COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

ITNW 1321: INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING (3:3-1)

PREREQUISITE: Competency in desktop operating systems and basic computer applications. Lab required.

TEXTBOOK USED: Business Data Communications: Introductory Concepts and Techniques. Fourth Edition. Course Technology Publishing. Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, and Judy A. Serwatka

HOURS REQUIRED: 3 hour lecture, 1 hour lab (3 semester hours credit)

DESCRIPTION: Introduction to the fundamentals, basic concepts, and terminology of networks. Topics include the access and use of the Internet and networking hardware and software, including current developments in networking.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will describe various network topologies and network operating systems: access and use network services; identify hardware and software network components and their functionality; and explain public and private communication infrastructures.

REQUIREMENTS: Evaluation of specific teleprocessing systems with respect to cost comparison, effectiveness, specification requirements, and additional benefits. Brief individual written and oral presentation of details of certain aspects of a data communications topic.

I. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATIONS

Overview of Communications

History of Data Communications

Fundamentals of Communications

II. HARDWARE, MEDIA, AND EQUIPMENT

Communications Hardware

Fundamentals of Communication Channels

Modulators/Demodulators (Modems)

Communications Media

Business Communications Services

Data Transmission Codes and Protocols

Network Configurations

III. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

Introduction to Networks

Local Area Networks (LANs)

Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs)

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

Distributed Networks

The Internet

E-Business Applications and the Business Data Communications Industry

IV. NETWORK MANAGEMENT

Objectives of Network Management

Meeting the Objectives

Network Security

V. NETWORK SECURITY, MANAGEMENT, AND CHALLENGES

Physical Security

Software Security

Objectives of Network Management

Monitoring Tools

Living in a Connected World

Course Requirements:

Test 1 - Chapters 1, 2, and 3

Test 2 - Chapters 4, 5, and 6

Test 3 - Chapters 7, 8, and 13

Test 4 - Chapters 12, 14, and 9

Final Exam - Chapters 10, 11, and 15

Three Article Summaries of Data Communication/Networking topics chosen by the class (topics to be announced later) typed according to the assigned format.

Project/Presentation on any topic of your choice with prior instructor approval. (See instructions and information on Project/Presentation.

Grading:

Test 1 1/7 of total grade

Test 2 1/7 of total grade

Test 3 1/7 of total grade

Test 4 1/7 of total grade

Final Exam 1/7 of total grade

Article Summaries (3) 1/7 of total grade

Project/Presentation 1/7 of total grade

This course content and all course materials belong to Barbara A. Carpenter.