CIT 120 - Networking

 
Description
This course introduces students to computer networking fundamentals. Topics include: network design, network hardware, network operating systems software, data communications, configuration and installation, internetworking, and troubleshooting basic network problems. Using a Microsoft Windows Server-based LAN environment, students practice network administration concepts and activities.

The student will have knowledge to assist others in the implementation and administration of simple LAN-based networks, particularly those using a Windows Server environment. The student should be capable of assisting an administrator within this environment. These outcomes are based, in part, on the proscribed topics listed in the 2000 ACM Guidelines for Associate Degree Programs to Support Computing in a Networked Environment (http://www.acmtyc.org/2000Guidelines.cfm) at the indicated expected proficiency level.

COMPUTING WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION ENVIRONMENT:

1. Identify and document user requirements for network client and server hardware, software, and services (application),
2. Describe appropriate procedures & techniques for disaster prevention & recovery (application),
3. Describe appropriate security procedures and practices, including security and protection of resources through software measures (application),
4. Identify and discuss software licensing, privacy, and encryption issues (comprehension)

DOCUMENTATION & TECHNICAL REFERENCES:

1. Locate, read and interpret technical documentation (application),
2. Effectively use locally maintained systems, software, and network documentation (application)

COMPUTER SOFTWARE:

1. Identify current operating systems and describe their important features (comprehension),
2. Use system software to perform routine maintenance tasks such as backup, defragmentation, etc. (application),
3. Make configuration changes to an operating system to optimize performance (comprehension),
4. Install and configure client software for connecting to LANs, WANs, and the Internet (network client, browser, terminal emulation, file transfer, etc) (comprehension)

TROUBLESHOOTING:

1. Use effective troubleshooting strategies and techniques to resolve network problems, including network interfaces, cabling, or other network components (comprehension),
2. Use utilities such as ping, telnet, and tracert in testing a network (application),
3. Recognize and resolve complex network problems, including installation and configuration of server, client, NIC, cable, hub or network peripherals (comprehension)

NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS:

1. Describe current network environments, such as peer-to-peer and client/server (comprehension),
2. Identify and discuss issues related to networked environments (security, privacy, redundancy) (comprehension),
3. List and define layers in the OSI network protocol model (comprehension),
4. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each network topology (comprehension),
5. Describe the major functions LAN protocols such as Ethernet, token ring and FDDI (comprehension),
6. Describe software protocols such as IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, and NetBEUI (comprehension),
7. Discuss the nature of IP addresses and MAC addresses, and mapping between protocol addressing schemes (comprehension)

NETWORK HARDWARE

1. Describe the major functions of network server hardware components (comprehension),
2. Recognize and describe current cable technologies such as twisted-pair, coaxial and fiber optic (comprehension),
3. Describe current wireless technologies such as satellite, microwave, and RF (comprehension),
4. Describe the major functions of network connectivity hardware, such as NICS, hubs/switches, routers (comprehension),
5. Describe the hardware needed to connect a LAN to the Internet (comprehension),
6. Describe the function of network storage devices and other peripherals (comprehension),
7. Describe the requirements for connecting peripherals directly to a network (comprehension),
8. Set up and configure server and client hardware (including the installation of NICs and NIC drivers) (application)

NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEMS SOFTWARE:

1. Describe the major functions of network server components (comprehension),
2. Install and configure drivers for NICs and network peripherals (application),
3. Configure a server and client for multiple network protocols and frame types (application)

DATA COMMUNICATIONS:

1. Compare and contrast digital communications lines and cable characteristics (e.g., ISDN, DSL, T-1, T-3) (comprehension),
2. Describe ATM technology; discuss the functions and applications of this technology (comprehension),
3. Describe the functioning of modems, their features and operating characteristics (comprehension),
4. Compare and contrast major data communications media in terms of data flow, data codes, and transmission codes (comprehension),
5. Define common error detection and correction mechanisms (comprehension),
6. Identify, compare and contrast LAN access control methods (CSMA/CD, token passing) (comprehension),
7. Describe asynchronous and synchronous serial link protocols (comprehension),
8. Identify and describe file transfer protocols and methodologies (comprehension),
9. Describe data compression methodologies used for file transfer (comprehension),
10. Identify evolving issues, such as gigabit transmission requirements, voice over IP, and wireless technologies (comprehension)

INTERNETWORKING:

1. Describe and differentiate between WAN and MAN topologies (comprehension),
2. Identify and describe WAN protocols (comprehension),
3. Explain how the first three layers of the OSI model related to routing and switching (comprehension),
4. Differentiate among routing, switching, and bridging (comprehension),
5. Describe the functions and characteristics of firewalls (comprehension)

NETWORK ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT:

1. Manage user accounts (application),
2. Assign users appropriate rights to files, applications, and resources (application),
3. Perform backup and recovery procedures and validation (application),
4. Discuss the issues associated with single sign-on, password synchronization, and user authentication (comprehension),
5. Effectively use network management tools to integrate and manage network resources (comprehension)

1. Computing within the organization environment (requirements analysis, HW/SW evaluation, disaster prevention and recovery, ethics & legal issues, job opportunities and career paths)
2. Documentation and technical references (technical documents, system documentation, online research)
3. Computer software (systems software, applications software, software installation)
4. Troubleshooting (network troubleshooting)
5. Networking fundamentals (networked environments, models and standards, LAN topologies, LAN protocols & standards)
6. Network hardware (server requirements, client requirements, transmission media, connectivity HW, peripherals, installation and configuration)
7. Network operating systems software (server SW, client SW)
8. Data communications (digital communications, devices, data flow, access control methods, protocols)
9. Internetworking (WAN topologies, OSI model, security)
10. Network administration and management (typical administrator functions, performance tuning)

• The course will use a current and appropriate text on networking essentials (relevant materials for CompTIA’s Network+ certification are appropriate) and a text or classhandouts related to network administration activities under Microsoft Windows Server. (Where possible, the text should be the same across all campuses.)
• Students need access to a networked LAN computer classroom that is not connected to the overall college network. Computers need to be running Microsoft client and server operating systems.

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