Tag Archives: Networking and Operating Systems

Networking and Operating Systems

IT Fundamentals, Section 2.3: Digital Data – TestOut

Objective: 

This section explains the basics of how computers work, including their use of the binary number system and the translation of physical signals into digital information. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

• Describe the binary number system used by computers to process data.
• Describe how binary numbers can be translated into hexadecimal form.
• Define bits and bytes.
• Explain how physical signals are translated into digital information.
• Describe the most common character encoding standards, including ASCII and Unicode.
• Describe the most common units of measurement used for storage, throughput, and processing speed.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Decimal System
  • Binary System
  • Hexadecimal System
  • Bit
  • Byte
  • Digital Data
  • Encoded Integers
  • Encoded Text
  • Processor Speed
  • Storage Space
  • Throughput
  • ASCII
  • Unicode

Topics Discussed:

  • How are digital and analog data similar? How are they different?
  • How are words and numbers encoded as ones and zeros?
  • What is the relationship between the binary number system and computer hardware?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Section 2.3: Digital Data, and complete the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: January 17th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 18th, 2024

Networking and Operating Systems

IT Fundamentals, Section 2.2: Introduction to Computers – TestOut

Objective: 

This section provides a brief history of computers and explains the basic principles of human-computer interaction. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

• Recall significant developments in the history of modern computing.
• Identify uses of computers in today’s world.
• Identify the basic functions of computers.
• Describe various roles for today’s supercomputers.
• Describe the basic principles of human-computer interaction.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Input
  • Processing
  • Output
  • Storage
  • Hollerith’s Tabulating Machine
  • Transistor
  • Microchip
  • World Wide Web
  • Smartphone
  • Supercomputers
  • Human-computer Interaction

Topics Discussed:

  • How are modern computers similar to early computers? How are they different?
  • What is the relationship between input, processing, output, and storage?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Section 2.2: Introduction to Computers, and complete the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: January 16th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 17th, 2024

Networking and Operating Systems

IT Fundamentals, Section 1.2 – What Is Information Technology? – TestOut

Objective: 

This section defines three overlapping disciplines: Information Technology, Information Systems, and Computer Science. It then provides a detailed overview of the entire course. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

• Recall key moments in the history of information technology.
• Define Information Technology, Information Systems, and Computer Science.
• Describe why “systems thinking” is important in designing information systems.
• Describe the main objectives of the course.
• Identify new concepts and skills that you will master after completing this course.
• Explain how this course will help you achieve your career goals.
• Conduct online research on a career that interests you in information technology.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Information Technology
  • Information Systems
  • Computer Science

Topics Discussed:

  • How will understanding IT help me achieve my goals in life?
  • What do I already know about computers? What do I wish I knew?
  • How have advances in technology impacted my own life?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Section 1.2: What Is Information Technology?, and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

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

Networking and Operating Systems

IT Fundamentals, Section 1.3 – Technology and Ethics – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces various ethical issues associated with computer technology. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

• Describe ethical considerations related to evolving forms of technology, including artificial intelligence, workplace automation, personal privacy, and green computing.
• Identify health and productivity issues related to technology, including ergonomics, blue light exposure, cyberloafing, and employee monitoring.
• Distinguish between the legal and ethical aspects of issues such as security breaches, criminal use of data encryption, and the dark web.
• Discuss the arguments for and against net neutrality.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Ethics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Intellectual Property
  • Dark Web
  • Green Computing
  • Ergonomics
  • Blue Light
  • Cyberloafing
  • Employee Monitoring
  • Net Neutrality
  • Predictive Policing
  • Hacktivism
  • Doxing

Topics Discussed:

  • Why is it important for me to live by a code of ethics?
  • How have I seen technology used for good? How have I seen it misused?
  • To what degree should governments use technology to monitor their citizens?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study Section 1.2: Technology and Ethics, and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

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

Networking and Operating Systems

Introduction to TestOut Online Learning Platform – Spring 2024

Objective: 

I can access the online textbook and coursework by logging into the TestOut website so I can complete the class assignments and simulation labs.

Links:

TestOut IT Certification Training:  https://www.testout.com/

Topics Discussed:

  • TestOut LabSim online courseware
  • Online Coursework
  • IT Fundamentals

Assignment:

  1. Visit our Google Classroom to receive the link to the TestOut online learning platform.
  2. Follow along with the in-class instructions.

