1. Cindy Perrin ETEC 5303

3.  Suzette told me that this is where it all starts! This is where we connect to the Ethernet via NATCO (our service provider). According to Pidgeon (n.d.a), messages are sent through the Ethernet in chunks called frames, which are defined by the Ethernet protocol. See http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ethernet5.htm for more information.http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ethernet5.htm

4. According to Franklin (n.d.), the router allows information to be sent back and forth between computers. Check out the animation at http://computer.howstuffworks.c om/router1.htm http://computer.howstuffworks.c om/router1.htm

5. Suzette explained that the filter works in two directions: it stops users from accessing forbidden Web sites it stops unwanted information from coming in If students or staff try to access blocked Web sites, warning messages pop up.

6. Fiber optics make the connections between the filter and the switches (lower half of picture). According to Pidgeon (n.d.b), the switches allow many simultaneous communications to occur within the network. Image retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com /ethernet14.htm http://computer.howstuffworks.com /ethernet14.htm

7. SERVERS, WHICH HAVE FILES AND APPLICATIONS USED BY THE NETWORK OR OTHER COMPUTERS IN THE NETWORK

8.  We have wireless access points scattered throughout the campus.  These allow us to use our laptops and iPads! According to Brain and Wilson (n.d.), “A computer's wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna.” *See http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless- network1.htm for more information.http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless- network1.htm

9.  Brain, M., & Wilson, T. V. (n.d.). How WiFi works. Retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network1.htm  Franklin, C. (n. d.). Keeping the messages moving. Retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/router1.htm  Pidgeon, N. (n.d.a). Ethernet terminology. Retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ethernet5.htm  Pidgeon, N. (n.d.b). Ethernet terminology. Retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ethernet14.htm