7/9/24, 9:36 AM Introduction to Networks -Introduction
Introduction to Networks v7.02
/ Networking Today / Introduction
Introduction
1.0.1
Why should I take this module?
Welcome to Networking Today!
Congratulations! This module starts you on your path to a successful career in Information Technology by
giving you a foundational understanding of the creation, operation, and maintenance of networks. As a
bonus, you get to dive into networking simulations using Packet Tracer. We promise you will really enjoy it!
1.0.2
What will I learn to do in this module?
Module Title: Networking Today
Module Objective: Explain the advances in modern network technologies.
Topic Title Topic Objective
Networks Affect our Lives Explain how networks affect our daily lives.
Network Components Explain how host and network devices are used.
Explain network representations and how they are used in
Network Representations and Topologies
network topologies.
Common Types of Networks Compare the characteristics of common types of networks.
Internet Connections Explain how LANs and WANs interconnect to the internet.
Reliable Networks Describe the four basic requirements of a reliable network.
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7/9/24, 9:36 AM Introduction to Networks -Introduction
Topic Title Topic Objective
Explain how trends such as BYOD, online collaboration,
Network Trends video, and cloud computing are changing the way we
interact.
Identify some basic security threats and solution for all
Network Security
networks.
The IT Professional Explain employment opportunities in the networking field.
1.0.3
Video - Download and Install Packet Tracer
This video will show you how to download and install Packet Tracer. You will use Packet Tracer to simulate
creating and testing networks on your computer. Packet Tracer is a fun, take-home, flexible software
program that will give you the opportunity to use the network representations and theories that you have
just learned to build network models and explore relatively complex LANs and WANs.
Students commonly use Packet Tracer to:
Prepare for a certification exam.
Practice what they learn in networking courses.
Sharpen their skills for a job interview.
Examine the impact of adding new technologies into existing network designs.
Build their skills for jobs in the Internet of Things.
Compete in Global Design Challenges (take a look at the 2017 PT 7 Design Challenge on Facebook).
Packet Tracer is an essential learning tool used in many Cisco Networking Academy courses.
To obtain and install your copy of Cisco Packet Tracer follow these steps:
Step 1. Log into your Cisco Networking Academy “I'm Learning” page.
Step 2. Select Resources.
Step 3. Select Download Packet Tracer.
Step 4. Select the version of Packet Tracer you require.
Step 5. Save the file to your computer.
Step 6. Launch the Packet Tracer install program.
Click Play in the video for a detailed walk-through of the Packet Tracer download and installation process.
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Video - Getting Started in Cisco Packet Tracer
Packet Tracer is a tool that allows you to simulate real networks. It provides three main menus:
You can add devices and connect them via cables or wireless.
You can select, delete, inspect, label, and group components within your network.
You can manage your network by opening an existing/sample network, saving your current network, and
modifying your user profile or preferences.
If you have used any program such as a word processor or spreadsheet, you are already familiar with the
File menu commands located in the top menu bar. The Open, Save, Save As, and Exit commands work as
they would for any program, but there are two commands that are special to Packet Tracer.
The Open Samples command will display a directory of prebuilt examples of features and configurations of
various network and Internet of Things devices included within Packet Tracer.
The Exit and Logout command will remove the registration information for this copy of Packet Tracer and
require the next user of this copy of Packet Tracer to do the login procedure again.
Click Play in the video to learn how to use the menus and how to create your first Packet Tracer network.
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1.0.5
Packet Tracer - Logical and Physical Mode Exploration
The network model in this Packet Tracer Physical Mode (PTPM) activity incorporates many of the
technologies that you can master in Cisco Networking Academy courses. It represents a simplified version
of how a small to medium-sized business network might look.
Most of the devices in the Seward branch office and Warrenton data center are already deployed and
configured. You have just been hired to review the devices and networks deployed. It is not important that
you understand everything you see and do in this activity. Feel free to explore the network on your own. If
you wish to proceed more systematically, follow the steps below. Answer the questions to the best of your
ability.
Logical and Physical Mode Exploration
Logical and Physical Mode Exploration
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7/9/24, 9:36 AM Introduction to Networks -Introduction
Introduction to Networks
1.1
Networks Affect our Lives
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