CCNA1 ITN Module 3 - Protocols and Models


Date Subject Lesson Plan
09/25/25 CCNA1

 

Whether you are a network professional or a network hack, your skill is determined by how well you really understand digital communication. Module 3 introduces you to digital communication. You will need a detailed understanding of data communication to troubleshoot and repair network problems during your career.

Start Module 3 - Protocols and Models (Computer Science Topics)

Read/Study: CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Vol. 1, Chapter 1: Intro to TCP/IP Networking

Link: Module 3 Reading Organizer

 

  A+ Hardware

Review Quiz: 1.4.2 Module 1

Lab: 1.3.2.2 Disassemble a Computer (Do not remove motherboard or CPU yet!!)
Note: I will need to see and sign off your lab packet before you turn it in.

Study: Chapter 1 Test

09/26/25 CCNA1

Review: Module 2 Test - Correct wrong answers for 5 points (no partial credit)

Read: 3.0.1 Why should I take this module?

Read: 3.0.2 What will I learn to do in this module? (Review this at the end of the unit!)

Activity: 3.0.3 Class Activity - Design a Communications System

Start Module 3, Section 1 - The Rules (Communication Rules)

Video: 3.1.1 Devices in a Bubble (3:44)

Read: 3.1.2 Communications Fundamentals
All communication methods also have three elements in common:

  • Source, destination, channel

Read: 3.1.3 Communication Protocols

Read: 3.1.4 Rule Establishment

  • An identified sender and receiver
  • Common language and grammar
    • For communication to occur, devices must know “how" (pictures, words, smoke signals) to communicate. Example: Egyption hieroglyphs
  • Speed and timing of delivery
  • Confirmation or acknowledgment requirements
  • Protocols:
    • Message Encoding
    • Message Formatting and Encapsulation
    • Message Size
    • Message Timing
    • Message Delivery Options

Read: 3.1.5 Network Protocol Requirements

Read: 3.1.6 Message Encoding

Read: 3.1.7 Message Formatting and Encapsulation

Read: 3.1.8 Message Size

Read: 3.1.9 Message Timing

Read: 3.1.10 Message Delivery Options

Read: 3.1.11 A Note About the Node Icon

Activity: 3.1.12 Check Your Understanding - The Rules

Assignment: Module 3 Reading Organizer questions 1-8

  A+

Lab: 1.3.2.2 Disassemble a Computer (Do not remove motherboard or CPU yet!!)

Video: Jason Johnson: ITEv7 Chapter 1 Review (35:09)

Test: Chapter 1 Test 8:00 am (45 minutes)

09/29/25 CCNA1

Please refrain from Internet surfing/wasting time. Use class time constructively!Upon completion of this chapter, you will begin to "think" like a networker.

Check Progress Book!!

Activity: Subnet Problem #5

This chapter requires a lot of memorization and a deep understanding of communication protocols.

Start Module 3, Section 2 - Protocols
Video: Professor Messer: Common Network Protocols (8:00)

Read: 3.2.1 Network Protocol Overview

Read: 3.2.2 Network Protocol Functions

Read: 3.2.3 Protocol Interaction

Activity: 3.2.4 Check Your Understanding - Protocols

Assignment: Module 3 Reading Organizer questions 9-13

  A+

Lab: 1.3.2.2 Disassemble a Computer (Remove Motherboard)

  • Show me your PC so I can sign off lab
  • Remove motherboard from computer, place on antistatic bag and stop.
  Subnetting Subnet Practice Class C, Practice #1
09/30/25 CCNA1

You must become an expert at subnetting. Please give the lessons and practice your full attention and effort. If you cannot or do not know how to subnet by the end of the year, I will advise you to find another career field to pursue.

Review Activity: Subnet Problem #1

Discussion: Mnumonic Fact Sheet

Start Module 3, Section 3 - Protocol Suites

Video: YouTube: What are Protocols & Standards? (4:44)

Read: 3.3.1 Network Protocol Suites

Read: 3.3.2 Evolution of Protocol Suites

Read: 3.3.3 TCP/IP Protocol Example

Read: 3.3.4 TCP/IP Protocol Suite (Memorize the 4 layers!)

