Scheme Month 2 – Networking Fundamentals

 

Month 2 – Networking Fundamentals

TopicWhat I Will DiscussToolWhat We Use the Tool ForPracticalTheory AssessmentPractical Assessment
What is Networking?Definition of networking, benefits, types of networks, network components, client-server vs peer-to-peer.Cisco Packet TracerTo simulate computer networks without physical equipment.Build a simple network connecting two computers.Define networking and explain its importance.Successfully connect two computers and verify communication.
Types of Networks (LAN, MAN, WAN, PAN)Differences, advantages, disadvantages, and real-life uses of each network type.Cisco Packet TracerTo design different network topologies.Create LAN, MAN, WAN, and PAN diagrams.Differentiate between LAN, MAN, WAN, and PAN.Build a LAN topology in Packet Tracer.
Network DevicesRouter, Switch, Hub, Modem, Access Point, Firewall, NIC, cables.Cisco Packet TracerTo understand how network devices connect and manage communication.Add network devices and connect them correctly.Explain the function of each network device.Correctly connect devices in a simulated network.
IP AddressingIPv4, IPv6, public vs private IP addresses, subnet basics.Command Prompt, Cisco Packet TracerTo identify and configure device addresses.Configure static IP addresses on two computers.Explain the difference between public and private IP addresses.Configure devices so they can communicate successfully.
MAC AddressWhat a MAC address is, how it differs from an IP address, MAC filtering.Command PromptTo identify the unique hardware address of a network device.Find your computer's MAC address using getmac or ipconfig /all.Compare MAC addresses with IP addresses.Correctly identify the MAC address of a device.
DNS (Domain Name System)Purpose of DNS, how domain names are translated into IP addresses, DNS records.Command PromptTo troubleshoot and verify DNS resolution.Use nslookup to find the IP address of a website.Explain how DNS works.Successfully use nslookup to resolve a domain.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)Automatic IP assignment, DHCP process, leases, advantages.Cisco Packet TracerTo automatically assign IP addresses to devices.Configure a DHCP server and test client connectivity.Explain how DHCP assigns IP addresses.Demonstrate automatic IP assignment in Packet Tracer.
Router ConfigurationRouter interface, default gateway, routing basics, configuration steps.Cisco Packet TracerTo connect different networks together.Configure a basic router with IP addresses.Explain the purpose of a router.Configure a router and verify connectivity between networks.
Switch ConfigurationSwitching, MAC address table, VLAN basics, port functions.Cisco Packet TracerTo connect devices within the same local network.Connect multiple computers through a switch.Explain how a switch forwards data.Build and test a switched LAN.
Network TroubleshootingCommon network problems, troubleshooting process, basic commands.Command PromptTo diagnose and fix network connectivity issues.Use ping, tracert, and ipconfig to troubleshoot connectivity.Explain the purpose of ping, tracert, and ipconfig.Diagnose and resolve a simulated network problem.

End-of-Month Project

Project Title

Design and Configure a Small Office Network

Objectives

  • Design a network for a small office with:

    • 1 Router

    • 2 Switches

    • 10 Computers

    • 1 Printer

    • 1 Wireless Access Point

  • Configure IP addressing.

  • Test communication between devices.

  • Document the network design.

Tool

  • Cisco Packet Tracer

Real-Life Projects

Project 1

Document Your Home or Office Network

  • Draw a diagram of your home or office network.

  • Identify the router, connected devices, and Wi-Fi access points.

  • Suggest three security improvements.

Project 2

Improve a Home Wi-Fi Network

  • Change the default router administrator password.

  • Enable WPA2 or WPA3 security.

  • Rename the Wi-Fi network (SSID) if needed.

  • Update the router firmware if an update is available.

  • Record the changes you made and explain why they improve security.

End-of-Month Assessment

Theory Assessment (30%)

  • 20 Multiple Choice Questions

  • 10 Short Answer Questions

  • Network diagram interpretation

  • Scenario-based troubleshooting questions

Practical Assessment (40%)

Students must:

  • Build a LAN in Cisco Packet Tracer.

  • Configure static IP addresses.

  • Configure DHCP.

  • Configure a router.

  • Connect devices using a switch.

  • Verify connectivity using ping.

  • Use ipconfig, getmac, nslookup, and tracert to troubleshoot the network.

Project Assessment (20%)

  • Office network design

  • Configuration accuracy

  • Documentation quality

  • Successful network connectivity

Class Participation (10%)

  • Lab participation

  • Homework

  • Group discussions

  • Practical demonstrations

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