Thoroughly updated to reflect the CompTIA (R) Network+ N10-008 exam, Networking Essentials, Sixth Edition is a practical, up-to-date, and hands-on guide to the basics of networking. Written from the viewpoint of a working network administrator, it requires absolutely no experience with either network concepts or day-to-day network management. Networking Essentials, Sixth Edition guides readers from an entry-level knowledge in computer networks to advanced concepts in Ethernet networks; router configuration; TCP/IP networks; routing protocols; local, campus, and wide area network configuration; network security; wireless networking; optical networks; Voice over IP; the network server; and Linux networking. This edition reflects the latest exam topics and objectives associated with network security and hardening, cloud networking, virtualization, 5G, and other recent advances in wireless technology, infrastructure management, and current hardware and devices. It also explains many new terms now addressed by CompTIA's N10-008 exam. Clear goals are outlined for each chapter, and every concept is introduced in easy-to-understand language that explains how and why networking technologies are used. Each chapter is packed with real-world examples and practical exercises that reinforce all concepts and guide you through using them to configure, analyze, and fix networks. CHALLENGE SIMULATION SOFTWARE provides hands-on experience with entering router and switch commands, setting up functions, and configuring interfaces and protocols WIRESHARK NETWORK PROTOCOL ANALYZER presents techniques and examples of data traffic analysis throughout PROVEN TOOLS FOR MORE EFFECTIVE LEARNING AND NETWORK+ PREP, including chapter outlines, summaries, and Network+ objectives WORKING EXAMPLES IN EVERY CHAPTER to reinforce key concepts and promote mastery KEY TERM DEFINITIONS, LISTINGS, AND EXTENSIVE GLOSSARY to help you master the language of networking QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS, AND CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS to help you deepen your understanding