Learning Resources - Media 1.19

1.19 WAN Concepts. In order to identify, select, and work with vendors in WAN implementation, understand Wide Area Networking concepts (dial-up service, firewalls, router and bridge options, ISDN, and the state-of-the-art in wireless networking).

Introduction

 Many times Technology Coordinators are called upon to create networks that span multiple buildings. Sometimes people consider WAN a network that connects to the Internet, be it from one building to another or from one building directly out to the Internet. Therefore, you must have a full working knowledge of WAN's related concepts.

Your Job:

  1. Use the details provided below to create a product that addresses and demonstrates mastery of this competency.
  2. Use the stepwise process listed under Your Portfolio to display the completed product in your ITSC portfolio.

    Product Details:

    • Create a product in INSYS 461 that demonstrates your understanding of WAN concepts by:
      • describing important WAN concepts (dial-up service, firewalls, router and bridge options, ISDN, and the state-of-the-art in wireless networking).
      • arranging the concepts so that they logically flow to better demonstrate how the WAN concepts and terminology are related.
      • describing how connecting two buildings is different from networking within a single building. (This is important because most school districts consist of more than one building, because there are great advantages to having the buildings connected to each other, and because this assignment will force you to think about longer distance telecommunication options.)
      • including factors that make connecting buildings a challenge.
      • including alternatives available to connect buildings.
      • including advantages and disadvantages for each identified alternative. (This thinking is important, because comparing and contrasting the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives will help you to arrive at decisions that makes sense.)
      • identifying and compiling a list of at least four vendors and including relevant information on each.

Your Portfolio:

  1. FTP your completed product for this competency to the "1media" folder within the web-based portfolio template provided.
  2. Click here to view the "Manage" page in the portfolio template.
  3. Download the "Manage" page from your ftp folder.
  4. Locate 1.19 WAN Concepts on the "Manage" page.
  5. Under "1.19 WAN Concepts" locate this sentence..."To view the evidence that I offer for this competency, please click here."
  6. Link the word "here" to your product.
  7. Delete the old "Manage" page in your ftp folder.
  8. Upload your revised "Manage" page.
  9. Submit the URL for your completed product in the student database.

Related Resources:

  • PC Webopedia
    • Type of resource: Web site
    • Source: http://webopedia.internet.com/
    • Description: Wondering what a computer term means? This on-line resource is excellent! You can type in the computer term that is puzzling you and it will bring back a definition.
  • A Short Review of Network Concepts
    • Type of resource: Web site
    • Source: http://scilnet.fortlewis.edu/tech/Network/default.htm
    • Description: Defines networking terms and examines the role of network protocols, hardware and services.
  • The Information Security Center Library
    • Type of resource: Web site
    • Source: http://www.att.com/atoz/
    • Description: This comprehensive on-line library covers network security issues.

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