7

ICT
Quarter IV – LAS 1
Basics of Computer Networks and Internet
Use

School-Based Learning Activity Sheet

 Grade 7-Q4-ICT-LAS 1

Name: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________

Grade:______________________________________ Section: ___________________

Quarter: 4 Weeks: 1-3 LAS No. 1

Objectives:
1. Illustrate the elements of a computer network.
2. Identify the hardware needed for computer communication.
3. Identify the different methods of computer communication.
4. Illustrate the different services used on the internet.
5. Apply proper internet ethics.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

FOUR FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS OF A NETWORK

The modern data network has become a critical asset for many industries. Most
basic data networks are designed to connect users and enable them to access various
resources, like the Internet and other computers connected to the network. Networks are
comprised of four basic elements: hardware, software, protocols and the connection
medium. All data networks are comprised of these elements, and cannot function
without them.

Hardware

The backbone of any network is the hardware that runs it. Network hardware
includes network cards, routers or network switches, modems and Ethernet repeaters.
Without this hardware, computers have no means of accessing a network. Network cards
give computers direct access to network media and enable them to connect to other
equipment, including routers, switches, modems and repeaters. Routers or switches
allow a single network connection from a modem to be divided between several
computers. Repeaters refresh the network signal between Ethernet cable segments,
allowing Category 5 cables to reach beyond their 300-foot maximum length without
signal loss.

Software

For the hardware to interact with the network, it needs software to issue commands. The
primary form of networking likes protocols -- software that instructs network devices on how to
connect to the network and how to interact with one another. Other examples of networking
software include connection monitoring software, networking clients and other tools designed to
further facilitate your computer's ability to connect to the network.

Client Devices

Client devices are the computers and mobile devices connected to the network.
Client devices are vital components of a network, as without clients requiring access the
network is essentially pointless. To classify as a client device, a computer or mobile
device must be able to connect to the network and utilize it. Depending on the network,
client devices may also require specialized software to establish a connection.
Connection Media

Without connections, a network cannot function. The medium used to connect the
nodes of a network varies with the type of network. Wired networks will often use
network cables like Category 5 Ethernet cables, while wireless networks make direct
connections between devices using radio signals as the medium.

NETWORKING HARDWARE

Computers need networking hardware to connect to each other. Routers, hubs,

switches, and bridges are all pieces of networking equipment that can perform slightly
different tasks. A router can often incorporate hubs, switches, and wireless access
within the same hardware.

Routers

A router can form a LAN by connecting devices within a building. It also makes it
possible to connect different networks together. Homes and businesses use a router to
connect to the internet. A router can often incorporate a modem within the hardware.

Modems

A modem enables a computer to connect to the internet over a telephone line. A modem
converts digital signals from a computer to analogue signals that are then sent down the
telephone line. A modem on the other end converts the analogue signal back to a digital
signal which another computer can understand.

Hubs, bridges, and switches

Hubs, bridges and switches allow multiple devices to connect to the router and they
transfer data to all devices on a network. A router is a more complex device that usually
includes the capability of hubs, bridges and switches.

Hubs

A hub broadcasts data to all devices on a network. This can use a lot of bandwidth as it
results in unnecessary data being sent - not all computers might need to receive the
data. A hub would be useful to link up a few games’ consoles for a local multiplayer
game using a wired LAN.

Bridges

A bridge is used to connect two separate LAN networks. A computer can act as a bridge
through the operating system. A bridge looks for the receiving device before it sends the
message. This means that it will not send a message if the receiving computer is not
there. It will check to see if the receiver has already had the message. This can help save
unnecessary data transfers, which improves the performance of a network.
Switches

A switch performs a similar role to a hub and a bridge but is more powerful. It stores the
MAC addresses of devices on a network and filters data packets to see which devices
have asked for them. This makes a switch more efficient when demand is high. If, for
example, a game involved lots of data being passed between machines, then a switch
could reduce the amount of latency.

Wireless access points

Wireless access points (WAPs) are required to connect to a network wirelessly. WAPs are
usually built into the broadband router.

TYPES OF COMPUTER COMMUNICATION

There are many methods of communication available to those on modern

computers, given a connection to the Internet. Most common is email, short for
"electronic mail," but there are also SMS chat, IRC chat, video chat, VoIP phones, social
networks, discussion forums and newsgroups. All are ways people communicate with
one another using a computer.

