A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Objective 2.7: Compare and Contrast Internet Connection Types, Network Types, and Their Characteristics

55 min readCompTIA A+ Core 1

A+ Core 1 Exam Focus: This objective covers comparing and contrasting internet connection types including satellite, fiber, cable, DSL, cellular, and wireless internet service provider (WISP) connections, as well as network types including LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, SAN, and WLAN. You need to understand the characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and use cases of each connection and network type. This knowledge is essential for selecting appropriate internet connections, understanding network architectures, and providing network support in various IT environments.

Understanding Internet Connection Types and Network Types

Internet connection types and network types form the foundation of modern networking infrastructure, providing various methods for connecting devices to networks and accessing internet services based on different technologies, performance characteristics, and geographical requirements. Internet connection types determine how users and organizations access the internet, with each type offering different speeds, reliability, costs, and availability depending on location and infrastructure. Network types define the scope and purpose of networks, ranging from personal area networks for individual devices to wide area networks that span multiple locations and geographic regions. Understanding internet connection types and network types is essential for IT professionals who need to select appropriate connectivity solutions, design network architectures, and provide network support in various environments.

Internet connection types and network types also include various technical characteristics and considerations including bandwidth capabilities, latency characteristics, reliability factors, cost implications, and geographical availability that affect how these technologies are selected and implemented. Connection and network selection requires understanding of factors such as performance requirements, budget constraints, geographical limitations, and scalability needs that influence the choice of appropriate technologies for specific requirements. Internet connection types and network types work together to provide comprehensive connectivity solutions, and understanding their relationships and characteristics is essential for effective network design and support. Understanding internet connection types and network types is essential for providing comprehensive network support and ensuring that connectivity solutions meet organizational requirements and performance expectations.

Internet Connection Types

Internet connection types represent the various technologies and methods used to provide internet access to users and organizations, each offering different performance characteristics, costs, and availability depending on geographical location and infrastructure deployment. Internet connection types include wired technologies such as fiber, cable, and DSL that provide high-speed connectivity through physical infrastructure, and wireless technologies such as satellite, cellular, and WISP that provide connectivity without physical cables. Each connection type has unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed, reliability, cost, and availability that make them suitable for different use cases and environments. Understanding internet connection types is essential for selecting appropriate connectivity solutions and ensuring that internet access meets user requirements and performance expectations.

Internet connection types also include various technical specifications and performance characteristics including bandwidth capabilities, latency characteristics, reliability metrics, and cost structures that affect how these technologies are evaluated and selected. Connection type selection involves considering factors such as speed requirements, budget constraints, geographical availability, and reliability needs that determine the most appropriate technology for specific use cases. Internet connection types must be properly evaluated and selected to ensure that connectivity solutions provide adequate performance and reliability for intended applications and user requirements. Understanding internet connection types is essential for network planning and ensuring that internet connectivity solutions support organizational needs and performance expectations.

Satellite Internet

Satellite internet provides internet connectivity through communication satellites orbiting the Earth, enabling internet access in remote and rural areas where traditional wired infrastructure is not available or cost-effective to deploy. Satellite internet uses ground-based satellite dishes to communicate with satellites in geostationary or low Earth orbit, providing internet connectivity through radio frequency communication between the dish and satellite. Satellite internet offers wide geographical coverage and can provide internet access in areas where other connection types are not available, but typically has higher latency and may be affected by weather conditions. Understanding satellite internet is essential for providing connectivity solutions in remote areas and understanding the trade-offs between coverage and performance in satellite-based internet services.

Satellite internet also includes various characteristics and considerations including latency issues due to the distance signals must travel to and from satellites, bandwidth limitations compared to wired connections, and weather sensitivity that can affect service reliability. Satellite internet providers offer different service tiers with varying speeds and data allowances, and may implement data caps or throttling during peak usage periods. Satellite internet installation requires proper dish alignment and may require professional installation to ensure optimal signal strength and performance. Understanding satellite internet is essential for evaluating connectivity options in remote areas and ensuring that satellite services meet user requirements and performance expectations.

