Network+ is a certification that is used to measure skill as a network technician: understanding of network hardware, installation, and troubleshooting. Network+ was first launched in 1999, and exam updates followed in 2002, 2005, and 2009. Topics include network hardware, connections, software, the OSI Reference model, and different protocols used in local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). CompTIA recommends the A+ certification and nine months networking experience before sitting for the exam, but this is not required. Network+ prepares one for continuing to Microsoft certifications and Cisco certifications. A combination A+/Network+, A+/Server+, or (just) Security+ certification can fulfill the elective exam requirement of the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification.