Activity 1 - Generic Network Theory
Read and take notes on What Is a Network?; answer the following questions in your own words (i.e., do not just copy and paste from the source site):

1. What is a network?

2. What are the advantages of a network over individual standalone PCs?
3. Compare and contrast LAN, MAN, and WAN, with examples.

Activity 2- Applying Network Theory
Click on "Network Neighborhood" on your computer's desktop.

4. What type of network is represented by the first icon(s) shown? Why do you think so?
5. What type of network is "139"? Why do you think so?
6. What type of network is "Entire Network"? Why do you think so?

Network Hardware

Read and take notes on network hardware; answer the following items in your own words (i.e., do not just copy and paste from the source site):

Activity 3- Network Hardware Theory

7. What is the difference between a hub and a router (rhymes with 'doubter'')?
8. Why is the speed of the NIC important?

Activity 4- Applying Network Hardware Theory

9. Does City's schoolwide network have a router? Why do you think so?
10. Name and describe the device on a shelf high on the wall near the American flag in 143-145. What is its function? What do the blinking lights indicate?

Physical Topologies

Read and take notes on network topology; answer the following items in your own words (i.e., do not just copy and paste text from the source site):

Activity 5 - Topology Theory

11. Using both words and diagrams, explain how the bus, star, token-ring, and tree topologies are set up.
12. Create a table showing advantages and disadvantages of each topology.

Activity 6 - Applying the Theory

13. Which topology does the network in 143-145 use? Why do you think so?
14. Which topology does City's schoolwide network use? Why do you think so?

Cables and Connectors

Read and take notes on Network Cabling; answer the following items in your own words (i.e., do not just copy and paste text from the source site)(to turn in):

Activity 7 - Cabling Theory

15. Create a table that summarizes and compares the characteristics of twisted pair, coaxial, and fiber optic cable.

16. Use words and drawings to explain Ethernet UTP wiring in your own words.

17. Use words and drawings to distinguish RJ-45 and BNC connectors.

Activity 8 - Applying the Theory

18. Give several reasons you think City decided to use fiber optic for its buildingwide network.

19. What type of cabling does the network in 143-145 use? Why do you think so?

When you have completed all activities in Network Basics I, turn in this work and begin working on ...

Network Basics II - The Software Side