Tag Archives: Networking and Cybersecurity

Networking and Operating Systems

Network+,  Lesson 2.2: Copper Cables and Connectors   – TestOut

Exam Objectives Covered: 

  • 1.5 Compare and contrast transmission media and transceivers.  

Links:

Overview:

Copper wire twisted pair cabling is the most popular choice for access networks in offices. You are likely to work with this network media daily as part of your duties as a network professional. Understanding the characteristics of twisted pair will enable you to properly install and service your networks.   

Text Lessons:

  • 2.2.1 Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable 
  • 2.2.2 Shielded and Screened Twisted Pair Cable 
  • 2.2.3 Cat Cable Standards 
  • 2.2.4 Twisted Pair Connector Types 
  • 2.2.5 Plenum and Riser-rated Cable 
  • 2.2.6 Coaxial and Twinaxial Cable and Connectors   

Lab/Activity:

  • 2.2.7 Lab: Connect to an Ethernet Network 
  • 2.2.8 Lab: Connect a Cable Modem 
  • 2.2.9 Identify Cabling 
  • 2.2.10 Identify Connectors  

Quiz/Assessment:

  • 2.2.11 Lesson Review (10 questions) 

Topics Discussed:

  • Why are wires twisted together in twisted pair cables? 
  • What is the difference between STP cabling and UTP cabling? 
  • What speeds and distances are supported by different cable categories? 
  • How can you tell the difference between RJ11 and RJ45 connectors? 
  • What are the uses of coax and twinax copper cabling? 

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Lesson 2.2: Copper Cables and Connectors, and complete the 2.2.7 Lab: Connect to an Ethernet Network, the 2.2.8 Lab: Connect a Cable Modem, the 2.2.9 Identify Cabling Activity, the 2.2.10 Identify Connectors Activity and the 10 question 2.2.11 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: January 8th, 2025
Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 9th, 2025

Networking and Operating Systems

Network+,   Lesson 2.1: Ethernet  – TestOut

Exam Objectives Covered: 

  • 1.5 Compare and contrast transmission media and transceivers.  

Links:

Overview:

In this lesson, you will identify the components used in an Ethernet network implementation. A standard provides detailed specifications for Physical layer media and interfaces. The Ethernet standard dominates the wired LAN product market. Large and small networks use Ethernet technology to provide both backbone and end user services. Due to the wide deployment of Ethernet today, you will undoubtedly be required to manage and troubleshoot Ethernet networks.  

Text Lessons:

  • 2.1.1 Network Data Transmission 
  • 2.1.2 Ethernet Standards 
  • 2.1.3 Media Access Control and Collision Domains 
  • 2.1.4 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet Standards 
  • 2.1.5 Gigabit Ethernet Standards 
  • 2.1.6 Fiber Ethernet Standards  

Lab/Activity:

  • 2.1.7 Ethernet Specifications 
  • 2.1.8 Lab: Reconnect to an Ethernet Network 

Quiz/Assessment:

  • 2.1.9 Lesson Review (10 questions) 

Topics Discussed:

  • Why is it useful to categorize network types, appliances, applications, functions, and topologies? 
  • What are the advantages of a client-server network compared to a peer-to-peer network? 
  • How does a logical topology differ from a physical topology? 
  • What do diagrams of point to point, star, and mesh topologies look like?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Lesson 2.1: Ethernet, and complete the 2.1.7 Ethernet Specifications activity, the 2.1.8 Lab: Reconnect to an Ethernet Network, and the 10 question 2.1.9 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: January 6th, 2025
Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 7th, 2025

Networking and Operating Systems

Network+,  1.5 Module Quiz – TestOut

 Lesson Modules Covered: 

  •  Lesson 1.1: Networking Overview
  • Lesson 1.2: OSI Model Concepts
  • Lesson 1.3: SOHO Networks
  • Lesson 1.4: Troubleshooting Methodology 

Links:

