CYBER.ORG: AP Cybersecurity – Lesson 2.8.1 – Basic Network Concepts

Objective:

Students will be able to:

  • Recognize how protocols, IP addresses, and ports are used to send and receive data on a network.
  • Identify the function of common networking devices and services.
  • Use built-in network tools to examine a device’s network configuration and connectivity.

Standards:

CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Objective:

2.8 – Identify basic networking concepts.

  • Basics of Network Communication
  • Network identifiers
  • IP address
  • Media access control (MAC) address
  • Ports
  • Basic network services
  • Secure web browsing
  • File transfer
  • Email
  • Network devices
  • Modem
  • Router
  • Switch
  • Access point
  • Firewall
  • Networking models
  • Client/server
  • Peer-to-peer
  • Local area network (LAN)
  • Wide area network (WAN)

Guiding Question:

How do devices know where to send data on a network, and what makes that communication work?

Resources:

  • Lesson Slides 2.8.1 – Basic Network Concepts.pptx and Lab Slides 2.8.1 – Know Your Network.pptx presentations and Student Handout 2.8.1 – Basic Network Concepts available on Google Classroom

Assignment:

  1. Read the Lesson Slides 2.8.1 – Basic Network Concepts.pptx Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow in today’s class.
  2. Complete first half of the Student Handout 2.8.1 – Basic Network Concepts Check for Understanding activity using the materials provided in Google Classroom. (25 pts)
  3. Use the information in the Lab Slides 2.8.1 – Know Your Network.pptx presentation to complete the second half of the Student Handout 2.8.1 – Basic Network Concepts document by end of day on Tuesday, February 17th. (25 pts)

Assigned: February 12th, 2026
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 17th, 2026