Video: Professor Messer: The TCP/IP Protocol Suite (2:26)

  • Memorize the four layers of the TCP/IP model
  • You will need to memorize the protocols in each layer
  • Create a mnemonic that's meaningful to you to memorize the 4 layers
  • Index Card - TCP/IP Model Layers
  • Many of these protocols are running at the same time in the background

Read: 3.3.5 TCP/IP Communication Process

Activity: 3.3.6 Check Your Understanding - Protocol Suites

Assignment: Module 3 Reading Organizer questions 14-20

  A+ Hardware

Goal: Prepare for today's lab

Video: How thermal compound spreads (2:39)

Video: How-to apply thermal compound (4:33) Asus
Video: How to apply thermal compound (3:55) Arctic

  1. Should have already removed motherboard from computer case.
  2. Remove cooler from CPU and remove old thermal compound with alcohol pad
  3. Remove old thermal compound from CPU with alcohol pad
  4. Remove and replace CPU from motherboard socket - WATCH ORIENTATION TO SOCKET!!
  5. Apply new thermal compound to CPU
  6. Reinstall cooling system to CPU
10/01/25 CCNA1

Discussion: Field Trip November 5

Video: How to Learn Anything . . . Fast (23:19)

Assignment: Label the layers of the TCP/IP model.

Video: Computer Networks Explained (14:51)

Start Module 3, Section 4 - Standards Organizations

Read: 3.4.1 Open Standards

Video: YouTube: This is Our Internet: Open standards and why they matter (6:58)

  A+ Hardware

Video: Common PC Building Mistakes that Beginners Make! (22:29)
Lab: 2.1.3.10 Install the Motherboard in a Computer

Start Chapter 2 - PC Assembly

  • Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey
  • Use the right size screwdriver for the right sized screw
  • Tighten until snug only
  • Do not strip screws.
  • Reinstall screws with correct fastener - look at the threads!! Even if the last student didn't.
  • Should be NO hardware left over.
  • Do not leave loose hardware in computer case
  • Fix anything found broken

Video: Professor Messer: Managing Electrostatic Discharge (3:16)

  • ESD - 3,000 volts to feel it. 30 volts to destroy IC
  • Follow ESD recommendations in text
  • EMI
    • Electrical motors
    • Fluorescent lights
  • RFI
    • Microwaves
    • Wireless phones
    • Lightning
    • Sun spots
  • Climate
    • low humidity, ESD increases
    • high humidity, moisture/corrosion can occur
  Subnetting Activity: Subnet Practice Class C, Practice #2
10/02/25 CCNA1

Activity: Encourage

Link: Akron U. Cybersecurity Degree Program

Review: Class C Subnet Problem #2

Assignment: Class C subnet practice #3

Read: 3.4.2 Internet Standards

Read: 3.4.3 Electronic and Communications Standards

  • Major Standards Organizations
    • Open standards - guidlines for everyone to develop products that work interchangeably
  • Don't own/run Internet, but helps set the rules (guidelines) so everything works globally
    • Can't have people driving through backyards
    • Driving down side streets at 100 mph
    • Rules make it fair for everyone equally
    • All important, but IEEE & IANA especially important to networkers

Video: Rick Graziani: Networking Standards (10:10)

Lab: 3.4.4 Research Networking Standards (40 min.)

Activity: 3.4.5 Check Your Understanding - Standards Organizations

Assignment: Module 3 Reading Organizer questions 21-23

  A+

Start Chapter 2 - PC Assembly

Activity: Explore Chapter 2

Image: Handy Tip - Screw and Tape

Read: 2.0.1.1 Welcome

Questions to ask before building a computer:

  • What is it going to be used for?
  • What type of components do I want to connect to it?
  • How much money do I have to spend?
  • How many and what types of external devices will be connected to the computer? 
  • Do you require a RAID system? 
  • Does the client require older or proprietary components to be connected?
  • Do you need to install a powerful graphics card?

Video: NewEgg TV: How To Build a Computer - Part 1 - Choosing Your Components (24:32)

10/03/25 CCNA1

Link: BPA Contest Listing (Make a decision for next week)

Assignment: Binary Exercise D

Start Module 3, Section 5 - Reference Models

Read: 3.5.1 The Benefits of Using a Layered Model

Read: 3.5.2 The OSI Reference Model (Memorize the 7 layers!)
Video: Professor Messer: Understanding the OSI Model (8:28)

  • Please do not throw sausage pizza away
  • All people seem to need data processing

Read: 3.5.3 The TCP/IP Protocol Model (Memorize the 4 layers!)