Fiber Internet

Fiber internet provides high-speed internet connectivity through fiber optic cables that transmit data using light signals, offering superior performance, reliability, and bandwidth capabilities compared to traditional copper-based connections. Fiber internet uses glass or plastic fibers to transmit data at the speed of light, providing symmetrical upload and download speeds, low latency, and high bandwidth capacity that can support multiple users and bandwidth-intensive applications. Fiber internet is considered the gold standard for internet connectivity and is increasingly being deployed in urban and suburban areas to provide high-speed internet access. Understanding fiber internet is essential for understanding modern high-speed internet technologies and the performance advantages of fiber-based connectivity solutions.

Fiber internet also includes various deployment types and configurations including fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), and fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) that provide different levels of fiber connectivity and performance. Fiber internet offers advantages including high bandwidth capacity, low latency, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and future-proof technology that can support increasing bandwidth demands. Fiber internet deployment requires significant infrastructure investment and may not be available in all areas, but provides the best performance and reliability for internet connectivity. Understanding fiber internet is essential for evaluating high-performance internet options and ensuring that fiber services meet user requirements and performance expectations.

Cable Internet

Cable internet provides internet connectivity through existing cable television infrastructure, using coaxial cables to deliver high-speed internet access along with cable TV services to residential and business customers. Cable internet uses the same infrastructure as cable television, with internet data transmitted over unused frequency bands on the cable network, providing shared bandwidth among users in the same service area. Cable internet offers good performance and widespread availability in urban and suburban areas, but performance can vary based on local usage and network congestion. Understanding cable internet is essential for understanding widely available broadband internet technologies and the performance characteristics of cable-based connectivity solutions.

Cable internet also includes various performance characteristics and considerations including shared bandwidth among users in the same service area, asymmetrical speeds with faster download than upload speeds, and performance variations during peak usage times. Cable internet providers offer different service tiers with varying speeds and may implement data caps or usage-based pricing for higher-tier services. Cable internet installation typically requires a cable modem and may include professional installation services, with most areas having good cable internet availability. Understanding cable internet is essential for evaluating widely available broadband options and ensuring that cable services meet user requirements and performance expectations.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) provides internet connectivity through existing telephone lines, using digital signal processing to transmit data over copper telephone infrastructure while allowing simultaneous voice and data communication. DSL uses different frequency bands for voice and data transmission, enabling internet access without interfering with telephone service, and provides dedicated bandwidth for each user rather than shared bandwidth like cable internet. DSL offers good availability in areas with telephone infrastructure and provides consistent performance, but speeds are limited by distance from the telephone exchange and line quality. Understanding DSL is essential for understanding telephone line-based internet technologies and the performance characteristics of DSL connectivity solutions.

DSL also includes various types and technologies including ADSL (Asymmetric DSL), VDSL (Very High Bitrate DSL), and G.fast that provide different performance levels and distance capabilities, with newer technologies offering higher speeds over shorter distances. DSL performance depends on factors including distance from the telephone exchange, line quality, and interference from other electrical devices, with performance degrading as distance increases. DSL installation requires a DSL modem and filters to separate voice and data signals, and may require professional installation to ensure optimal performance. Understanding DSL is essential for evaluating telephone line-based internet options and ensuring that DSL services meet user requirements and performance expectations.

Cellular Internet

Cellular internet provides internet connectivity through cellular network infrastructure, using mobile network technologies to deliver internet access to devices with cellular capabilities, including smartphones, tablets, and dedicated cellular modems. Cellular internet uses the same infrastructure as mobile phone services, with data transmitted over cellular networks using technologies such as 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G that provide different performance levels and capabilities. Cellular internet offers mobility and can provide internet access in areas where other connection types are not available, but typically has data usage limits and may be more expensive than fixed internet services. Understanding cellular internet is essential for understanding mobile internet technologies and the characteristics of cellular-based connectivity solutions.

Cellular internet also includes various technologies and generations including 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G that provide different performance levels, with newer generations offering higher speeds, lower latency, and better reliability. Cellular internet plans typically include data allowances and may implement throttling or additional charges for exceeding data limits, with unlimited plans often having fair usage policies. Cellular internet can be used as a primary internet connection or as a backup connection, and is particularly useful for mobile users and areas with limited fixed internet options. Understanding cellular internet is essential for evaluating mobile internet options and ensuring that cellular services meet user requirements and performance expectations.

Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP)

Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) provide internet connectivity through wireless technologies such as point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radio links, offering internet access in areas where traditional wired infrastructure is not available or cost-effective. WISPs use radio frequency technology to establish wireless connections between customer locations and internet backbone connections, providing internet access without the need for physical cables to customer premises. WISP services are particularly useful in rural areas, remote locations, and areas where traditional internet providers have not deployed infrastructure. Understanding WISP services is essential for understanding wireless internet technologies and the characteristics of wireless-based connectivity solutions.

WISP services also include various technologies and configurations including fixed wireless, mobile wireless, and mesh networks that provide different types of wireless connectivity and coverage options. WISP performance depends on factors including distance from access points, line-of-sight requirements, weather conditions, and network congestion, with performance varying based on these factors. WISP installation typically requires outdoor antennas and may require professional installation to ensure optimal signal strength and performance. Understanding WISP services is essential for evaluating wireless internet options and ensuring that WISP services meet user requirements and performance expectations.

Network Types

Network types define the scope, purpose, and characteristics of different network architectures, ranging from personal area networks for individual devices to wide area networks that span multiple locations and geographic regions. Network types are classified based on their geographical coverage, purpose, and the technologies used to implement them, with each type serving specific use cases and requirements. Network types include local area networks for single locations, wide area networks for multiple locations, and specialized networks such as storage area networks for data storage and metropolitan area networks for city-wide coverage. Understanding network types is essential for network design and ensuring that network architectures meet organizational requirements and performance expectations.

Network types also include various characteristics and considerations including coverage area, performance requirements, security needs, and management complexity that affect how these networks are designed and implemented. Network type selection involves considering factors such as geographical requirements, performance needs, security requirements, and budget constraints that determine the most appropriate network architecture for specific use cases. Network types must be properly planned and implemented to ensure that network architectures provide adequate coverage, performance, and functionality for intended applications and user requirements. Understanding network types is essential for network planning and ensuring that network architectures support organizational needs and performance expectations.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Local Area Networks (LANs) are networks that cover a limited geographical area such as a single building, office, or campus, providing high-speed connectivity for devices within the same location and enabling resource sharing and communication among local devices. LANs typically use wired technologies such as Ethernet or wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi to connect devices, and provide high bandwidth and low latency for local communication and resource access. LANs enable file sharing, printer sharing, and local communication among devices, and are the foundation of most organizational network infrastructure. Understanding LANs is essential for understanding local network technologies and the characteristics of local area network solutions.

LANs also include various technologies and configurations including Ethernet networks, wireless LANs, and hybrid networks that combine wired and wireless connectivity to provide comprehensive local network coverage. LAN performance depends on factors including network technology, cable quality, wireless signal strength, and network congestion, with proper design and implementation ensuring optimal performance. LAN management includes tasks such as IP address management, security configuration, and performance monitoring that ensure reliable and secure local network operation. Understanding LANs is essential for local network design and ensuring that LAN architectures meet organizational requirements and performance expectations.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide Area Networks (WANs) are networks that cover large geographical areas, connecting multiple LANs and locations across cities, states, countries, or continents to enable communication and resource sharing among geographically distributed sites. WANs use various technologies including leased lines, MPLS, internet connections, and satellite links to provide connectivity between distant locations, with performance and cost varying based on the technologies used. WANs enable organizations to connect multiple offices, data centers, and remote locations, providing centralized management and resource sharing across geographical boundaries. Understanding WANs is essential for understanding large-scale network technologies and the characteristics of wide area network solutions.

