Chapter 4 - Networking and the Internet

Outcomes

  • A network consists of a number of autonomous systems communicating through established protocols.
    • Identify and define the main components and terminology of computer networks.

  • The Internet consists of multiple networks connected together through packet switching.
    • Identify and define the main components and terminology of the Internet.
    • Explain the abstractions in the Internet and how the Internet functions.

  • The Web is an example protocol used on the Internet that displays web pages in a client-server model.
    • Identify and define the main components and terminology of the World Wide Web.

  • Cybersecurity is an important concern for networks and the software that is built on them.
    • Identify cybersecurity concerns concerning networks and users.

  • Implementation of networks and software that is built on them can have important societal and ethical concerns.
    • Discuss ethical issues when networks or network software fail to do what the user intends them to do.

 

Activities

Reading Guide

In order to guide your reading we have designated each section into one of three categories:

  • Essential - You should thoroughly read this material and be prepared to answer questions about this material on assessments.
  • Important - You should thoroughly read this material and be prepared to participate in in-class discussions/activities about this material.
  • Useful - We feel that this material is worth knowing and may supplement other material in the chapter. However, we do not plan on assessing or discussing (unless you ask questions).
Section Essential Important Useful
4.1 Network Fundamentals X    
4.2 The Internet X    
4.3 The World Wide Web      
     Web Implementation X    
     HTML   X  
     XML     X
     Client-Side and Server-Side Activities X    
4.4 Internet Protocols   X  
4.5 Simple Client Server     X
4.6 Security      
     Forms of Attack X    
     Protection and Cures X    
     Cryptography   X  
     Legal Approaches to Network Security X    

 

Video Resources

 

Study Guide

The competencey demo for this chapter will consist of several questions from the following study guide. As you study this chapter we suggest you work through the materials in this study guide and ask questions if you need clarifications.

 

Study Questions

After you complete the readings for this unit/chapter you should arrange to meet with your groupmates and work on the following activities.

 

Based on these questions we will prepare additional materials to help clarify issues.

  • Podcast response videos
    • Podcast 4.1 - Naming (7 minutes)
    • Podcast 4.2 - ISP questions (15 minutes)
    • Podcast 4.3 - Topology (4 minutes)
    • Podcast 4.4 - Packets Everywhere (10 minutes)
      • Detailed answers to SG questions 22-24 (21 minutes) [This is optional for those of you who want to understand the more fine-grained details from what is discussed in 4.4.  It should be viewed in addition to 4.4, not instead of.
    • Podcast 4.5 - Parts of a URL (10 minutes)
    • Podcast 4.6 - A few thoughts an and intro to... (4 minutes)
      • NPR podcast on "Section 230" (7 minutes if you listen to the recording, but you can also just read the transcript)
  • Group Meetup Video