Tag Archives: Term 2

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

Networking and Operating Systems

CYBER.ORG: Networking Fundamentals – 2.4.3 – Wireless Technologies &  2.4.3 – Activity – Wireless Technologies 

Objective:

Given a scenario, the student will be able to install and configure the appropriate wireless standards and technologies.

Resources:

  • See PowerPoint presentation: 2.4.3 – Wireless Technologies.pptx

Assignment:

  1. Begin reading the 2.4.3 – Wireless Technologies.pptx presentation. This lesson will introduce you to what an SSID on a network is, and its available settings.
  2. Next, complete the  2.4.3 – Activity – Wireless Technologies 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 28th, 2023
Teacher Pacing Due Date: November 29th, 2023

Networking and Operating Systems

CYBER.ORG: Networking Fundamentals – 2.4.2 – SSID &  2.4.2 – Activity – SSID Tracking

Objective:

Given a scenario, the student will be able to install and configure the appropriate wireless standards and technologies.

Resources:

  • See PowerPoint presentation: 2.4.2 – SSID.pptx

Assignment:

  1. Begin reading the 2.4.2 – SSID.pptx presentation. This lesson will introduce you to what an SSID on a network is, and its available settings.
  2. Next, complete the  2.4.2 – Activity – SSID Tracking .pdf activity in class today. Open the  2.4.2 – Activity – SSID Tracking Fillable Form posted in today’s Google Classroom Assignment Post to submit your answers to the prompt provided in the activity sheet.

Assigned: November 27th, 2023
Teacher Pacing Due Date: November 28th, 2023

Networking and Operating Systems

Networking Fundamentals – Lab Activity – Router Configuration Challenge

Objectives:

  • Given a scenario, the student will be able to locate and configure common Wired and Wireless network configuration settings on a routing device.

Resources:

  • Refer to prior PowerPoint presentations on Network Types, Connector Types, Protocols, Networking Devices, Networked Devices and Bandwidth Management for review.

Topics Discussed:

  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Router
  • Local Area Network
  • TCP/IP – Transport Connect Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • DHCP – Dynamic Host Connect Protocol
  • 802.11 Wireless
  • Bandwidth
  • Configuration
  • QoS

Assignment:

  1. Complete the  Lab Activity: Router Configuration Challenge worksheet in class today. Open the  Router Configuration Challenge Form posted in today’s Google Classroom Assignment Post for instructions.

Assigned: November 22nd, 2023
Teacher Pacing Due Date: November 22nd, 2023

Networking and Operating Systems

Networking Fundamentals – Lab Activity – Local Area Network Configuration

Objectives:

  • Given a scenario, the student will be able to configure and deploy workstations in a local area network configuration using the appropriate networking standards and technologies.

Resources:

  • Refer to prior PowerPoint presentations on Network Topologies, Network Types, Connector Types, Cable Management, Protocols, Networking Devices and Networked Devices for review.

Topics Discussed:

  • The Internet and World Wide Web
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Local Area Network
  • Network Topologies
  • Hubs vs Switches
  • TCP/IP – Transport Connect Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • Cable Management

Assignment:

  1. This week, we will be working on a lab activity, where we will organize and assemble a local area network to function in a working classroom.
  2. Four laptops three routers, an unmanaged switch and all of the necessary cables and peripherals have been provided. Students should also take note of the collection of network cables, as they will be called upon to select one of an appropriate length when it is time to assemble the network.
  3. Refer to the in-class discussion on Network Hardware and Network Topologies – which would be the best physical topology for the proposed class configuration, given the networking equipment we have on hand?
  4. As a class, decide on the best arrangement for the equipment, given the room’s existing network infrastructure and the technical and physical requirements of our class, as well as OSHA regulations and best practices.
  5. With these requirements in mind, assemble the network according to the instructor’s directions.
  6. Is the networking device you are using a router or a switch? How can you tell the difference? Can you tell just by looking at the device?
  7. What type of cable are we using? Why are we using this type of cable? Why are we even using cable instead of connecting the workstations to the Wi-Fi network? What are the benefits of wired networking over wireless?
  8. As the network takes shape, can you see why the topology selected was the best to suit the classroom conditions?
  9. Participation points will be awarded for participating in the lab rebuild. You must be in attendance and participate each day of the lab to receive credit, so don’t miss class and don’t miss out on some easy lab points!

Assigned: November 20th, 2023
Teacher Pacing Due Date: November 23rd, 2023

Networking and Operating Systems

CYBER.ORG: Networking Fundamentals – 2.3.1 – Ethernet Switching Features, 2.3.2 – Ethernet Port Configurations, 2.4.1 – WiFi Standards & 2.4.1 – Activity – WiFi Standards

Objectives:

  • Given a scenario, the student will be able to configure and deploy common Ethernet switching features.
  • Given a scenario, the student will be able to install and configure the appropriate wireless standards and technologies

Resources:

  • See PowerPoint presentations: 2.3.1 – Ethernet Switching Features, 2.3.2 – Ethernet Port Configurations.pptx, & 2.4.1 – WiFi Standards.pptx

Assignment:

  1. Begin reading the 2.3.1 – Ethernet Switching Features, 2.3.2 – Ethernet Port Configurations.pptx, & 2.4.1 – WiFi Standards.pptx presentations. These lessons will introduce you to common Ethernet switching features, the different Ethernet port configurations and how they differ, and the different current WiFi standards, .
  2. Next, complete the  2.4.1 Activity: Wi-Fi Standards worksheet in class today. Open the  2.4.1 Activity: Wi-Fi Standards Fillable Form.pdf posted in today’s Google Classroom Assignment Post for instructions.

Assigned: November 17th, 2023
Teacher Pacing Due Date: November 17th, 2023