3.3 Networks

Computer Fundamentals: Case Study

Bright Futures Academy Case Study. This case study lets student apply their knowledge of hardware, software, and networking concepts, with strong links to social and ethical issues and impacts. It is useful, if used with good supporting resources, when you have a class of students with very mixed IT background and existing knowledge.

• Case Study document
• Case Study document (extended version with additional spreadsheet task)
• Spreadsheet (for the extended version of the case study)
• Rubric (for both versions)

Background Reading

IGCSE ICT clearly explains many networking topics through clear text and diagrams. Although it is not directly aimed at IB or ITGS level, it is still a very useful resource with a lot of relevant content and examples.

Networking components

This interactive Flash tool from GCSEComputing.org helps students learn the basic components of a network. The software can guide users through the creation of a network step by step, adding client computers, servers, hubs, and routers, or students can freely build and simulate their own network.

Network components: Hubs, switches, and routers

ITGS students need to know the difference between network hubs, routers, and switches. These two diagrams show how hubs and switches broadcast data, and are from page 69 of the textbook.

Network architecture: LANs and WANs

Diagram from the textbook, showing a Local Area Network (LAN), with a router providing a connection to a Wide Area Network (WAN) - in this case, the Internet (view larger version).

Types of Network: Client-server, thin client, peer to peer

Diagrams of various network configuration froms chapter 4 of the textbook. You can download diagrams of:

• Client / server network
• Thin client network
• Peer-to-peer network

Types of network: Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

Diagram of a Virtual Private Network (VPN), showing how remote users can connect to their business' local area network securely through a public network. Taken from page 75 of the book (click for larger version).

Communicating on a network: IP addresses

Diagram from the textbook showing a LAN and WAN, and how public and private IP addressing work.

The two videos The Internet Explained and IP addresses and DNS also provide good overviews of Internet routing and addressing, with clear explanations and analogies.

Networking Tools

The following links may be helpful to improve understanding of the issues related to IP addresses on page 79 of the textbook. A common misunderstanding is that IP addresses are anonymous, but as these tools demonstrate, it is relatively easy to discover information about - and even the location of - the owners of IP addresses:

• www.traceroute.org - An online trace route tool
• www.ip-lookup.net - Show information about IP addresses, including owner and location
• www.ip2location.com - Shows the location of IP addresses

Lesson resources: Keyword Bingo

Give students one or two cards containing ITGS key words, then read out the definitions. The first student to get all key words wins. This set of cards covers only key terms related to chapter 4 of the book, Networks. Download: Student cards, teacher clues.

Lesson resources: Revision Flashcards

Networks revision flashcards to test students on the key terms. The 'Learn' and 'Test' modes of Quizlet work best.

Lesson resources: Banned words game

Banned words game - This game is similar to 'Taboo' or 'Forbidden Words'. Each card contains an ITGS key networks term which students must explain to the class without mentioning the 'taboo' words listed on the card. The aim is to improve students' ability to explain key ITGS language and have a little bit of fun. Works well as a starter with the class split into two teams. I find printing the cards on coloured paper and laminating them works best.

Download Networks cards or the blank cards to make your own.

Intranets and Extranets

This BBC Webwise page provides a good overview of intranets and extranets using clear and easily accessible language. It is useful in conjunction with the information and exercises in chapter 9 - Business and Employment - of my textbook.

Networks in Schools

This article from EdTech magazines ties in directly with syllabus sections 2.2 (Hardware and network technologies in the classroom) and 3.2 (Networks). Focusing on 'behind the scenes' technology required by a large school in Illinois with thousands of students, it examines network infrastructure, servers, Gigabit routers, virtualization, cloud computing, staff training, and many more concepts. Perfect for studying networks in education.

Read the article