CompTIA Network+ is a widely recognized universal network certification without vendor lock-in in the European and American markets. By 2026, its knowledge system will fully adapt to mainstream needs of European and American enterprises such as hybrid cloud networking, zero trust networks, and IoT deployment.

Focusing on the full chain capability of "network design, deployment, operation and maintenance, security, and troubleshooting," CompTIA Network+ certification is the core competency certificate for entering positions such as network operation and maintenance, technical support, and system integration in Europe and America.

1. Network Infrastructure and Topology Design

This is the underlying core of building a network knowledge system. The 2026 exam outline strengthens the adaptability between cloud native and distributed architecture. The required knowledge includes proficiency in the correspondence between the OSI seven layer reference model and the TCP/IP five layer model, understanding the core functions, protocol types, and data encapsulation processes of each layer.

Familiar with the commonly used topology types in European and American enterprises, including the characteristics and applicable scenarios of star, bus, ring, and mesh types; master the abstract topology design logic of modern hybrid topology, cloud topology, and software defined networks.

Distinguish the boundaries and connection methods of local area networks, metropolitan area networks, wide area networks, and personal area networks; Understanding enterprise level networks, as well as device selection and functional positioning at different levels, is the standard architecture for network deployment in large and medium-sized enterprises in Europe and America.

2. Network hardware and transmission media

You need to master the functional differences and application scenarios of routers, switches, wireless access points, firewalls, modems, repeaters, hubs, and bridges; be familiar with the basic deployment logic of emerging devices such as SDN controllers, network function virtualization devices, and edge computing gateways.

Proficient in the specifications and selection of wired media, such as the bandwidth, transmission distance, and wiring specifications of twisted pair cables, as well as the applicable scenarios of optical fibers; master wireless transmission standards, including frequency bands, channel planning, signal optimization techniques for 802.11ac/ax, as well as basic networking knowledge for 5G enterprise level private networks.

Familiar with mainstream device interface types, such as Ethernet electrical port, optical port USB-C、Serial interface; master the interconnection rules of different devices, such as the cascading of routers and switches, and the networking mode of APs and AC.

3. Network protocols and services

The 2026 exam outline strengthens the application of IPv6 and cloud service protocols, including proficiency in IPv4 and IPv6 address structures, configuration methods, and transition technologies; understanding subnet partitioning, variable subnet masks, and the calculation and application of unclassified inter domain routing are core skills for European and American enterprises to address IP address shortages.

Distinguish the applicable scenarios of TCP and UDP at the transport layer, and keep in mind the commonly used port numbers. Master the workflow, scope configuration, and troubleshooting of DHCP; Familiar with the DNS resolution process, record types, and local DNS cache cleaning; Understanding the principles and types of NAT is the core technology for solving the problem of internal network devices accessing the public network; Master the configuration basics of remote access services such as VPN and RDP.

At the same time, you also need to be familiar with the version differences and core components of SNMP; Understanding the application of ICMP, such as the working principle of ping and traceroute commands, is a fundamental tool for network troubleshooting.

4. Fundamentals of Network Security and Compliance Control

The 2026 exam outline will incorporate zero trust architecture into the core module, which meets the security and compliance requirements of European and American enterprises. You need to master network access control strategies, such as MAC address filtering, port security, and VLAN isolation configuration.

Understand the working principle and rule configuration of firewalls. Familiar with the differences between intrusion detection systems and intrusion defense systems, as well as their deployment locations in enterprise networks; master data encryption techniques, such as the application scenarios of symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption, as well as the encryption logic of HTTPS and IPsec protocols.

Understand the core principles of zero trust architecture and master the application of differential segment and multi factor authentication in zero trust networks; Familiar with the core points of cloud network security.

Understand the requirements of mainstream network security compliance standards in Europe and America, such as GDPR and NIST framework for enterprise networks; Identify common network threats such as DDoS attacks, ARP spoofing, DNS hijacking, and phishing attacks as defense methods; Master the response process for security incidents, such as isolating infected devices, investigating attack sources, and restoring network services.

5. Network operation and troubleshooting

This is the practical core of certification, which directly connects with the daily work of European and American network engineers. The content that needs to be mastered includes the preparation standards of network documents, such as topology diagrams, equipment configuration lists, and maintenance of IP address allocation tables; Familiar with network performance monitoring indicators; Understand network backup and recovery strategies, such as backup of device configuration files and priority planning for disaster recovery.

Adapt to the trend of remote work in Europe and America, and master the use of remote device management tools; Familiar with the operation and maintenance points of distributed networks, such as status monitoring of VPN tunnels and optimization of cross regional data transmission.

6. Emerging Network Technologies and Trends

The 2026 exam syllabus has added multiple technical contents adapted to the digital transformation in Europe and America, including software defined networks and network function virtualization: understanding the core architecture of SDN, as well as the virtualization replacement logic of NFV for traditional hardware devices; Master the application advantages of SDN in hybrid cloud networking.

Internet of Things and Industrial Networks: Familiar with the networking methods of IoT devices and the basic characteristics of industrial networks; Master the key points of security reinforcement for IoT networks, such as device identity authentication and data encryption.

7. Customer Service and Professional Ethics

This module is a characteristic module of CompTIA certification and a core assessment point for recruitment of European and American enterprises. The contents to be mastered include being able to explain network problems to end users in non-technical language and managing user expectations; Capable of teamwork and collaborating with system administrators and security engineers to solve complex network failures.

In addition, you also need to abide by the principle of user data confidentiality and not disclose enterprise network configuration and sensitive information; Strictly follow compliance standards to avoid security risks caused by unauthorized configurations.

Summary: The core of the knowledge system for CompTIA Network+ certification in 2026 is "universality, practicality, and foresight," without binding any vendor devices, fully adapting to the operational needs of the European and American markets from small and medium-sized enterprise basic networking to large enterprise hybrid cloud architecture.

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