Email

The most common method of communication via the computer is email. Email is
simple; you write a letter in a text editor provided by the email service, type in the email
address of the recipient and click "Send." The letter is delivered almost instantaneously
to the digital mailbox of the recipient, and you have saved the postage you would have
had to use to send it via "snail mail." The most popular email providers, according to
compete.com, are Yahoo!, Hotmail and Gmail.

SMS, IRC and Video Chat

SMS (Short Messaging Service) chat is the kind of chat often sent from cellphones.
It is also very commonly used in chat software like Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger
or GoogleTalk. IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is quite different. You must use an IRC "client"
like mIRC, Chatzilla or XChat to access an IRC channel, and what you will find is an IRC
channel is much like a chat room. Group chat is the default in IRC, whereas one-to-one
conversations dominate SMS.

Video chat is a mixture of SMS thinking and VoIP technology. Using software like
Skype, Oovoo or GoogleTalk, you can actually see the person via webcam so you can
actually talk face to face. With a good high-speed connection and a quality webcam,
video chat brings an element of nearness to the traditional phone conversation.

VoIP Phones

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones are those that utilize the Internet to
transmit phone calls. Instead of the traditional phone that plugs into the wall, a VoIP
phone plugs into the computer and uses software to use the networks worldwide that we
call the "Internet." Because of the cost savings, VoIP has become quite popular.
Companies like Vonage, InTalk, MagicJack and NetTalk have all offered VoIP service to
residential and business customers for a fraction of the traditional cost, as much as 50
percent lower in some cases, according to ChamberofCommerce.com.
Discussion Forums

Discussion forums are places where you can go to find answers. Usually, there are
"moderators" for these forums, and you can find them for almost any topic, from
troubleshooting car problems to seeking answers to common ailments. You register a
new account at the forum, create a new "thread" or topic and wait for a response. If it is
an active forum, you will sometimes receive a response (or responses) within minutes.

Newsgroups

Newsgroups are a mixture of forum and chat room. People access newsgroups to
post information, pictures, files and discussion topics. Others just skim to keep current,
to search for information, such as job opportunities, and to connect with friends. You
can use Outlook to access newsgroup servers, or you can use a newsgroup client.
Newsgroups are not as popular as they once were, but they are still available.

INTERNET SERVICES

Internet Services allows us to access huge amount of information such as text, graphics, sound
and software over the internet. Following diagram shows the four different categories of Internet
Services.

1. Communication Services: There are various Communication Services available that

offer exchange of information with individuals or groups. The following table gives a brief
introduction to these services:

 Electronic Mail – used to send electronic message over the internet.

 Telnet – used to log on to a remote computer that is attached to internet.
 Newsgroup – offers a forum for people to discuss topics of common interests.
 Internet Relay Chat (IRC) – allows the people from all over the world to
communicate in real time.
 Mailing Lists – used to organize group of internet users to share common
information through e-mail.
 Internet Telephony (VoIP) – allows the internet users to talk across internet to any
PC equipped to receive the call.
 Instant Messaging – offers real time chat between individuals and group of people.
Eg. Yahoo messenger, MSN messenger.

2. Information Retrieval Services: There exist several Information retrieval services

offering easy access to information present on the internet. The following table gives a
brief introduction to these services:
  File Transfer Protocol (FTP) – enable the users to transfer files.
 Archie – it’s updated database of public FTP sites and their content. It helps to
search a file by its name.
 Gopher – used to search, retrieve, and display documents on remote sites.
 Very Easy Rodent Oriented Netwide Index to Computer Achieved (VERONICA) –
 VERONICA is gopher-based resource. It allows access to the information resource
stored on gopher’s servers.

3. Web services: Web services allow exchange of information between applications on the
web. Using web services, applications can easily interact with each other.

4. World Wide Web (WWW)

WWW is also known as W3. It offers a way to access documents spread over the several
servers over the internet. These documents may contain texts, graphics, audio, video,
hyperlinks. The hyperlinks allow the users to navigate between the documents.

Video conferencing or Video teleconferencing is a method of communicating by two-way

video and audio transmission with help of telecommunication technologies.