WANs also include various technologies and configurations including point-to-point connections, multipoint connections, and mesh networks that provide different types of connectivity and redundancy options for geographically distributed networks. WAN performance depends on factors including connection technologies, distance between locations, network congestion, and service provider capabilities, with proper design ensuring reliable connectivity. WAN management includes tasks such as routing configuration, security implementation, and performance monitoring that ensure reliable and secure wide area network operation. Understanding WANs is essential for large-scale network design and ensuring that WAN architectures meet organizational requirements and performance expectations.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Personal Area Networks (PANs) are networks that cover a very small area around an individual user, typically within a few meters, connecting personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices for data sharing and communication. PANs use short-range wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, infrared, and near-field communication (NFC) to connect devices, providing convenient connectivity for personal device management and data synchronization. PANs enable users to connect and synchronize their personal devices, share data between devices, and control devices remotely within a small area. Understanding PANs is essential for understanding personal device connectivity and the characteristics of personal area network solutions.

PANs also include various technologies and applications including Bluetooth for device pairing and data transfer, infrared for line-of-sight communication, and NFC for contactless communication and payment applications. PAN performance depends on factors including wireless technology, distance between devices, interference from other devices, and device capabilities, with proper configuration ensuring reliable connectivity. PAN management includes tasks such as device pairing, security configuration, and data synchronization that ensure reliable and secure personal device connectivity. Understanding PANs is essential for personal device management and ensuring that PAN technologies meet user requirements and performance expectations.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) are networks that cover a metropolitan area such as a city or large town, providing connectivity for multiple organizations, institutions, and users within the same geographical region. MANs typically use high-speed technologies such as fiber optic cables, wireless technologies, and leased lines to provide connectivity across the metropolitan area, enabling organizations to connect multiple locations within the same city. MANs are often used by municipalities, educational institutions, and large organizations to provide city-wide connectivity and services. Understanding MANs is essential for understanding city-wide network technologies and the characteristics of metropolitan area network solutions.

MANs also include various technologies and configurations including fiber optic networks, wireless mesh networks, and hybrid networks that combine multiple technologies to provide comprehensive metropolitan area coverage. MAN performance depends on factors including network technology, coverage area, user density, and service provider capabilities, with proper design ensuring reliable connectivity across the metropolitan area. MAN management includes tasks such as network planning, service provisioning, and performance monitoring that ensure reliable and efficient metropolitan area network operation. Understanding MANs is essential for city-wide network design and ensuring that MAN architectures meet organizational and municipal requirements and performance expectations.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

Storage Area Networks (SANs) are specialized networks designed specifically for high-speed data storage and retrieval, connecting servers to storage devices such as disk arrays, tape libraries, and other storage systems to provide centralized and shared storage resources. SANs use high-speed technologies such as Fibre Channel, iSCSI, and InfiniBand to provide low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity between servers and storage devices, enabling efficient data access and storage management. SANs enable organizations to centralize storage resources, improve storage utilization, and provide high-performance data access for critical applications and databases. Understanding SANs is essential for understanding enterprise storage technologies and the characteristics of storage area network solutions.

SANs also include various technologies and configurations including Fibre Channel SANs for high-performance storage, iSCSI SANs for IP-based storage, and converged networks that combine storage and data networking on the same infrastructure. SAN performance depends on factors including network technology, storage device capabilities, server performance, and network design, with proper implementation ensuring optimal storage performance. SAN management includes tasks such as storage provisioning, performance monitoring, and backup management that ensure reliable and efficient storage area network operation. Understanding SANs is essential for enterprise storage design and ensuring that SAN architectures meet organizational storage requirements and performance expectations.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) are local area networks that use wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi to provide network connectivity without physical cables, enabling mobile devices and wireless-enabled computers to connect to the network and access network resources. WLANs use radio frequency technology to transmit data between wireless devices and access points, providing flexibility and mobility for users while maintaining network connectivity and access to network services. WLANs enable users to connect to networks from anywhere within the wireless coverage area, providing convenience and mobility for modern computing and communication needs. Understanding WLANs is essential for understanding wireless network technologies and the characteristics of wireless local area network solutions.

WLANs also include various technologies and standards including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and legacy Wi-Fi standards that provide different performance levels and capabilities for wireless connectivity. WLAN performance depends on factors including wireless technology, signal strength, interference from other devices, and network congestion, with proper design and configuration ensuring optimal wireless performance. WLAN management includes tasks such as access point configuration, security implementation, and performance monitoring that ensure reliable and secure wireless network operation. Understanding WLANs is essential for wireless network design and ensuring that WLAN architectures meet organizational requirements and performance expectations.

