Explanation: A /23 subnet provides 512 total addresses, of which 510 are usable (subtracting 2 for network and broadcast addresses). This would satisfy the need for 255 additional addresses.

* Understanding Tracert:
* tracert(Traceroute in Windows) is a command-line tool used to trace the path that packets take from the source to the destination. It records the route (the specific gateways at each hop) and measures transit delays of packets across an IP network.
* Output Analysis:
* The output shows a series of IP addresses with corresponding round-trip times (RTTs) in milliseconds.
* The asterisks (*) indicate that no response was received from those hops, which is typical for routers or firewalls that block ICMP packets used by tracert.
* Comparison with Other Tools:
* netstat:Displays network connections, routing tables, interface statistics, and more, but does not trace packet routes.
* tcpdump:Captures network packets for analysis, used for detailed network traffic inspection.
* nmap:A network scanning tool used to discover hosts and services on a network, not for tracing packet routes.
* Usage:
* tracerthelps identify the path to a destination and locate points of failure or congestion in the network.
References:
* CompTIA Network+ study materials on network troubleshooting and diagnostic tools.

802.1x is a network access control protocol that provides an authentication mechanism to devices trying to connect to a LAN or WLAN. This ensures that only authorized devices can access the network, making it ideal for mitigating the risk of unknown devices connecting to the network, especially in accessible areas.
* 802.1x Authentication: Requires devices to authenticate using credentials (e.g., username and password, certificates) before gaining network access.
* Access Control: Prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to the network, enhancing security in public or semi-public areas.
* Implementation: Typically used in conjunction with a RADIUS server to manage authentication requests.
Network References:
* CompTIA Network+ N10-007 Official Certification Guide: Covers 802.1x and its role in network security.
* Cisco Networking Academy: Provides training on implementing 802.1x for secure network access control.
* Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide: Explains the benefits and configuration of 802.1x authentication in securing network access.

* Unshielded cables (D) are more prone to interference and may not be suitable for certain environments, especially after a fire where interference could be heightened.
* Using the wrong transceiver (E) for new terminations can lead to compatibility issues, causing network failures.

Port mirroring, also known as SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer), is used to send a copy of network packets seen on one switch port (or an entire VLAN) to another port where the IDS is connected. This allows the IDS to passively inspect network traffic without interfering with the actual traffic flow. Port mirroring is an essential feature for implementing IDS in a network for traffic analysis and security monitoring.
Reference: CompTIA Network+ study materials.