Modes of Video Conferencing

 Point-to-Point. This mode of conferencing connects two locations only.

 Multi-point – This mode of conferencing connects more than two locations through
Multi-point Control Unit (MCU).
ETHICAL RULES FOR COMPUTER USERS

1. Do not use computers to harm other users.

2. Do not use computers to steal others information.
3. Do not access files without the permission of the owner.
4. Do not copy copyrighted software without the author’s permission.
5. Always respect copyright laws and policies.
6. Respect the privacy of others, just as you expect the same from others.
7. Do not use other user's computer resources without their permission.
8. Use Internet ethically.
9. Complain about illegal communication and activities, if found, to Internet service
Providers and local law enforcement authorities.
10. Users are responsible for safeguarding their User Id and Passwords. They
should not write them on paper or anywhere else for remembrance.
11. Users should not intentionally use the computers to retrieve or modify the
information of others, which may include password information, files, etc.

ENGAGE

ACTIVITY 1. CREATE ME

Directions: Illustrate and label the elements of a computer network and the internet
services. Place your drawing on a white paper with margin. Do not forget to add color
and be artistic.

Rubric: Content – 10 points; Creativeness – 10 points; Cleanliness – 10 points

ACTIVITY 2. BE A MATCH-MAKER

Directions: Identify the hardware needed for computer communication. Match the
networking hardware in column A with its definition in column B.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

a. It performs a similar role to a hub and a

bridge but is more powerful. It stores the
1. Hubs MAC addresses of devices on a network
and filters data packets to see which
devices have asked for them.

b. It can form a LAN by connecting devices

2. Router
within a building.

c. It broadcasts data to all devices on a

3. Bridges
network.

d. It enables a computer to connect to the

4. Modem
internet over a telephone line.

e. It is used to connect two separate LAN

5. Switches
networks.
ACTIVITY 3. LIST ME BE THE ONE!

Directions: Identify the different methods of computer communication and the proper
internet ethics. Enumerate five (5) for methods of computer communication and another
five (5) for the proper internet ethics.

METHODS OF COMPUTER COMMUNICATION

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

PROPER INTERNET ETHICS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

APPLICATION

Directions: Make a literature review about Cyberbullying and cite the sources using any of the
citation method namely APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language
Association) or Chicago/Turabian style. Write your answer on an A4-sized white paper with
normal margin using Bookman Old Style font, font size 12, justified text.

GENERALIZATION

Directions: Complete the open-ended questions below:

 I have learned that . . .

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
 I have realized that . . .
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
ASSESSMENT
Directions: Identify the basics of computer networks and internet use. Choose the letter
of the best answer. Write your answer on a ½ crosswise paper.

1. What is considered as the backbone of any computer network?

a. hardware c. client devices

b. software d. connection media

2. What is the vital component of a network?

a. hardware c. client devices

b. software d. connection media

3. What internet service that offers a way to access documents spread over the several
servers over the internet?

a. communication service b. web service

b. information retrieval service d. world wide web

4. What internet service that offer exchange of information with individuals or groups?

a. communication service b. web service

b. information retrieval service d. world wide web

5. Which of the following is NOT an ethical rules of computer users?

a. Use Internet ethically.

b. Complain about illegal communication and activities, if found, to Internet

service Providers and local law enforcement authorities.

c. Users are responsible for safeguarding their User Id and Passwords. They
should write them on paper or anywhere else for remembrance.

d. Users should not intentionally use the computers to retrieve or modify the
information of others, which may include password information, files, etc.
ANSWER KEY

ENGAGE
GENERALIZATION
- Answers may vary.
Activity # 1
- Answers may APPLY
vary
- Answers may vary.

ACTIVITY # 2

1. C

2. B

3. E

4. D

5. A

ACTIVITY # 3

- Answers may
vary

REFERENCES
http://blinkprotocol.com/four-fundamental-elements-of-a-network/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zh4whyc/revision/5#:~:text=5%20of%208-,Networking%20hardware,can
%20perform%20slightly%20different%20tasks.

https://www.techwalla.com/articles/types-of-computer-communication#:~:text=Most%20common%20is%20email
%2C%20short,one%20another%20using%20a%20computer.

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/internet_technologies/internet_services.htm