Read: 3.5.4 OSI and TCP/IP Model Comparison (Be able to replicate this diagram!)

PT: 3.5.5 Investigate the TCP/IP and OSI Models in Action - Do the Challenge Questions

Video: And the Internet was Born: The Creation of the ARPANET (9:58)

  • Know what the ARPANET is!

Assignment: Module 3 Reading Organizer questions 24-28

  A+ Hardware

Enbedded Video: 2.1.1.1 Video Explanation - General and Fire Safety
Video: Professor Messer: Computer Safety (5:04)

  • Turn off AND unplug computer (hit the on/off switch a few times)
  • Know location of fire extinguishers
  • PASS (Pull, aim, squeeze, sweep)
  • Types of fires: A-Consumable; B-Liquids; C-Electrical; D-Metals K-Kitchen (Memorize these)
  • Know escape routes

Embedded Video: 2.1.2.1 Video Demonstration - Install the Power Supply

Activity: 2.1.2.2 Check Your Understanding – Install the Power Supply

Read: 2.1.2.3 Select the Case and Fans

  • The type of motherboard you choose determines the type of case that can be used. The size and shape must match exactly.
  • Cases often come with a power supply preinstalled. In this situation, you still need to verify that the power supply provides enough power to operate all the components that will be installed in the case.

Read: 2.1.2.4 Select a Power Supply

Link: Power Supply Calculator

  • Compatible with motherboard
  • Modular or other
  • Supply required wattage + 20-25% expansion
  • Right connectors
  • Fit in case

Lab: 2.1.2.5 Install the Power Supply

10/06/25 CCNA1

Learning Goal: Learn about PDUs, segmentation, and sequencing of frames.

Note: ALL of your returned work needs to go into your binders. Don't get behind on this please!! Binders will be graded next in two weeks

Subnet Practice Class C - Hosts #4

Lab: Practical 1 - Switch and one computer (30 min)

Video: NetworkChuck: What is TCP/IP and OSI? (12:03)

Start Module 3, Section 6 - Data Encapsulation

Read: 3.6.1 Segmenting Messages

Read: 3.6.2 Sequencing

Read: 3.6.3 Protocol Data Units (PDUs)

Video: ProfessorMesser: Protocol Data Units (6:26)
Activity: PDU Worksheet

Note: You should've memorized layers of TCP/IP and OSI models by this point. Expect a quiz in the next few days.

  A+ Hardware

Video: What is a Barebones PC? (4:58)
Link: NewEgg Barebones Kits

Video: NewEgg TV: How To Build a Computer - Part 2 - The Build (43:40)

Lab: 2.1.2.5 Install the Power Supply

Embedded Video: 2.1.3.1 Video Demonstration - Install the CPU

Activity: 2.1.3.2 Check Your Understanding - Install the CPU

Embedded Video: 2.1.3.3 Install the RAM

Activity: 2.1.3.4 Check Your Understanding - Install the RAM

Embedded Video: 2.1.3.5 Install the Motherboard

Activity: 2.1.3.6 Check Your Understanding - Install the Motherboard

10/07/25 CCNA1

Observations from yesterday's lab:

1. Make sure all configs are erased from the device before you start!! If you suspect there are configs left on the device: 1. Erase the configs. 2. See me for help.

2. Follow all the directions. If you get stuck, figure it out!! Don't just check it off. Checking it off won't get you the points.

3. Take good notes in your spiral-bound notebook. Take your notes home and practice building networks in Packet Tracer. If this is something you are unwilling to do you will never master the skills.

4. We only had a few students who were able to complete this simple lab without error. This was suppose to be practice! We've already covered nost of this material in the past module. You should've already learned how to connect physical cabling, configure a switch and a host in the last module.

Activity: Erase configs and put away cables.

CBTNugg: 100-101 #03: Speaking the Language of the OSI Model (47:43)

Read: 3.6.4 Encapsulation Example

Read: 3.6.5 De-encapsulation Example

  • Understand the encapsulation/de-encapsulation process
  • Read process as many times as needed to begin to understand

Activity: 3.6.6 Check Your Understanding - Data Encapsulation

Assignment: OSI Model practice worksheet (5 pts.)

