Topicmeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528449000663_0Topic

The types of computer networks in terms of spatial scope

Levelmeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528449084556_0Level

Second

Core curriculummeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528449076687_0Core curriculum

Grade VII and VIII

III. Using the computer, digital devices and computer networks. The student:

1) schematically presents the structure and operation of a computer network, a school and home network and the Internet.

Timingmeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528449068082_0Timing

45 minutes

General objectivemeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528449523725_0General objective

Identifying the notions related to a computer network.

Specific objectivesmeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528449552113_0Specific objectives

1. Distinguishing the categories of computer networks.

2. Defining network topologies.

Learning outcomesmeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528450430307_0Learning outcomes

The student:

- distinguishes the categories of computer networks,

- defines network topologies.

Methodsmeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528449534267_0Methods

1. Discussion.

2. Learning through observation.

Forms of workmeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528449514617_0Forms of work

1. Individual work.

2. Class work.

Lesson stages

Introductionmeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528450127855_0Introduction

The teacher initiates a discussion aiming at revising the basic terms related to a computer network.

What do you know about computer networks?

What is a computer network composed of?

Can you access a computer network?

Proceduremeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528446435040_0Procedure

Network topologynetwork topologyNetwork topology is the model of interconnections between the various nodes of a computer network.

Physical topologyphysical topologyPhysical topology is the arrangement of the various nodes of the computer network.

Logical topologylogical topologyLogical topology illustrates the way of data flow in the computer network.

The classification of computer networks in terms of spatial scope:

LAN – Local Area Network – interconnects many devices within a limited area, such as a residence or an office building.

MAN – Metropolitan Area Network – is a large computer network that extends over a city or an urban agglomeration.

WAN – Wide Area Network – interconnects computers over a large distance.

PAN – Personal Area Network – is a computer network for interconnecting devices located in the workspace of an individual person or a family.

IAN – Internet Area Network – connects endpoints through the public Internet. In contains virtualised applications and communication services.

[Illustration 1]

A backbone network is a part of a computer network that interconnects various pieces of network, enabling the exchange of information between them. It can interconnect networks within one building, campus or networks connected over large areas. The devices of the backbone network are responsible for the functioning of a computer network within a given area.meadd9b54cabf72bf_1527752256679_0A backbone network is a part of a computer network that interconnects various pieces of network, enabling the exchange of information between them. It can interconnect networks within one building, campus or networks connected over large areas. The devices of the backbone network are responsible for the functioning of a computer network within a given area.

Task 1

Think about and describe the category of a computer network to which the computer you are currently working on is connected. Is this network the part of another computer network? If so, what is its type? Describe the correlations between them. You can draw a diagram.

Physical topologies:

- BusbusBus – computers share a single cable.
- RingringRing – computers are connected to the sections of a cable creating a ring.
- Star – computers are connected to a central node called hubhubhub or switchswitchswitch.
- MeshmeshMesh – a network expanded with redundant connections.
- Line – all computers (except the endpoints) are connected to the two neighbouring ones.
- Tree (a hierarchical topology) is a combination of a star topology and a busbusbus topology.

[Interactive graphics]

Task 2

On the Internet, find the advantages and disadvantages of the topologies specified in the table below. Complete the table in your notebook.

[Table 1]

The selection of a topology forces the application of specified network devices, and sometimes also the type of cabling.

Networking devices:

A hubhubhub is a multi‑port networking device that enables connecting many computer devices to a computer network with a star topology. The hub transmits electrical signals from one port to all other ports. Nowadays these devices are rarely used.

A switchswitchswitch is a intelligent hub that enables forwarding data only to the destination device in a computer network.

A router is a networking device used to connect various computer networks which functions as a communication node.

An access pointaccess pointaccess point is a networking hardware device that allows Wi‑Fi devices to connect to a wired network.

Task 3

Together with the teacher the students describe networking devices they come across at school and at home.

Lesson summarymeadd9b54cabf72bf_1528450119332_0Lesson summary

Network physical topology describes the way computers and other networking devices are interconnected through a transmission medium. The selection of the topology depends on the application of a network.meadd9b54cabf72bf_1527752263647_0Network physical topology describes the way computers and other networking devices are interconnected through a transmission medium. The selection of the topology depends on the application of a network.

Selected words and expressions used in the lesson plan

access pointaccess pointaccess point

backbone networkbackbone networkbackbone network

busbusbus

hubhubhub

logical topologylogical topologylogical topology

meshmeshmesh

network topologynetwork topologynetwork topology

physical topologyphysical topologyphysical topology

ringringring

switchswitchswitch