Lesson Plan
Course Title: Business Information Management I
Session Title: Understanding How Networks Communicate
Performance Objective:
After completing this lesson, students will understand how computers communicate with each
other by using a network.
Specific Objectives:

Understand how networks communicates and the services provided.

Identify essential network components.

Determining the limitations of area networks and internetwork.
Terms:
 Desktop Software-This type of software is what users run on their computers, sometimes
called client software or productivity applications.
 Sharing-One of the fundamental justifications for networking, this term refers to the way in
which resources are made available to the network.
 Peripheral Devices-Any hardware component on a computer that’s not the CPU, such
devices as printer or keyboard.
 Groups of users- A named collection of user accounts usually created for some specific
purpose.
 Electronic Mail (e-mail)-A network application that permits users to send text messages, with
or without attachments of many kinds to individual or multiple users, or to named groups of
users.
 Device Sharing-Permitting users to share access to devices of all kinds, including servers
and peripheral such as printers or plotters.
 Standalone Computer- A computer that’s not attached to a network.
 Ethernet-A networking technology developed in the early 1970’s and governed the IEE
802.3 specifications; remains the most popular type of networking technology in use today.
 Local Area Network (LAN)-A collection of computers and other networked devices that fit
within the scope of a single physical network and provide the building blocks for
internetworks and WANs.
 Internetwork-Network of networks which consists of two or more physical networks.
 Wide Area Network (WAN)-An internetwork that connects multiple users, where a third-party
communications carrier, such as a public or private telephone company, carries network
traffic from one location to another.
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)-Uses WAN technologies to interconnect LANs within a
specific geographic region, such a country or a city.
 Internet-The global collection of networked computers that began with technology and
equipment.
 Sneakernet-a metaphorical description of a non-networked data exchange method
Preparation
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TEKS:
 130.114.c.1.A&C – explain the strategic role of information systems and information

communication technology within an organization; integrate information systems
planning with business planning.
130.114.c.2.A&B – identify the management information requirements and business
needs of an organization; explain issues involved in designing and developing
systems for different environments.
English:

110.31.b.15.B – write procedural or work-related documents (e.g., instructions, e-mails,
correspondence, memos, project plans)
 110.31.b.19 – Students are expected to spell correctly, including using various resources to
determine and check correct spellings.
 110.31b.22.B&C – evaluate the relevance of information to the topic and determine the
reliability, validity, and accuracy of sources (including Internet sources) by examining their
authority and objectivity; and critique the research process at each step to implement
changes as the need occurs and is identified.
Teacher Preparation:
 Teacher will review the terms in the outline, power point and handouts to become familiar
with lesson.
 Teacher should locate and evaluate various resources and websites before the lesson.
 Teacher will have assignments and website information ready to distribute to students.
References:
 United States Postal Service (http://www.usps.com)
 Oracle Think Quest Education Foundation
(http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/02001/home.htm)
 Computer History Museum (http://www.computerhistory.org)
 Ciampa, Mark, Networking Basics, 2nd Edition, Course Technology, 2002, ISBN: 0-61905582-0
 Old Network Diagrams and Limitations Links –
Outline II Local and Wide Area Networks




