HP - Accredited Technical Associate (ATA) - Networks

Curriculum

1. Explain and recognize networking technologies and their implications for customer needs

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 (layer 1)
• 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 vs. 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, and 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 quality of service (QoS)

• Describe the common use cases for QoS
• 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 vs. 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 (e.g., for infrastructure devices)
• Describe the concepts and functions of virtual private networks (VPNs)
• 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. Plan and design wired and wireless network solutions for SMB customers

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
• Determine speed requirements, including access speed, uplink speed, and backplane speeds
• Design network topology
• Determine types of media
• Determine number uplinks required
• Determine redundancy scheme, including spanning tree topology, layer 3 routing protocols, and link aggregation (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 and mobility

2.3 Identify and describe best practices for designing solutions

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

3. Install, configure, start up, and upgrade network solutions for SMB customers

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. Optimize wireless, switched, and routed network infrastructures for SMB customers

4.1 Manage network assets using HP and third-party tools

• Interpret 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

4.3 Optimize L3 routing protocol convergence and scalability

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

4.4 Optimize network availability

• Implement trunking

4.5 Optimize and scale wireless network configuration

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

4.6 Optimize security on wired/wireless networks and devices

• Centralize security implementation and administration

4.7 Optimize power utilization by implementing Green IT practices

• Implement power, cooling, PoE

5. Troubleshoot wireless, switched, and routed network infrastructures for SMB customers

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. Perform administrative, operational, and network management tasks for SMB customers

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

• Set up alerts, policies, and notifications
• Review and take action on alerts andlog 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
• Back up device configurations via management software or device console
• Keep documentation current—network diagrams, passwords, device configurations, etc.