Start Module 3, Section 7 - Data Access
Video: MicroNugget: What are IP and MAC Addresses? (5:41)

Assignment: Module 3 Reading Organizer questions 29-35

  A+ Hardware

Read: 2.1.3.7 Select the Motherboard

Read: 2.1.3.8 Select the CPU and CPU Cooling

Link: PC Part Picker

  • CPU is most expensive component
  • Must fit motherboard socket
  • Will determine system performance
  • Choose cooling type
  • Cooler must fit case

Read: 2.1.3.9 Select the RAM
Video: Professor Messer: Understanding PC Memory (10:59)

Embedded Video: 2.1.4.1 Install the Drives

Read: 2.1.4.2 Select Hard Drives

  • Internal or external
  • HDD, SSD, or SSHD
  • Hot-swappable
  • Heat generation
  • Noise generation
  • Power requirements

Video: PCI SSD M.3 (20:00)

Read: 2.1.4.3 Select Optical Drives

Read: 2.1.4.4 Install the Hard Drive

Read: 2.1.4.5 Install the Optical Drive

Activity: 2.1.4.6 Check Your Understanding - Installing Drives

Lab: 2.1.4.7 Install the Drives

  Subnetting Subnet Practice, Class C #5
10/08/25 CCNA1

Review Video: Mike Meyers: OSI and TCP/IP Model Walkthroughs (12:03)

Read: 3.7.1 Addresses

Read: 3.7.2 Layer 3 Logical Address

Read: 3.7.3 Devices on the Same Network

Read: 3.7.4 Role of the Data Link Layer Addresses: Same IP Network

Read: 3.7.5 Devices on a Remote Network

Read: 3.7.6 Role of the Network Layer Addresses

Read: 3.7.7 Role of the Data Link Layer Addresses: Different IP Networks

Read: 3.7.8 Data Link Addresses

Activity: 3.3.2.4a Local vs. Remote Destination Worksheet

Essential Information:

  • MAC addresses are used to get frames from device to neighboring device
  • IP addresses is used to get frames to the ultimate destination
  • MAC addresses is a layer 2 "physical" address
  • IP address is a layer 3 "logical" address
  • 4 addresses are needed for communication:
    • A source and destination MAC address
    • A source and destination IP address

Assignment: Module 3 Reading Organizer questions 36-48 (end)

  A+ Hardware

Video: The New Data Storage Tech (8:03)

Embedded Video: 2.1.5.1 Install the Adapter Cards

Read: 2.1.5.2 Select Adapter Cards

  • Graphics card
  • Sound card
  • Storage Controllers
  • I/O Cards
  • NICs
  • Capture Cards

Activity: 2.1.5.3 Other Factors for Adapter Card Selection

Read: 2.1.5.4 Install the Adapter Cards
Video: Professor Messer: Installing and Configuring Expansion Cards (8:09)

Activity: 2.1.5.5 Check Your Understanding - Installing Adapter Cards

Lab: 2.1.5.6 Install Adapter Cards

  Subnetting Subnet Practice, Class C #6
10/09/25 CCNA1

Students who were absent yesterday need to get caught up!!

Video: Say Goodbye to Passwords: Passkeys Explained Simply (19:17)

Activity: 3.3.2.4b MAC/IP Worksheet practice

Video: Wireshark Tutorial for Beginners (20:11)

Lab: 3.7.9 Install Wireshark (or update)

Lab: 3.7.10 Use Wireshark to View Network Traffic

Video: Cybersecurity for Beginners: Whow to use Wireshark (9:28)

Activity: 3.7.11 Check Your Understanding - Data Access

Study for test - be sure to study reading organizers.

  A+

Read: 2.1.6.1 Select a Media Reader

  • Secure digital (SD)
  • MicroSD
  • MiniSD
  • Compact Flash
  • Memory Stick
  • eMMC
  • xD

Read: 2.1.6.2 Select External Storage

Activity: 2.1.6.3 Check Your Understanding – Media Cards

Embedded Video: 2.1.7.1 Connect the Internal Power Cables

Activity: 2.1.7.2 Check Your Understanding – Identify the Power Connectors

Embedded Video: 2.1.7.3 Connect the Internal Data Cables

Lab: 2.1.7.4 Install Internal Cables

Embedded Video: 2.1.7.5 Install the Front Panel Cables

Read: 2.1.7.6 Install the Front Panel Cables

Read: 2.1.7.7 Pin 1 Locations

Read: 2.1.7.8 USB Connectors

Read: 2.1.7.9 Front Panel Cable Connection Specifics

Activity: 2.1.7.10 Check Your Understanding – Identify the Front Panel Cables

Lab: 2.1.7.11 Install the Front Panel Cables

10/13/25 CCNA1
Section 2

Note: Get binders ready for grading.

