Lesson Plan

• Describe the key differences in media, bandwidth, latency, and security between wired and wireless networks.
• Compare performance implications of each technology for various applications.
• Evaluate cost, scalability, and maintenance considerations when selecting a network type.
• Apply the transmission‑time formula to calculate latency for wired and wireless links.
• Design a simple network diagram choosing appropriate wired or wireless solutions based on given requirements.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed comparison handout (wired vs. wireless)
• Laptop with internet access
• Network simulation software (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer)
• Worksheets with calculation problems
• Calculator

Begin with a quick scenario: “You’re watching a live esports tournament versus checking email on a café Wi‑Fi.” Ask students what they notice about speed and reliability. Connect this to their prior knowledge of basic network concepts and explain that today they will identify why those differences exist. Success criteria: students will be able to compare wired and wireless networks and justify a design choice.

1. Do‑now (5’) – short quiz on network media terminology.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – present key differences using slides and the comparison table.
3. Guided activity (12’) – groups analyse the handout and complete a worksheet summarising advantages/disadvantages.
4. Calculation practice (8’) – apply \(T = \frac{S}{B}+D\) to wired and wireless examples.
5. Design challenge (10’) – each group creates a simple LAN/WLAN diagram for a given scenario and explains their choice.
6. Plenary check (5’) – whole‑class poll of the three most important factors when selecting a network type.

Recap the main trade‑offs—performance, security, cost, and scalability—and ask students to write one key takeaway on an exit ticket. For homework, students will research a recent advancement (e.g., Wi‑Fi 6E or fiber‑to‑the‑home) and prepare a brief note on how it could shift the wired‑vs‑wireless decision.