Comparison and Contrast Analysis

Internet Connection Types Comparison

Speed and Performance:

  • Fiber: Highest speeds (up to 10 Gbps), symmetrical upload/download, lowest latency
  • Cable: High speeds (up to 1 Gbps), asymmetrical speeds, good for most users
  • DSL: Moderate speeds (up to 100 Mbps), distance-dependent, consistent performance
  • Cellular: Variable speeds (10-1000 Mbps), depends on network generation and coverage
  • Satellite: Moderate speeds (up to 100 Mbps), high latency, weather-dependent
  • WISP: Variable speeds (10-100 Mbps), depends on distance and line-of-sight

Availability and Coverage:

  • Fiber: Limited availability, primarily urban/suburban areas
  • Cable: Widely available in urban/suburban areas
  • DSL: Available where telephone infrastructure exists
  • Cellular: Widely available, depends on cellular coverage
  • Satellite: Available almost anywhere with clear sky view
  • WISP: Available in areas with WISP service coverage

Network Types Comparison

Coverage Area and Scope:

  • PAN: Personal area (few meters), individual devices
  • LAN: Local area (building/campus), single location
  • WLAN: Local area with wireless coverage, single location
  • MAN: Metropolitan area (city), multiple locations in city
  • WAN: Wide area (multiple cities/countries), multiple locations
  • SAN: Data center/enterprise, storage-focused

Primary Use Cases:

  • PAN: Personal device connectivity, data synchronization
  • LAN: Local resource sharing, office networking
  • WLAN: Wireless local connectivity, mobile access
  • MAN: City-wide services, municipal networking
  • WAN: Enterprise connectivity, multi-location organizations
  • SAN: Enterprise storage, high-performance data access

Real-World Implementation Examples

Example 1: Rural Business Internet Setup

Situation: A small business in a rural area needs reliable internet connectivity for email, web browsing, and basic business applications, but traditional wired internet is not available.

Solution: Implement satellite internet as the primary connection with cellular internet as a backup, providing reliable connectivity with redundancy. This approach ensures business continuity and provides adequate performance for basic business needs in areas with limited internet options.

Example 2: Urban Office Network Architecture

Situation: A medium-sized business in an urban area needs high-performance internet and local networking for multiple users, file sharing, and business applications.

Solution: Deploy fiber internet for high-speed connectivity, implement a wired LAN with wireless access points for local networking, and configure a WAN connection to remote offices. This approach provides high-performance connectivity with comprehensive local and wide area networking capabilities.

Example 3: Mobile Workforce Connectivity

Situation: A company with a mobile workforce needs connectivity solutions for employees working from various locations including offices, homes, and remote sites.

Solution: Implement cellular internet for mobile connectivity, provide WLAN access in offices, and use WAN connections to link multiple locations. This approach provides flexible connectivity options for mobile workers while maintaining secure connections to corporate resources.

Selection Criteria and Best Practices

Internet Connection Selection Criteria

  • Speed requirements: Evaluate bandwidth needs for current and future applications
  • Availability: Check what connection types are available in the area
  • Reliability: Consider uptime requirements and backup options
  • Cost: Compare pricing including installation and monthly fees
  • Latency: Consider latency requirements for real-time applications
  • Data limits: Evaluate data usage patterns and plan limitations

Network Type Selection Criteria

  • Coverage area: Determine the geographical scope of the network
  • Performance requirements: Evaluate bandwidth and latency needs
  • Security requirements: Consider security needs and compliance requirements
  • Scalability: Plan for future growth and expansion
  • Management complexity: Consider available IT resources and expertise
  • Cost considerations: Evaluate total cost of ownership and budget constraints

Implementation Best Practices

  • Assess requirements: Evaluate current and future connectivity needs
  • Plan for redundancy: Implement backup connections for critical applications
  • Consider security: Implement appropriate security measures for all connection types
  • Monitor performance: Track performance metrics and optimize as needed
  • Document configurations: Maintain records of network configurations and changes
  • Plan for growth: Design networks to accommodate future expansion

