Module Two Overview

Lessons Learned in Module Two

Module Two focused on three specific layers of the OSI model - the data link, network, and transport layers. The first assignment, Understanding Switches, lies within the data link layer, where switches reside. Information for this assignment was gathered from Eli the Computer Guy, who also supplied information for the following assignment, TCP/IP and Subnet Masking. TCP/IP protocols, which reside at the transport and network layers, are critically important in allowing Internet access. The final video for this module from Eli the Computer Guy was for the assignment Understanding SOHO Routers, wherein I learned how these types of routers function and how they differ from enterprise routers. This module also contained a brief overview of Wireshark, a program used for packet analysis, and client/server architecture. Professor Messer videos provided information for the latter assignment, as well as for the Network Review, the most personally useful assignment within this module, which will be detailed below.

These assignments played an important role in furthering my understanding of the data link, network, and transport layers of the OSI model and the transport and internet layers of the TCP/IP model. Gaining a deeper understanding of these layers help me understand how home or office networks connect to the Internet, and learning more about SOHO routers and client/server architecture will help me to make better informed decisions when creating my own networks.

Learning Artifact

The series of videos from Professor Messer that comprised the Network Review assignment were the most useful to me in this module. These videos covered protocols and addresses, including TCP/IP and DNS, common ports, network technologies, IPv4 and IPv6, network cabling and connectors, network types, and wireless networking. This information was able to give me an in-depth understanding of the specifics of networok protocols, specifically for IP, as well as the various types of physical media and devices needed to make the network function. Learning specific information about ports, cabling, and connectors will be immensely in my future career and constructing my own networks with the utmost efficiency. The following table includes the topics and description of each video viewed to gather information for this assignment.

Professor Messer Tutorials
Tutorial	Description
Protocols and Addresses	TCP/IP protocols and related addressing standards.
Common Ports	Ports represent application, or process, specific software constructs that serve as communication end points.
Network Technologies	Networks utilize many different technologies to ensure proper traffic flow.
IPv4 and IPv6	While IPv4 is the most widely used protocol, it is being superseded by IPv6.
Network Cabling and Connectors	Traditional networks employed physical connectors and physical media along with related standards.
Network Types	DSL, cable, satellite, fiber, and Bluetooth networks are all discussed here.
Wireless Networking	802.11 wireless networking and related wireless standards are presented here.