Credit:  0.5
Term:  Semester
Prerequisite:  None
Open to:  9-12
Graduation Requirement Satisfied:  Occupational Education

This semester-long course introduces students to the fundamental technology and concepts that make networking systems possible. The most important concept introduced is that of the OSI reference model and its bottom four layers, which are most directly concerned with networking instead of computing. The course explores the software and hardware supporting LANs, WANs, and Wi-Fi networks. Students are introduced to the protocols in the TCP/IP stack that are used to communicate across a network, and to networking hardware, including hubs, switches, bridges, routers, and transmission media. Students explore questions of security, network management, and network operating systems.