The Network Plus Audio Course is your comprehensive audio training series for mastering the CompTIA Network Plus certification. Designed for learners on the go, this prepcast transforms exam objectives into clear, structured, and engaging episodes tailored for auditory learning. Whether you're walking, commuting, or studying between shifts, each episode breaks down complex networking topics into digestible segments aligned with the official CompTIA blueprint. From OSI layers and IP addressing to wireless standards and troubleshooting methodologies, the series leaves no objective unexplored.
Created by Bare Metal Cyber, a trusted name in cybersecurity education, this prepcast doesn’t just teach — it prepares you for the exam format itself. You’ll learn how to approach multiple-choice questions, understand tricky phrasing, and think like a test writer. Every episode is fully narrated for machine voice clarity, making it perfect for repetition and review. Whether you're a first-time test taker or recertifying, the Network Plus PrepCast helps you build the confidence and competence to pass the exam and succeed in your networking career.
To wrap up the series, this episode reviews the full troubleshooting methodology—from identifying the problem to documenting the fix. We walk through common scenarios, showing how the steps apply in …
Not every issue fits into neat categories. In this episode, we address edge-case problems like Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) compatibility, expired licenses on security appliances, and odd client beha…
This episode revisits advanced troubleshooting at the hardware and optical layer. We cover transceiver problems, dirty fiber connectors, power mismatches, and switch backplane limitations. You'll lea…
DNS and NTP are often invisible—until they fail. This episode shows how to diagnose and fix issues with domain name resolution and time synchronization, both of which affect authentication, connectiv…
Some network issues are subtle, involving advanced concepts like asymmetric routing, multicast flooding, and access control list (ACL) errors. This episode explains how asymmetric routing—where traff…
Poor network segmentation can lead to serious Layer 2 and Layer 3 problems. In this episode, we explain how excessive collision domains on legacy hubs or poorly configured switches can slow performan…
Routing issues can silently break connectivity—even if everything looks fine at Layer 2. In this episode, we diagnose common routing problems, including missing default routes, misconfigured static r…
Sometimes network issues stem from the basics: incorrect VLAN assignment, disabled interfaces, or outdated configurations. This episode walks through foundational network checks that resolve a surpri…
Even if the signal is strong, configuration mistakes can block connectivity. This episode addresses common wireless configuration errors such as mismatched SSIDs, incorrect security settings, or outd…
Signal problems are among the most common wireless complaints—and many stem from poor antenna planning. This episode examines how antenna placement, orientation, and environment affect signal propaga…
Wireless technology is incredibly convenient—but also limited by physical and environmental factors. In this episode, we explore the inherent constraints of wireless communication, such as reduced th…
Every device platform—whether Cisco, Juniper, or another—has its own diagnostic approach. In this episode, we explore common troubleshooting techniques across routers and switches, focusing on interf…
Some of the most essential network management tools are also the most overlooked. This episode covers infrastructure tools such as TFTP servers for file transfers, terminal emulators like PuTTY and S…
Network visibility starts with knowing what’s on your network. In this episode, we explain network discovery techniques using tools like ping sweeps, SNMP queries, and Nmap scans to identify devices,…
To truly understand what’s happening on the network, you need to inspect the packets themselves. This episode introduces tools like Wireshark, tcpdump, and protocol analyzers that allow you to captur…
Wireless networks introduce a layer of complexity that often demands specialized tools for visibility. In this episode, we cover wireless troubleshooting utilities including site survey tools, spectr…
Fiber requires a different class of diagnostic tools due to its precision and sensitivity. In this episode, we cover devices like OTDRs (Optical Time Domain Reflectometers), power meters, and visual …
Troubleshooting starts with the right tools. In this episode, we walk through the essential cable testing and installation tools you’ll use on the job. These include crimpers for RJ-45 connectors, pu…
Link-level problems are easy to overlook but frequently cause intermittent issues. This episode explores duplex mismatches—where one device is set to full duplex and the other to half—leading to coll…
Even a well-designed network can experience hardware or cabling faults over time. This episode breaks down common problems such as broken connectors, bent pins, cable kinks, and worn insulation. We e…