IS 656 

                                 Computer Network Technologies 

                                                                           Fall 2001   

 

 

Tom Hankins, instructor                          Phones:  800-642-9842, x2044 or 304-746-2044 (w)

E-mail: thankins@marshall.edu                                            304-562-0321 (h)          Fax: 304-746-2063

 

 

I.  Purpose and objectives

 

This course is an introduction to the design and management of data communication networks.  Those who complete it successfully will be able to:

n     Describe the elements of communications systems

                 n     Explain the commonly used networking topologies

                 n     Understand the concept of protocols

                 n     Explain the function of the various network components

n     Determine appropriate network architecture for a LAN

n     Understand the state of the data communications industry and major issues facing the industry’s constituent components

n     Understand the relationship of network analysis and design to information systems analysis and design

 

II.  Course requirements and grades

 

Attend class.  Read the assigned material, including the case studies, before coming to class.  Be prepared to present assigned topics.  Submit all assignments.

 

Prerequisites:  You are expected to be familiar with using personal computers and the basic categories of PC applications software.

 

Grades will be based on exams, class and homework assignments done individually or in small groups, class presentations of assigned material, and class participation.  Grading will necessarily be somewhat subjective.  The quality and professionalism of your written material will be major factors in your grades.

 

In assigning grades I use the following guide: An 'A' indicates work of distinction at the graduate level; 'B' indicates competent and acceptable work, and a grade of  'C' indicates work below the expected standards for graduate students. 

 

III.  Text

                 Applied Data Communications: A Business Oriented Approach, 3rd edition

                 James E. Goldman and Phillip T. Rawles

                 John Wiley & Sons, 2001

 


 

IV.  Tentative course outline and assignments

 

   Date                                             Topics                                     Assignments

 

   21             Aug                                                                                                  Introduction to the class

                                                                                                                           Introduction of participants      

                                                                                                                           The data communications industry        Chapter 1

 

 28               Aug                                                                                                  Voice communications concepts and technology                                                                                                   Chapter 2

 

   4               Sep                                                                                                  Data communications concepts Chapter 3         

                                                                                                                          

   11             Sep                                                                                                  Basic data communications technology  Chapter 4

                                                                                                                                           

   18             Sep                                                                                                  Local area network architectures           Chapter 5

                                                                                                                                           

   25             Sep                                                                                                  Local area network hardware    Chapter 6

                                                                                                                          

   2               Oct                                                                                                  Local area network communications protocols and operating systems                                                                                                 Chapter 7

 

   9               Oct                                                                                                  Wide area networking concepts, architectures, and services Chapter 8

 

   16             Oct                                                                                                  Internetworking      Chapter 9

 

   23             Oct                                                                                                  Visit to MU computing/network facilities in Drinko Library

                                                                                                                                            led by Allen Taylor  (No video link)

  

   30             Oct                                                                                                  Remote access and wireless networking Chapter 10

 

   6               Nov                                                                                                 The network development life cycle       Chapter 11

 

   13             Nov                                                                                                 Network management          Chapter 12

 

   20             Nov                                                                                                                        No Class, Fall Break                                                                                         

 

   27             Nov                                                                                                 Network security    Chapter 13

 

  4                Dec                                                                                                  Group project preparation

  

   11             Dec                                                                                                  Project presentations