Quiz/Assessment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Complete the 20 question 1.5 Module Quiz  to complete the Section.
  3. The exam will be primarily multiple choice, with some exceptions. Please read and follow the instructions in each section of the exam.
  4. This will be a comprehensive Unit 1 exam, covering Lessons 1.1 through 1.4.
  5. The exam will reflect the conditions of the final CompTIA exam, meaning you will not be able to use any materials accessible on your computer. This includes any websites, past assignments, completed projects, installed applications, or notes you may have taken.
  6. You may not collaborate with your classmates; You will be asked to please remain silent until everyone has completed the exam.
  7. Be advised that you will have fifty minutes to complete the test, and you must submit your test answers before the end of the class period.
  8. Study, be prepared, and do your best!

Assigned: December 16th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 18th, 2024

Networking and Operating Systems

Network+,  Lesson 1.4: Troubleshooting Methodology   – TestOut

 Exam Objectives Covered: 

  • 5.1 Explain the troubleshooting methodology. 

Links:

Overview:

Network problems can arise from a variety of sources outside your control. As a network professional, your users, your managers, and your colleagues will all look to you to identify and resolve those problems efficiently. To do that, you will need a strong fundamental understanding of the tools and processes involved in troubleshooting a network. Being able to resolve problems in these areas is a crucial skill for keeping your network running smoothly. 

Troubleshooting requires a best practice approach to both problem-solving and customer/client communication. A troubleshooting model provides you with proven processes on which to base your techniques and approach.

Text Lessons:

  • 1.4.1 Network Troubleshooting Methodology 
  • 1.4.2 Identify the Problem 
  • 1.4.3 Identify Problem Symptoms 
  • 1.4.4 Establish a Theory of Probable Cause 
  • 1.4.5 Test the Theory to Determine the Cause 
  • 1.4.6 Establish a Plan of Action 
  • 1.4.7 Implement the Solution 
  • 1.4.8 Verify the Solution 
  • 1.4.9 Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes 

Lab/Activity:

  • 1.4.10 Lab: Troubleshooting Methodology  

Quiz/Assessment:

  • 1.4.11 Lesson Review (15 questions) 

Topics Discussed:

  • What are the advantages of applying a structured methodology to troubleshooting? 
  • What is the sequence of steps in CompTIA’s troubleshooting methodology? 
  • What activities are performed at each step? 

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Lesson 1.4: Troubleshooting Methodology , and complete the 1.4.10 Lab: Troubleshooting Methodology and the 15 question 1.4.11 Lesson Review quiz to complete the Section.

Assigned: December 11th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 12th, 2024

Networking and Operating Systems

Network+,  Lesson 1.3: SOHO Networks  – TestOut

 Exam Objectives Covered: 

  • 1.1 Explain concepts related to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model. . 

Links:

Overview:


The OSI model involves quite a lot of abstraction. As a practical example, it is worth examining how a basic network is implemented. In this topic, you will describe the connection and configuration options for components within a typical small office/home office (SOHO) router. You will also explore some of the organizations responsible for managing the Internet and the various numbering schemes used for network address notation.   

Text Lessons:

  • 1.3.1 SOHO Routers 
  • 1.3.2 Physical Layer Functions 
  • 1.3.3 Data Link Layer Functions 
  • 1.3.4 Network Layer Functions 
  • 1.3.5 Transport and Application Layer and Security Functions 
  • 1.3.6 The Internet 

Text and Video Lesson:

  • 1.3.7 Binary and Hexadecimal 

Lab/Activity:

  • 1.3.8 Lab: Explore a Single Location in a Lab 
  • 1.3.9 Lab: Create a Home Wireless Network 
  • 1.3.10 Lab: Create a SOHO Network 

Quiz/Assessment:

  • 1.3.11 Lesson Review (10 questions) 

Topics Discussed:

  • What separate functions are packed into a typical SOHO router appliance? 
  • How are Internet services provisioned and managed? 
  • What types of numbering schemes are used to represent network addresses? 