Posted: January 10th, 2024

Networking and Operating Systems

DIY Directional Antennas 2023 – 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.

Nearly all of the cantennas performed admirably, but one came out on top with a very respectable -59 dBm signal and 43% sustained signal quality over a distance of 100 yards! Please congratulate Adrian A. for his outstanding tin can waveguide antenna assembly that conquered all other designs. He will be enjoying pizza and wings for lunch 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 first semester. Do your best on your reflection and then enjoy over two weeks of hard-earned rest and relaxation during Winter Break! Rest well, because we’ve got some big decisions and important work to do when we return to Networking and Cybersecurity in January!

Posted: December 20th, 2023
Due Date: December 20th, 2023

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 2.4.3 Wireless Technologies Lab – DIY Directional Antennas Project 2023: 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 Monday, December 19th. 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, December 20th 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: December 5th, 2023
Due Date: December 19th, 2023

Networking and Operating Systems

Section 2.4.3 Wireless Technologies Lab – DIY Directional Antennas Project 2023

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:

Project Team Agreement FormDownload
Project Team Work Plan FormDownload


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

DIY Bi-Quad Directional Wi-Fi Antenna:  https://lifehacker.com/5964111/diy-wi-fi-antenna-cheaply-extends-your-wireless-network

$10 Wi-Fi 16dBi Super Antenna: https://www.instructables.com/id/10–WIFI-16dBi-Super-Antenna-Pictorial/

Topics Discussed:

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

Assignment:

Today, we are going to begin a focused short-term project that is to be completed before the Christmas Break. The goal is simple: design and build a directional antenna that will sustain a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal over a minimum distance of 100 yards (300 ft or ~92m).

The stretch goal is a little more complex: design and build a directional antenna that will extend that 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal as far as possible.

  1. Use the links I have provided to learn about do-it-yourself directional antenna designs. There are many designs to choose from, so do your research and select the design that you think will be most effective in extending and sustaining the Wi-Fi signal over the longest range.
  2. You may work with a partner, or choose to go it alone. If you choose to work with a partner, you will need to download, complete and turn in both a Project Team Agreement and a Project Team Work Plan (available via the links provided above).
  3. Even if you are working by yourself, use the Project Team Work Plan to identify and prepare for the steps of this project (i.e. research, acquisition of materials, installation, configuration, building, testing, modification and upgrades).
  4. Upload your completed Project Team Agreement Form and Project Team Work Plan Form to today’s assignment post on our Google Classroom as soon as they are completed. The completed Project Team Contract and Project Team Work Plan are due by the end of the class on Wednesday, December 6th.
  5. Proceed with the first identified steps in your Project Team Work Plan. Do your best to follow the plan, but don’t be afraid to amend or alter the plan as the need arises.
  6. Tools and equipment will be provided, and all work should be completed in Room 225. You will need to notify the instructor if you need access to any additional tools located in Room 212. Testing PCs (sender and recipient) will be provided on rolling carts to allow for testing of antennas.
  7. Please use this time to make progress on your project. We have time provided to complete the project, but no time to waste. It is highly likely that your first antenna design will not work as well as you expect it to, and you will need time to test and make adjustments to your design to achieve optimal results. Use the time given to build, test, modify and retest to get the best results!
  8. We will conduct initial tests the week of December 11th. 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).
  9. Upon completion of initial tests, you will have a week to revise and retest your design before the final testing on Monday, December 19th.
  10. The team (or individual) that produces the antenna that can reliably sustain the highest signal strength 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, December 20th describing their participation in this project.

Good luck, and remember: the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

Posted: December 5th, 2023
Due Date: December 19th, 2023

Networking and Operating Systems

CYBER.ORG: Networking Fundamentals –  3.1.1 Performance Metrics &  3.1.1 Activity: Performance Metrics 

Objective:

Given a scenario, the student will use the appropriate statistics and sensors to ensure network availability.

Resources:

  • See PowerPoint presentation: 3.1.1 Performance Metrics.pptx

Assignment:

  1. Begin reading the 3.1.1 Performance Metrics.pptx presentation. This lesson will introduce you to what an SSID on a network is, and its available settings.
  2. Next, complete the 3.1.1 Activity: Performance Metrics form in class today. Open the  form posted in today’s Google Classroom Assignment Post to submit your answers to the prompt provided in the activity sheet.

Assigned: November 29th, 2023
Teacher Pacing Due Date: November 29th, 2023