Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program

Welcome to the world of networking! While we all know what computers are and how to operate them, it makes sense to step back and look closely at the basics. Everything starts with a strong foundation. To supply that foundation, we’ll dig into the definitions and component parts that you need to know to understand computers and networking. What exactly does the computer do? What parts are responsible for the computer’s basic operation? There’s also power to consider: how it makes things run, how to harness and measure it, and how to stay safe when using it.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define the computer and describe how electricity is measured
• Describe electrical components and charge
• Discuss number systems and data management
• Outline specific ways to keep yourself, your electronics, and your identity safe

When you think of computer networking, you might conjure abstract images of information passing through space to connect people. But a lot about networking is very hands-on. Computer hardware includes the physical components of a computer, the ones you can touch. There are various physical components that you can see, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers, but there are many physical components that you cannot see, such as the motherboard, video card, and central processing unit, to name a few. Our goal is to learn about all the various hardware components used to create a computer.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the purpose of a motherboard
• Identify the functions of the CPU
• Articulate the types and purposes of memory
• Explain expansion slots and cards
• Identify storage and multimedia devices
• Describe the functions of communication ports and devices

There are lots of devices that can be attached to a computer to either input data or produce output. The needs of each individual computer user are different, so the number of input and output devices attached to a computer system can vary greatly. For a networking professional, it’s important to be familiar with these various options and to know how to troubleshoot any issues that might arise.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify and describe the functions of input and output devices
• Classify devices as input or output
• List different types of printers and explain their functions
• Explain how to troubleshoot input and output devices

Computers need system software (operating systems) in order for humans to interact with them and software applications to manipulate data to produce an output. Computer network operating systems provide shared resources, file storage, and added security. There are many different network operating system programs to choose from, depending upon the needs of an organization.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Plan a Windows installation
• Examine and support the operating system using Windows tools
• Articulate the specifics for the Mac and Linux OS
• Discuss application software across different operating systems
• Discuss the specifics associated with network operating systems

Today’s world, economy, and citizens live in and on the internet. Surfing the web, streaming on-demand movies and sports, e-commerce shopping, and online friendships and dating are expected and necessary parts of society. Because of this, it is important for individuals to be aware of the risks associated with the internet, the world’s largest network.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define networking and describe the purpose of a network
• Identify and describe the different networking topologies
• Differentiate between the different types of networks
• Explain the function of a router and a switch
• Describe a client/server environment

Everywhere we go we are surrounded by wireless networks: the grocery store, restaurants, and libraries, just to name a few. Odds are you have a wireless network at home. However, wireless networks have a set number of devices that they can support, and the signal can be unreliable, which is why businesses have wired networks. They provide a stable connection at a faster speed.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the difference between broadband and baseband transmission
• Describe simplex, half-duplex and full-duplex communication
• Explain twisted pair cabling and identify wiring faults
• Define Ethernet (802.3) standards
• Explain the difference between a hub, switch, and router

The internet is everywhere and is readily accessible to anyone. Now more than ever we release our personal and private information at the click of the mouse as we participate in our networked society, and although we may be intentionally sending our personal data to a contact for a specific purpose, we can’t always be too sure that no one else has intercepted that data. When using wireless technologies, especially open networks, there are certain preventive and protective measures you should know how to take to keep your private information private.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Distinguish the various types and uses of wireless network devices
• Describe various wireless access methods
• Connect the types of cloud computing with their best uses in businesses
• Troubleshoot and resolve common wireless issues
• Set up a home wireless router

Information Technology (IT) jobs are in high demand with millions of unfilled jobs across the country. IT jobs are diverse and include programming, cybersecurity, cabling, network technician, network administrator, project manager, systems administrator, and systems engineer. Find the right area for you and watch the world of technology continue to evolve around you.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify student organizations and competitions that contribute to IT and network-related coursework
• Connect the various aspects of a career plan to concrete decisions about coursework, extracurricular activities, and on-going professional development
• Describe how a positive professional outlook contributes to a positive workplace environment
• Contrast various networking careers and their educational and skill requirements

In Unit 6 of this course, students cut and create two types of Ethernet cable. To complete this activity, they will need to purchase materials, with a total cost of around $42.00.

These activities are valuable because they give students a chance to follow procedures that are discussed in this course and to try their hands at an important networking skill. Any student who cannot complete the cabling activities may complete the alternate assignments. However, it should be noted that the alternate activities may not be in complete alignment with all the given standards for this course.

Physical

• Digital camera device
• EZ RJ45 crimp tool ($15.99)*
• EZ RJ45 connectors ($12.97)*
• Network cable tester ($6.89)*
• Cat5e cable (6 foot) ($5.99)*
• Permanent marker
• *Note: There are many different brand names available, with a wide range of pricing. The items can be purchased separately or as a bundle.

Software

• Word processing software
• Google Sheets (requires login)
• Slide presentation software
• Image editing software
• Spreadsheet software

Optional

• Writing supplies
• Measuring tape
• Scissors