Introduction to Computer Networking, Architectures, and Topologies

1. Policies vs Procedures

• Policies: Define behavior, access levels, and network configurations.
• Procedures: Step-by-step instructions to implement policies.

2. Change Management

Step	Description
Document Reason	Explain why the change is needed
Change Request	Submit request to change advisory board
Configuration Procedure	Detailed steps and hardware/software involved
Rollback Plan	Ensure recovery path if issues arise
Impact Assessment	Identify affected systems
Notifications	Inform stakeholders before and after change
Approval	Technical and management review
Maintenance Window	Execute changes during low-traffic periods
Final Documentation	Update network configuration records

3. Incident Response

• Identification: Recognize threat
• Containment: Isolate affected systems
• Analysis: Investigate logs and trace source
• Recovery: Restore services and operations
• Reporting: Document and evaluate for future prevention

4. Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP)

• Disaster Types: Natural, Human-made, Technical
• Actions: Offsite backups, infrastructure restoration, testing

5. Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

• BIA: Identify critical business functions and resources
• Goal: Maintain operations during/after disruption

6. System Lifecycle

• Acquisition → Implementation → Maintenance → Decommissioning
• Secure asset disposal (data wiping, hardware recycling)

7. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Department-specific tasks with approved workflows, authorization, and record-keeping.

8. Hardening Techniques

• Remove unused software/services
• Disable unnecessary ports
• Restrict external storage device access

9. Security Policies

• AUP: Acceptable resource usage standards
• Password Policy: Complexity, expiration, history control
• BYOD Policy: Protect personal devices via MDM/MAM
• Remote Access Policy: VPN standards, NAC enforcement
• Onboarding/Offboarding: Account creation, access revocation
• General Security Policy: Physical and digital protection measures

10. Security Audits & Clean-Desk Policy

• Audits: Internal or third-party assessments
• Desk Policy: No sensitive data left unattended

11. Device Restrictions & Physical Security

Policy	Action
Unauthorized Recording	Ban cameras, USB drives
ID Badges & Logging	Track server room access
CCTV	Monitor entrances and parking areas
Locking Doors	Use access cards and PIN codes

12. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

• Function: Block sensitive data transmission
• Deployment: Endpoint and network-level solutions

13. Network Documentation

Type	Description
Physical Diagrams	Hardware layout and connections
WLAN Maps	Signal coverage and rogue AP detection
Logical Diagrams	Protocols, VLANs, IP addresses
MDF/IDF Details	Main and intermediate distribution frames
Site Surveys	Performance analysis before/after installation

14. Common Agreements

Agreement	Purpose
NDA	Protect confidential data
SLA	Service delivery standards
MOU	Non-binding collaboration terms

15. Policy Violations

• Consistent enforcement across all users
• Proportional response to severity
• Example: Dismissal for storing prohibited content

16. Network+ Study Tips

• Policy vs Procedure distinctions
• Change management phases
• Incident and disaster handling
• Documentation essentials