Welcome to the exercises section for Basic Network Concepts. This section will help reinforce the concepts learned in Module 1. Each exercise is designed to test your understanding and provide practical experience with the material.

Objective: Match the following network terms with their correct definitions.

Terms:

1. LAN
2. WAN
3. Router
4. Switch
5. IP Address

Definitions:

• A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
• A network that spans a large geographical area, such as a city, country, or even the world.
• A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.
• A network that covers a small geographic area, like a home, office, or building.
• A device that connects devices within a network and uses packet switching to forward data to its destination.

Solution:

1. LAN - A network that covers a small geographic area, like a home, office, or building.
2. WAN - A network that spans a large geographical area, such as a city, country, or even the world.
3. Router - A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
4. Switch - A device that connects devices within a network and uses packet switching to forward data to its destination.
5. IP Address - A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

Objective: Identify the type of network described in each scenario.

Scenarios:

1. A network used in a single building, such as an office.
2. A network that connects multiple buildings within a campus.
3. A network that connects computers across different cities.
4. A network used within a single room, connecting a few devices.
5. A network that connects devices wirelessly within a limited area.

Solution:

1. LAN - A network used in a single building, such as an office.
2. CAN (Campus Area Network) - A network that connects multiple buildings within a campus.
3. WAN - A network that connects computers across different cities.
4. PAN (Personal Area Network) - A network used within a single room, connecting a few devices.
5. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) - A network that connects devices wirelessly within a limited area.

Objective: Match the following network topologies with their descriptions.

Topologies:

1. Star Topology
2. Bus Topology
3. Ring Topology
4. Mesh Topology

Descriptions:

• All devices are connected to a central hub.
• Each device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular data path.
• Every device is connected to every other device.
• All devices are connected to a single central cable.

Solution:

1. Star Topology - All devices are connected to a central hub.
2. Bus Topology - All devices are connected to a single central cable.
3. Ring Topology - Each device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular data path.
4. Mesh Topology - Every device is connected to every other device.

Objective: Assign IP addresses to the following devices in a small office network.

Devices:

1. Computer 1
2. Computer 2
3. Printer
4. Router

IP Address Range: 192.168.1.1 - 192.168.1.254

Solution:

1. Computer 1 - 192.168.1.2
2. Computer 2 - 192.168.1.3
3. Printer - 192.168.1.4
4. Router - 192.168.1.1

Objective: Identify the primary function of each network device.

Devices:

1. Router
2. Switch
3. Modem
4. Access Point

Functions:

• Connects a local network to the internet.
• Connects multiple devices within a local network and manages data traffic.
• Converts digital data from a computer to analog signals for transmission over phone lines.
• Provides wireless connectivity to devices within a network.

Solution:

1. Router - Connects a local network to the internet.
2. Switch - Connects multiple devices within a local network and manages data traffic.
3. Modem - Converts digital data from a computer to analog signals for transmission over phone lines.
4. Access Point - Provides wireless connectivity to devices within a network.

These exercises are designed to solidify your understanding of basic network concepts. By completing them, you should have a better grasp of network terminology, types, topologies, IP addressing, and the functions of various network devices. Continue practicing to build a strong foundation in networking, and proceed to the next module for more advanced topics.