1.2.2.1 Lab – My Local Network Answers
Lab – My Local Network (Answers Version)
Answers Note: Red font color or gray highlights indicate text that appears in the Answers copy only.
Objectives
- Record all of different network attached devices in your home or classroom.
- Investigate how each device connects to the network to send and receive information.
- Create a diagram showing the topology of your network.
- Label each device with its function within the network.
Background
The path that a message takes from its source to destination can be as simple as a single cable connecting one computer to another or as complex as a network that literally spans the globe. The network infrastructure contains three categories of hardware components:
- End devices
- Intermediary network devices
- Network media
Take a close look at the network you have at home or school. Record the network and end-user devices that are connected on the local network.
Sample
| Manufacturer | Device | Location | Connection | Media |
| Apple | iPhone | Mobile | Wireless | WiFi & cell phone |
| Samsung | Galaxy Smart Phone | Mobile | Wireless | WiFi & cell phone |
| Cisco | Cable Modem | Home office | Wired | Cable TV coaxial cable and Ethernet cable. |
| Linksys | Wireless Router | Home office | Wired | Ethernet cable. |
| HP | Printer/Scanner | Home office | Wireless | WiFi |
| Apple | MacBook Air | Mikayla’s Room | Wireless | WiFi |
| Beats by Dre | Headphones | My Room | Wireless | Bluetooth |
| Microsoft | Xbox | My Room | Wired | Ethernet Cable |
Your Activities
| Time | Device | Activity | Reason | Alternative |
Continue the list on a separate page if necessary.
Reflection
- Are there other electronic devices that are not connected to the local network to share information or resources? What would be the benefit of having these devices online?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Which type of connectivity is used most frequently in your local network, wired or wireless?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Draw a diagram of your local network. Label each device with a name and location.