LESSON PLAN 37: Practical Network Connections and Setup

LESSON PLAN 37: Practical Network Connections and Setup

Lesson Details

Strand: 2.0 Computer Networking
Sub Strand: 2.3 Computer Network Elements
Duration: 40 minutes (Single lesson)
Lesson: 4 of 5
Class Level: Grade 10

Key Inquiry Question (Lesson Starter)

What factors should guide the selection and setup of a computer network?

Specific Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

a) examine the factors to consider when choosing a computer network,

b) connect digital devices to a computer network (wired and wireless),

c) share data through different computer network setups,

d) observe online safety rules when sharing resources through a computer network.

Selected Learning Experiences

Introduction (6 minutes)

• Review homework: Check protocol reference guides and HTTPS investigations
• Pose the key inquiry question
• Present scenario: “Your school wants to set up a new computer lab. What do you need to consider?”
• Brief brainstorming: What makes a good network?
• Show two contrasting examples:
  • Poor network: Slow, unreliable, insecure, difficult to manage
  • Good network: Fast, reliable, secure, easy to use
• Ask: “What’s the difference?”
• Introduce lesson focus: Choosing and setting up networks properly

Development Activities (29 minutes)

Activity 1: Factors to Consider When Choosing a Computer Network (10 minutes)

• Discuss the factors to be considered when choosing a computer network (performance, security, scalability, reliability, compatibility, and cost)

Critical Selection Factors:

1. PERFORMANCE:

Definition: How fast and efficiently the network operates

Key Considerations:

• Bandwidth/Speed:
  • What data transfer rate is needed?
  • Current needs: Basic browsing (1-5 Mbps), HD video streaming (5-25 Mbps), File transfers (100+ Mbps)
  • Future needs: Plan for growth
  • Examples:
    • Home network: 100 Mbps sufficient
    • School lab: 1 Gbps recommended
    • Business: 10 Gbps for large operations
• Latency (Delay):
  • How much delay is acceptable?
  • Critical for: Video calls, online gaming, real-time applications
  • Affected by: Distance, network congestion, equipment quality
  • Example: Satellite internet has high latency (500ms+), fiber has low latency (1-20ms)
• Throughput:
  • Actual data transfer rate achieved
  • Often lower than advertised bandwidth
  • Affected by: Network congestion, protocol overhead, equipment limitations
• Number of Users:
  • How many simultaneous users?
  • Bandwidth per user = Total bandwidth ÷ Number of users
  • Example: 100 Mbps ÷ 25 users = 4 Mbps per user
  • Consider peak usage times