Project 1: Explore Network Types on a Smartphone

[A rubric that provides guidance on evaluating answers to the Hands-on Projects and Capstone project is providedhere.]

Estimated time: 10 minutes (+10 minutes for group work, if assigned)

Objective: Explain the characteristics of network topologiesand network types. (Obj. 1.2)

Group work: This project includes enhancements when assigned as a group project.

Resources:

• Smartphone with cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connection capabilities (you can borrow one from a classmate, friend, or family member)
• Access to a Wi-Fi network, such as at home, school, or a caf
• Bluetooth device, such as earbuds, speaker, fitness tracker, vehicle

Context:

At first, it can be a little difficult to understand the differences between PANs, LANs, and WANs. However, you most likely own a device that accesses all three of these network types: your smartphone. In this project, you'll explore the various network types your phone can connect to. Complete the following steps:

1. On the smartphone, turn on Airplane mode. Navigate to the network connections screen showing the types of connections available on the smartphone. Take a screenshot; submit this visual with your answers to this project's questions.

Answer:

1. Within range of a Wi-Fi network that you have permission to connect to, turn on Wi-Fi on the smartphone and connect to the network. Using the phone's browser, navigate to cengage.com. Does it work? What kind of network are you using to access the web page?

Answer:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth. Connect to a nearby Bluetooth device. Does it work? What kind of network are you using to access the Bluetooth device?

Answer:

1. Without changing any other settings, use the phone's browser to navigate to google.com. Does it work? Why or why not?

Answer:

1. Turn off Bluetooth. Turn off Airplane mode and, if necessary, turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off again. Using the phone's browser, try again to navigate to google.com. Does it work? Why or why not?

Answer:

1. What kind of network are you using to access the Internet when Wi-Fi is turned off?