TEACHING NETWORKING BASICS - AN ABSTRACT VIEW ON OSI LAYERS

The first steps learning network technologies are vital for a basic understanding of the subject. Usually, metaphors like mail delivery by the postal services are shown in education. But when underlying technologies have to be taught, the mail example won't fit anymore. This paper introduces an outline for a course, starting with a group work which builds an understanding of basic functionalities of the first three network layers (OSI). Fundamentals of networking are presented in a simple way which later on bridge the gap to the subjacent technologies like hardware addressing, IP addresses and address resolution. Additional to students’ practicals in the network lab, programs are introduced which provide network simulations on a standard PC or notebook. In conclusion, the paper offers tools and strategies to learn computer networks for students without having no former knowledge of the topic.