Chapter 6: Networking Protocols
Overview
Like many of the chapters in this book, this one contains a large amount of information.
It provides the history of the four most popular networking protocols, and the specific
operating systems they work with to provide data communication and network services.
Students must remember which protocols work with which operating systems, and be
aware that TCP/IP is the protocol of choice in today’s markets. The test may ask students
to recognize a valid IPX/SPX logical address, so be sure they understand the component
parts of the hexadecimal presentation.
Teaching Suggestions
Building on the OSI Model information in Chapter 2, you may find it helpful to use a
table that looks like the one below for TCP/IP, NetBEUI, and AppleTalk.
This will give the
comparative look
protocols.
OSI Model
Application
IPX/SPX
NCP, SAP,
(RIP, NLSP)
students a good
at each of these
Presentation
Session
NetBIOS
Where possible, I
like to have a
computer that will
allow me to install
Transport
SPX
the protocols (or
at least TCP/IP
and NetBEUI)
during the class
session. This
exposes the
Network
IPX, RIP, NLSP
student to the
practical part of
the knowledge
Datalink
Transmission media gained in this
content. You
might have them
and protocols such
recognize the
operating systems
as Ethernet
Physical
used in the
classroom and
then allow them
to determine
which protocols might be needed for data communication on the classroom network.
Logical addressing is introduced in this chapter. This may be a difficult concept for some
students. Use the concept of streets and house addresses to help them understand. This
concept is important; success with the TCP/IP-addressing chapter relies on a clear
understanding of logical addressing.
Hardware and Software Requirements
There are no requirements for this chapter, but it would be a good demonstration to install
a couple of the protocols. In light of this optional demonstration, a computer with one of
the Windows operating systems installed, the source files for the operating system, and
an overhead projector would be useful.