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Lesson 1.3: SOHO Networks  , and complete the 1.3.8 Lab: Explore a Single Location in a Lab, 1.3.9 Lab: Create a Home Wireless Network, 1.3.10 Lab: Create a SOHO Network and the 10 question 1.3.11 Lesson Review quiz to complete the Section.

Assigned: December 9th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 10th, 2024

Networking and Operating Systems

Network+,  Lesson 1.2: OSI Model Concepts  – TestOut

 Exam Objectives Covered: 

  • 1.1 Explain concepts related to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model. . 

Links:

Overview:

Networks are built on common standards and models that describe how devices and protocols interconnect. In this lesson, you will identify how the implementation and support of these systems refer to an important common reference model: the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. The OSI model breaks the data communication process into discrete layers. Being able to identify the OSI layers and compare the functions of devices and protocols working at each layer will help you to implement and troubleshoot networks.  

Text Lessons:

  • 1.2.1 Open Systems Interconnection Model 
  • 1.2.2 Data Encapsulation and Decapsulation 
  • 1.2.3 Layer 1 – Physical 
  • 1.2.4 Layer 2 – Data Link 
  • 1.2.5 Layer 3 – Network 
  • 1.2.6 Layer 4 – Transport 
  • 1.2.7 Upper Layers 
  • 1.2.8 OSI Model Summary  

Quiz/Assessment:

  • 1.2.9 Lesson Review (15 questions) 

Topics Discussed:

  • Why are protocols important for networking? 
  • What is the OSI model? Why is it important for understanding networking? 
  • At which OSI model layer do common network appliances, applications, and functions work? 
  • How does data encapsulation facilitate data transmission? How does encapsulation relate to frames, datagrams, segments, and ports? 

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Lesson 1.2: OSI Model Concepts , and complete the 15 question
    1.2.9 Lesson Review      quiz to complete the Section.

Assigned: December 5th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 6th, 2024

Networking and Operating Systems

Network+,  Lesson 1.1: Networking Overview – TestOut

 Exam Objectives Covered: 

  • 1.2 Compare and contrast networking appliances, applications, and functions.
  • 1.6 Compare and contrast network topologies, architectures, and types. 

Links:

Overview:

Network types and topologies determine the scale and flow of data through a network. Identifying the different topologies is essential to designing or troubleshooting a network. No matter what your specific role in network implementation and management, you will need to understand the characteristics of the network topology you are working with and identify how the topology affects network design, performance, and troubleshooting. 

Text Lessons:

  • 1.1.1 Networking Concepts 
  • 1.1.2 Network Types 
  • 1.1.3 Network Topology 
  • 1.1.4 Star Topology 
  • 1.1.5 Mesh Topology 

Lab/Activity:

  • 1.1.6 Network Topologies (5 questions)
  • 1.1.7 Lab: Create Network Topologies

Quiz/Assessment:

  • 1.1.8 Lesson Review (11 questions)

Topics Discussed:

  • Why is it useful to categorize network types, appliances, applications, functions, and topologies? 
  • What are the advantages of a client-server network compared to a peer-to-peer network? 
  • How does a logical topology differ from a physical topology? 
  • What do diagrams of point to point, star, and mesh topologies look like?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Lesson 1.1: Networking Overview, and complete the 5 question 1.1.6 Network Topologies quiz, the 1.1.7 Lab: Create Network Topologies, and the 11 question 1.1.8 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: December 3rd, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: December 5th, 2024

Networking and Operating Systems

DIY Directional Antennas 2024 – Final Reflection

Objective:

I can complete the DIY Directional Antenna Project by reflecting on and evaluating what I learned throughout the course of the activity by completing an online reflection form.

Links:

Google Classroom

Topics Discussed:

Wireless Networking
802.11 Wi-Fi spec
Directional Antennas
Waveguide Antenna

Assignment:

Today, we will complete our directional antenna project. Our goal was to sustain a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal over a minimum distance of 100 yards (300 ft or ~92m) with a minimum signal strength of -67 dBm.