Assignment: Binary Worksheet D

Study for test - be sure to study reading organizers.

  A+

Review: Chapter 2 Exam Study Guide
Review: Chapter 2 PowerPoint

Embedded Video: 2.1.7.12 Complete the Computer Assembly

Activity: 2.1.7.13 Check Your Understanding – Identify the External Connectors

Lab: 2.1.7.14 Complete the Computer Assembly

Note: Leave computers out to do BIOS labs next chapter.

Discussion: M.2
Video: M.2 As Fast As Possible (6:14)

Activity: Chapter 2 Terms and Concepts Practice on your own

Study: Chapter 2 Test (Read the chapter from cover to cover tonight)

  Subnetting Subnet Practice, Class C #7
10/14/25 CCNA1

Note: Get binders ready for grading next week.

Start Module 3, Section 8 - Module Practice and Quiz

Read: 3.8.1 What did I learn in this module?

Activity: 3.8.2 Module Quiz - Protocols and Models

Study: Chapters 1-3 Module Exams

Review Video: Into To Networks v7 - Module 1 (35:14)
Review Video: Intro To Networks v7 - Module 2, Part 1 of 2 (17:47)
Review Video: Intro To Networks v7 - Module 2, Part 2 of 2 (17:40)
Review Video: Intro To Networks v7 - Module 3, Part 1 of 2 (15:55)
Review Video: Intro To Networks v7 - Module 3, Part 2 of 2 (15:25)

Review: On your own Modules 1-3 PowerPoints.
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3

Read/Study: CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Vol. 1, Chapter 1: Intro to TCP/IP Networking. Feel free to check out book and study.

Review: Practice using a few of the packet tracer labs before the test.

Expect binary math and subnet questions on test tomorrow.

Study for Module 1-3 test tomorrow.

Fun Fact: The more time you spend studying the better your test score will be. If you don't study your score will be lower.

Study for test - be sure to study reading organizers.

  A+ Hardware

 

10/15/25 CCNA1

Get binders ready for grading

Modules 1-3 Test (4 parts)

Written Test: Modules 1-3 - 56 points (8:00-9:00)
IP/MAC Identification - 25 points (9:00-9:10)
Packet Tracer Practical - 25 points (9:10-9:40)
Subnet Problem - 25 points (9:40-9:55)

Turn in all A+ labs to date for grading

Work on binders for grading

  A+ Hardware

 

10/16/25 CCNA1
Section 2

Get binders ready for grading

Discussion: Slash notation, a.k.a. CIDR notation (Classless Inter-domain Routing)
Activity: Prefix Length Practice Worksheet

Discussion: What is LearnKey?
LearnKey Username & Password: FLast Cisco211!
Link to CVCC LearnKey Login
Domain 1 - Networking Fundamentals > IPv4 Addressing & IPv4 Subnetting

Discussion: Network Chuck's Subnetting Course
What is an IP address? EP 1 (18:45)
We ran out of IP addresses EP 2 (16:49)
We ran out of IP addresses . . . What now? EP 3 (15:02)
I bet you can't do this EP 4 (18:46)
What is a subnet mask? EP 5 (12:59)
Let's subnet your home network EP 6 (9:40)
Help me build my coffee shop network EP 7 (14:31)
Reverse subnetting? EP 8 (8:26)
Do you still suck at subnetting? EP 9 (7:51)

Cisco Network Academy:
Module 11, Section 5 - Subnet an IPv4 Network


  A+

 



10/20/25 CCNA1

Test: Checkpoint Exam: Basic Network Connectivity and Communications Exam

Get binders ready for grading

  A+

 

  Reference

Video: Essential Soft Skills for the IT Professional (6:24)

Video LearnKey: Domain 3: HDMI, Display Port, DVI, and VGA
Assignment: LearnKey worksheet: Video Cables

Video LearnKey: Domain 3: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Serial, Thunderbolt
Assignment: LearnKey Worksheet: Peripheral Cables