Lesson Plan

• Describe the role and function of a router within a network.
• Explain how routers forward packets using routing tables and IP addressing.
• Identify key router features such as NAT, DHCP relay, ACLs, and QoS.
• Analyse a simple routing table to determine the path a packet will take.
• Apply the concept of shortest‑path routing (e.g., Dijkstra’s algorithm) to evaluate routing decisions.

• Projector and screen
• Printed handout of the sample routing table
• Network simulation software (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer)
• Laptops for each pair of students
• Worksheet with packet‑forwarding scenarios
• Diagram of two LANs connected by a router

Begin with a quick scenario: “You send a message from your phone to a friend on the other side of the world – how does it get there?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of IP addresses and the OSI model. Explain that today’s success criteria are to describe what a router does and to read a routing table to predict packet paths.

1. Do‑Now (5'): Short quiz on OSI layers and basic IP addressing.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Role of the router, packet‑forwarding steps, and key functions (NAT, ACLs, QoS).
3. Guided analysis (12'): Walk through the sample routing table; students determine next‑hop for given destinations.
4. Hands‑on activity (15'): In Packet Tracer, configure a router with NAT and an ACL, then test packet flow.
5. Concept check (5'): Think‑pair‑share on how QoS prioritises traffic.
6. Summary discussion (8'): Link router functions to the global Internet backbone and answer any lingering questions.

Recap the main functions of a router and how routing tables guide packet movement. For the exit ticket, each student writes one router function they found most important. Assign homework to research a real‑world routing protocol (e.g., OSPF or BGP) and write a short paragraph on its purpose.