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.
Interface errors can be the first signs of deeper problems, and in this episode, we cover the most common indicators that a link is failing. You’ll learn how to recognize and interpret error messages…
Logs are a goldmine of operational insight—and in this episode, we explain how to access, interpret, and act on the information they provide. You’ll learn about Syslog, the standard logging protocol …
Monitoring network health begins with knowing what to measure—and how. In this episode, we cover the essential performance metrics that indicate how well a network is functioning, including bandwidth…
In Domain 3, we shift focus from implementation to operation, diving into what it takes to maintain, monitor, and document a functional network. This episode provides an overview of what you’ll encou…
Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) is one of the most powerful features in modern wireless communication, dramatically increasing speed and efficiency. In this episode, we explain how MIMO works …
Cellular networks offer wide-area coverage and are vital for connecting mobile devices and remote locations to the internet. In this episode, we walk through the evolution of cellular technology from…
Wireless networks require more than just a strong signal—they also demand strong security. In this episode, we explore the evolution of wireless encryption, from outdated protocols like WEP to modern…
Wireless networks can be built in several topologies, and choosing the right one affects everything from coverage to scalability. In this episode, we compare ad hoc and infrastructure mode, explain w…
Wireless networks are built on radio frequencies, and how you manage those frequencies has a massive impact on performance and reliability. This episode covers the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, …
Wireless networking continues to evolve rapidly, and understanding the 802.11 family of standards is essential for modern network support. In this episode, we walk through the progression from 802.11…
Legacy and modern protocols alike underpin communication within local networks, and this episode brings together three foundational ones: CSMA/CD, ARP, and Neighbor Discovery. We begin with CSMA/CD, …
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is critical for preventing Layer 2 loops that can crash entire networks. In this episode, we explain how STP operates by detecting redundant paths and placing specific po…
Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows devices like access points, VoIP phones, and security cameras to receive power and data over a single Ethernet cable. In this episode, we explain how PoE and PoE+ wor…
Switches rely on MAC address tables to decide where to forward frames, and this episode walks you through exactly how these tables are built and maintained. You'll learn how switches learn the source…
Optimizing data transmission isn’t just about bandwidth—it also involves tuning frame size and port behavior. This episode explores jumbo frames, which are Ethernet frames larger than the standard 15…
Port security helps prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to your network by enforcing MAC address restrictions at the switch port level. In this episode, we cover how port security works, how…
Switch ports are the front line of network configuration and monitoring, and this episode walks through the most essential port settings. You'll learn how to assign ports to VLANs, configure speed an…
This episode introduces port aggregation, which combines multiple physical links into a single logical connection to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy. The Link Aggregation Control Protocol (…
This episode explains port tagging and the IEEE 802.1Q standard, which enables VLAN traffic to travel across trunk links between switches. Tagging adds a VLAN identifier to frames so multiple VLANs c…
This episode introduces Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), which logically segment networks into separate broadcast domains on the same physical infrastructure. VLANs improve security, performance,…