Exam Preparation Tips

Key Concepts to Remember

  • Connection characteristics: Know the speed, latency, and availability of each connection type
  • Network scope: Understand the coverage area and purpose of each network type
  • Use cases: Know when to use each connection type and network type
  • Advantages and disadvantages: Understand the trade-offs of each technology
  • Geographical factors: Know how location affects connection availability
  • Performance factors: Understand what affects performance for each technology
  • Cost considerations: Know the cost implications of different options
  • Selection criteria: Understand how to choose appropriate technologies

Practice Questions

Sample Exam Questions:

  1. What are the main advantages of fiber internet over cable internet?
  2. How does DSL performance vary with distance from the telephone exchange?
  3. What are the primary limitations of satellite internet connectivity?
  4. How do cellular internet plans typically handle data usage?
  5. What factors affect WISP service performance and reliability?
  6. How do LANs differ from WANs in terms of coverage and purpose?
  7. What technologies are commonly used in PAN implementations?
  8. How do MANs serve municipal and organizational needs?
  9. What are the primary benefits of SAN implementations?
  10. How do WLANs provide mobility advantages over wired LANs?

A+ Core 1 Success Tip: Understanding internet connection types and network types is essential for IT support professionals. Focus on understanding the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each technology, and when to use each type. Practice with selection scenarios and comparison analysis to understand real-world applications. This knowledge is essential for selecting appropriate connectivity solutions, understanding network architectures, and providing network support in various IT environments.

Practice Lab: Internet Connection and Network Type Analysis

Lab Objective

This hands-on lab is designed for A+ Core 1 exam candidates to gain practical experience with internet connection types and network types including performance testing, configuration analysis, and selection criteria evaluation. You'll test different connection types, analyze network configurations, and evaluate selection criteria for various scenarios.

Lab Setup and Prerequisites

For this lab, you'll need access to various internet connection types and network configurations, or simulation tools that can demonstrate different technologies. The lab is designed to be completed in approximately 8-10 hours and provides hands-on experience with the key internet connection and network type concepts covered in the A+ Core 1 exam.

Lab Activities

Activity 1: Internet Connection Type Testing

  • Performance testing: Test different internet connection types, measure speeds, latency, and reliability. Practice implementing comprehensive internet connection testing and analysis procedures.
  • Configuration analysis: Analyze configuration requirements for different connection types, document setup procedures, and test connectivity. Practice implementing comprehensive connection configuration analysis and testing procedures.
  • Selection evaluation: Evaluate connection types for different scenarios, compare performance and cost, and make recommendations. Practice implementing comprehensive connection selection evaluation and recommendation procedures.

Activity 2: Network Type Configuration

  • Network setup: Configure different network types, test connectivity, and verify functionality. Practice implementing comprehensive network type configuration and testing procedures.
  • Performance analysis: Analyze network performance characteristics, test bandwidth and latency, and document results. Practice implementing comprehensive network performance analysis and documentation procedures.
  • Integration testing: Test integration between different network types, verify connectivity, and troubleshoot issues. Practice implementing comprehensive network integration testing and troubleshooting procedures.

Activity 3: Selection and Planning

  • Scenario analysis: Analyze different scenarios, evaluate requirements, and select appropriate technologies. Practice implementing comprehensive scenario analysis and technology selection procedures.
  • Cost evaluation: Evaluate costs for different options, compare total cost of ownership, and make budget recommendations. Practice implementing comprehensive cost evaluation and budget planning procedures.
  • Implementation planning: Plan implementation of selected technologies, document procedures, and create deployment timelines. Practice implementing comprehensive implementation planning and documentation procedures.

Lab Outcomes and Learning Objectives

Upon completing this lab, you should be able to evaluate different internet connection types and network types, understand their characteristics and use cases, and make appropriate selections for different scenarios. You'll have hands-on experience with performance testing, configuration analysis, and selection criteria evaluation. This practical experience will help you understand the real-world applications of internet connection and network type concepts covered in the A+ Core 1 exam.

Lab Cleanup and Documentation

After completing the lab activities, document your test results and analysis findings. Clean up any test configurations and ensure that all systems are properly secured. Document any issues encountered and solutions implemented during the lab activities.