriate for troubleshooting wired or wireless networks, and manage network assets using appropriate tools

5.2 Troubleshoot remote connectivity

• Troubleshoot VPNs
• Troubleshoot mobile devices (tablets, phones and laptops)

5.3 Troubleshoot wireless networks

• Troubleshoot connectivity and roaming
• Troubleshoot wireless security
• Use HP and industry standard tools to troubleshoot wireless infrastructure

5.4 Troubleshoot security faults and threats

• Secure the network and mitigate security threats
• Troubleshoot secure infrastructure for SMB customers

5.5. Troubleshoot common network issues using the HP Troubleshooting methodology

• Establish objectives and translate the reported system issue into the precise problem statement
• Gather, document and analyze data
• Develop and verify a hypothesis
• Design and implement an action plan
• Evaluate the results and compare to the objectives
• Iterate through process as required

6.1 Perform change management to network configuration and devices

• Configuration changes - network devices, growth
• Keep software current - Management server updates, TFTP, firmware updates, etc.

6.2 Manage network events and policies

• Setup alerts, policies, and notifications
• Review and take action on alerts and Log files
• Develop response policies such as scripted issue resolution, escalation processes, management involvement, end-user/customer communication, etc.

6.3 Perform network administration tasks

• Implement moves/adds/changes/deletions/password resets
• Backup device configurations via management software or device console
• Keep current documentation: Network diagrams, passwords, device configurations, etc.