http://www.littleluiten.com/old/network/images/17207-Network.gif
http://pierrelucbacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/networkappartment.png
http://www.freewimaxinfo.com/wireless-networks-limitations.html
http://www.e-tutes.com/lesson5/networking_fundamentals_lesson5_1.htm
Instructional Aids:
 Display for PowerPoint, websites for assignments and class discussion
 Ciampa, Mark, Networking Basics, 2nd Edition, Course Technology, 2002, ISBN: 0-61905582-0
Materials Needed:
 Internet
 Workstations running any Windows OS
Equipment Needed:
 Computer with PowerPoint and Internet Access
 A lab or other access to workstations that have Internet access and Web browsers
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Learner Preparation:
Ask students if any of them have experience with installing or maintaining a network. If so, ask
them to explain.
Introduction
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
 People have communicated with each other for many years in several different ways. In
1775, Ben Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General by the Continental
Congress. Since the Pony Express in 1860, America has been a force which has allowed
individuals to communicate with each other through a series of postal mail services. A more
common means in today’s society is mobile phones. The concept of the cellular phone was
developed in 1947 which originated from the mobile car phone. The concept of the cellular
phone was produced by Bell Laboratories.
 The first actual cell phone was made in 1973 by Martin Cooper of Motorola and other
assisting inventors who used the idea of the car phone and applied the technology
necessary to make a portable cell phone possible. Cell phones were first made available to
the public in 1984. Back then, they were very large, expensive instruments. Just like the cell
phone, computers too were very large and expensive.
 Introduce students to the idea of networking by describing social networking. The most
prominent of communicating utilized today are described by social network sites. Ask
students to explain ways that networking has changed society in the last 5 years. Do they
feel that social network sites have impacted their lives?
Outline
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructors can use the PowerPoint presentation, slides, handouts, and note pages in
conjunction with the following outline.
MI
Outline
I.
Fundamentals of Networking
a. A network exists as long as there is a
sender and a receiver involved.
Compare the ease of sending
message today to the old alternative to
networking known as a “sneakernet”.
II.
Local and Wide Area Networks
a. Discuss the characteristics of early
networks. Explain the terms LAN,
WAN, and MAN and explain the
difference between a MAN and a
WAN.
III.
Networking Terminology
a. Suggestion: Consider writing all of the
terms discussed in this section on
small index cards. On a separate index
card, write the corresponding definition
to each term. Pass the cards out to
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Notes to Instructor
Use PowerPoint and
current events as aids.
Discuss some of the
benefits of networking
such as: information
sharing, device
sharing, and resource
sharing.
students and have them locate the
student with either the term or
definition that matches their card.
IV.
Clients, Peers, and Servers
a. Compare a client/server network to a
peer-to-peer network. Mention that a
peer-to-peer network generally has
less than 10 users and all devices are
considered equal.
V.
The Network Medium Carries Network
Messages
a. Introduce students to the terms
“medium” and “network interface card”.
Obtain sample cables and a sample
NIC, if possible, to demonstrate their
physical characteristics.
VI.
Network Protocols
a. Compare the use of network protocols,
or protocols, to the way humans use
languages to communicate with one
another. In order for 2 humans to
effectively communicate with one
another, they must be able to
understand one another. If two humans
speak different languages, they must
use a translator in order to
communicate. Protocols work in a
similar way.
VII.
Network Software
a. Discuss the use of a network operating
system in order for a device to obtain
access to network resources. Share
any experience or insight that you may
have regarding the many network
operating system options available
today. Mention that e-mail and Web
browsers are examples of network
applications software. These
applications are probably the most
common ones in use today.
VIII.
Network Services
a. Discuss some of the many examples of
network services that are delivered to
network users today. Explain how the
lower layer provides services to the
layer above it in order to achieve
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Show Video clip
embedded in the
power point to show
students visuals of the
network protocol.
successful networking process.
Verbal
Linguistic
Logical
Mathematical
Visual
Spatial
Musical
Rhythmic
Bodily
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Ask students to name
as many services as
they can think of.
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Application
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students will break into groups of no more than three. Students will start a web search by
accessing the www.acronymfinder.com, and search for the following acronyms:
 CPU
 FTP
 IPX/SPX
 NetBEUI
 NIC
 NOS
 TCP/IP
 SAN
 WWW
 WAN
 IIS
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Critical Writing – Ask students to compare communication methods of today versus methods
used thirty or fifty years ago. Compare the following:






Finding out what movies are showing at a local theater
Finding out about your local weather
Doing a research paper for class
Sending a message to a friend or relative
Buying a book
Buying Clothes.
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants):
 What is the name for a network that connects two or more local area networks (LANs)
together, sometimes across a large geographic area?
 Which of the following operating systems support peer-to-peer networking?
 Is the cable or communications technology that computers must access to communicate
across a network?
 This is needed to attach a computer to a network?
 What is the primary reason to install a network for services and resources?
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Students will be evaluated on their “Quick Assessment” by using the assigned rubric.
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Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Amanda Technologies hired you as an independent productivity contractor. They currently
employ 15 people who routinely exchange information via sneakernet. They want the most cost
effective possible solution and the minimal training for their staff. Individual employees also
must be able to control resources on their own units. Would you choose a peer-to-peer, a
server-based, or a combination network? Why?
Possible Responses from students:
Amanda Technologies requirements include the cheapest possible implementation, minimal
training for employees, and a need for employees to be able to control resources on their own
machines. All of these requirements are hallmarks of peer-to-peer networks; therefore, Widgets
should use the networking services built into Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT
Workstation, or Windows 2000 to construct a peer-to-peer network.
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Name:______________________________
12
Total Points Earned
Total Possible Points
Percentage
Date:____________
Period:________
Networks and Networking Concepts
Quick Assessment
Directions: Give the correct response for each question.
1. Name three examples of peripheral devices that can be shared on a network. (9
points)
2. True or False: A WAN spans distances measured in miles. Explain (1 point)
3. In order for two devices to communicate successfully they must have at least one
__________ in common. (1 point)
4. Novell NetWare is an example of a _______________. (1 point)
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Quick Class Assessment Answer Key
1. Name three examples of peripheral devices that can be shared on a network.
Answer: printers, scanners, and fax machines
2. True or False: A WAN spans distances measured in miles.
Answer: True
3. In order for two devices to communicate successfully they must have at least one
__________ in common.
Answer: protocol
4. Novell NetWare is an example of a _______________.
Answer: network operating system or NOS
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.