Lab 6.5.9.2 WAN web research - overview

Estimated time: 60 min.

Objectives:

  • Explore semester 4 WAN technologies further
  • Investigate other WAN and networking technologies
  • Use the World Wide Web as a research tool
  • Put together a brief presentation for the class on a WAN related topic

Background:

There is a tremendous amount of information available on the web related to networking in general and Wide Area Networking in particular. The purpose of this lab is to begin to use the web as a research tool to expand your knowledge of the basic WAN technologies covered in semester 4. There are also a number of other WAN technologies in use that you can investigate. When you become aware of a new WAN technology, term, or acronym during a conversation or in your reading, you can research it with several web-based tools to help increase your understanding of it. You will select one or more topics or terms to research and then document your findings. The goals for this lab are to become more familiar with some of the web-based research tools available and to use the information you have collected to put together a brief presentation for the class on a WAN-related topic of interest to you.

Tools / Preparation:

Prior to starting the lab, the teacher or lab assistant should have a PC with web access and PowerPoint available. The following is a list of resources required. Use PowerPoint or a similar tool if possible to develop your presentation. The presentation should not be more than 3 to 5 pages long and should not last more than 10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions and answers.

  • Workstation with browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape) and PowerPoint software installed

Web Site Resources:

Notes:

Step 1 -

Select your research term or networking concept from the list in Lab 3.3.12.2 WAN Acronyms lab or pick you own. Choose terms and concepts that you are interested in or that you feel are important in this industry. Then use the web-based tools listed in the Web Site Resources section of this lab to find out more information on the topic(s) you have selected.

Term/Concept Web Site Researched Findings