All of the cantennas tested performed respectably, and for some reason 8th period’s cans vastly outperformed 3rd period! We can speculate why later, but overall one came out on top with a very respectable -57 dBm signal and sustained 45% signal quality over a distance of 100 yards! Please congratulate Denis & Brizalin for their outstanding tin can waveguide antenna assembly that conquered all other designs. By comparison, 3rd period’s best can was a respectable (but not record-breaking) -65 dBm with a 35% signal quality, produced by the team of Carlos & Phoenix. They will all be enjoying pizza and wings for lunch today as the rest of the class completes this final reflection assignment.

The link for the reflection assignment can be found here. Please follow the instructions on the form, and answer each question group with a paragraph comprised of at least three complete sentences. Pay attention to your spelling, punctuation and grammar as you compose your paragraphs. This assignment is to be written in a professional tone in an academic voice, and it will be graded based on the criteria described on the form. Each team member must submit their own form, but can work together on the wording of the individual submissions.

You are encouraged to type your answers in a separate Google Doc to ensure your answers are saved, then transfer your answers to the Google Form for submission. This assignment is effectively your final project assessment which represents the major portion of your project grade, and should be addressed accordingly.

Good luck, and thank you for all your hard work on this project, and throughout the second term. Do your best on your reflection and then enjoy some hard-earned rest and relaxation with your families during the Thanksgiving four-day weekend! Rest well, because we’ve got some big decisions and important work to do when we return to Networking and Cybersecurity in December!

Posted: November 27th, 2024
Due Date: December 27th, 2024

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 2.4.3 Wireless Technologies Lab – DIY Directional Antennas Project 2024: Build Phase and Testing

Objective:

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of computer networks, network operating systems and wireless networking by assembling a directional antenna with the intent of establishing and sustaining a 2.4 GHz wireless signal at a distance of greater than 100 yards.

Links:

Team-Agreement-2023-FillableFormDownload
Team-Work-Plan-2023-FillableFormDownload


Do It Yourself Wireless Antenna (Pringles Can Yagi): https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-make-a-wifi-antenna-out-of-a-pringles-can-nb/

Building the Cylinder (Can) Waveguide (measurements calculator):
https://www.wikarekare.org/Antenna/WaveguideCan.html

Topics Discussed:

Wireless Networking
802.11 Wi-Fi spec
Directional Antennas
Waveguide Antenna
Yagi Antenna

Assignment:

Today, we will continue the build phase of our directional antenna project. Remember that the goal is to sustain a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal over a minimum distance of 100 yards (300 ft or ~92m).

All tools and equipment are on the metal carts and tables in the front of Room 225. The transmitter testing cart is in the front of Room 225, and the username and password is on a sticky note on top of the cart. Use the velcro strap to secure your can to the tripod and use the tripod handles to angle your can to point at the upright antennas on the target router located on the receiver cart. The receiver cart (with the target router) is in the back of the room, and the username and password is located on a sticky note on the PC case.

Please use this time to make progress on your project. When you are ready for testing, I will set up the testing carts on both ends of the hallway outside my room in the 200 building so we can test all completed antennas to allow those with working products to see the results and modify their designs if necessary. You should have a finished antenna prepared to test at that time so you can tweak the design if necessary before the final test on the week of the 18th!

We will conduct final tests on Tuesday, November 26th. To be considered a success (and receive credit for the project), your antenna design must be able to sustain at least a -67 dBm wireless signal over a 100 yard distance (the length of the football field).

Reminder: The team (or individual) that produces the antenna that can reliably sustain the highest signal strength (as measured by Signal Quality percentage and Signal as measured in decibels) over the longest distance on the final testing day will receive a personal pizza and wings party, to be held while everyone else writes a three paragraph personal reflection on Wednesday, November 27th describing their participation in this project.

Good luck, and remember: Your antenna doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be better than everyone else’s!

Posted: November 18th, 2024
Due Date: November 27th, 2024