This course involves the creation of straight-through (IEEE 568B-568B) and crossover (IEEE 568A-568B) cable for use in a local LAN. 

This is a simple lesson that will help when making cat 5 or cat 5e cable. I've included photos of two different cable testers - one that cost $120 and one (Fluke) that cost me $420. I daresay the less expensive is the most useful for our purposes and shows the students in an easy-to-read fashion. When all the lights light up, students know they are successful!

This is a final exam for both computer repair and basic networking. Simple modifications will make it an either/or exam. (For computer repair, please look at the lesson plan there.) It is simple, yet effective. For networking, it involves using working computers but having students totally plan IP addresses and subnets, then following through with IP assignments and making sure proper cabling and use of switches is done to form two or more intranetworks using the same layer 1 equipment. Once they have done that successfully, they can log into a private network where students are able to play CounterStrike (or another lan-able game of the instructor's choice) when they have been successful with diagnoses, repair, and networking in an internal private LAN.

This lesson outlines the procedures to properly terminate a 4Pair Unshielded Twisted Pair  network cable to a RJ45 Modular Jack.

 (Remind students that proficiency is important in developing these installation skills in network cabling and that employers will evaluate them on their skill set.)  

This lesson outlines the procedures to properly terminate a 4Pair Unshielded Twisted Pair  network cable to a Patch Panel.

Gigabit network infrastructure requires the installation of CAT5E or CAT6 (Category 5E or Category 6) cabling at a minimum in order to support high-speed data transfer. CAT5E cable is designed to meet the current CAT5 cable specification, which includes an increased number of twists per inch on each pair of wires inside the cable sheathing to prevent cross-talk interference on the network.

Depending upon the location and quantity involved, CAT5E may be more cost effective than CAT6 cable and so may be a better choice for cable infrastructure. Once installed, the cable must be properly terminated to ensure optimum performance of the network. Multiple CAT5E cables can be terminated onto a patch panel for ease of cable management and cable integrity.  

When a customer has an issue and he or she is not able to make it into the store, IT techs can help if the issue is not a layer one issue. Sometimes, it is the simplest thing to help someone who is having a problem with software, especially programs. If the customer is able to turn on his/her computer and connect to the internet, the technician is able to help with questions or problems, and even teach the customer a bit about the computers he or she owns.

There are many virtual private network (VPN) programs out there for free. OpenVPN is one program that is free until a certain amount of data is transferred - then the cost will start to factor in. I find that this lesson teaches my students a bit of responsibility because cost in this case depends on type of use. If the program, TeamViewer, is used individually by a person for non-commercial uses, it is free. If it is used commercially, by an IT technician for example, it will cost the technician some money especially when its use becomes a tool that the technician uses in his or her business. This is perfect time to discuss costs vs. profit, and personal integrity vs. dubious trustworthiness. These students will learn about such programs and need to discuss the value of trust and dependability in this field, especially when there are so many people of lesser morals out there doing this job for the pure profit motive. The additional factor of being able to help a customer at the very moment he or she needs it is such a wow factor in the business world and for a few minutes of care, concern, and help, a tech may be able to earn valuable return customers and their friends who are in need of help. What a great business move!

Students will be able to explain the purpose of a network interface card and the different types.

Students will be able to explain the different LAN technologies.

Students will be to explain the purpose of the MAC Address.