Description:

This course is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of networking technology. Concepts covered include network terminology and protocols, network standards, LANs and WANs, the layers of the OSI reference model, cabling practices, network topologies, and IP addressing.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain the basics of networking in a personal computer environment.
2. Identify and explain the uses of various networking components.
3. Distinguish between basic models of the theoretical network.
4. Defend the current trends in real world networking technologies as applied in today’s office environment.
5. Outline the basics of designing a local area network.
6. List the steps in configuring a network server.
7. List the steps in configuring a network client.
8. Describe the various tasks of network administration.
9. Distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of remote access to a local area network.
10. Discuss commonly used approaches for expanding existing networks.
11. Contrast differences between a local area network and a wide area network.
12. Explain various methods of network troubleshooting.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Basic Networking Technologies
   A. Define computer networking.
   B. Explain the difference between clients, servers, and peers.
   C. Describe the five basic network topologies, and explain the
advantages and disadvantages of each.
   D. Identify basic networking media, including a situation in which each
would be appropriate.
   E. List the basic network protocols and define the characteristics of
each.
   F. Explain the basic principles of network design.

II. Network Components
   A. List the various types of signal transmissions, and the advantages
and disadvantages of each.
   B. Compare and contrast the basic network media types.
   C. Explain the differences among basic cable media.
   D. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of various wireless media.
   E. Define network adapters and explain the process they play in
networking computers.

III. The Theoretical Network
   A. Describe the OSI and 802 theoretical networking models.
   B. Explain how the theoretical models relate to the real world.
   C. Describe networking components within the OSI framework.
   
IV. Real World Networks
   A. Describe how Ethernet networks function and their advantages and
disadvantages.
   B. Contrast Token Ring networks with Ethernet networks.
   C. Explain FDDI and its various uses.
   D. Relate the application of ATM to real world networks.

V. Local Area Network Design
   A. Explain how the size of the network affects the choices of hardware
and software that you will make.
   B. List the advantages and disadvantages of each of the basic
networking technologies within a Local Area Network.
   C. Contrast the types of physical cabling, and offer examples in which
each type might be used.

VI. Network Server Configuration
   A. Describe how server hardware interacts with server software.
   B. Outline the steps in installing a server.
   C. Identify methods of sharing printers across a Local Area Network.
   D. Compare and contrast the various types of network applications.
   E. Describe a client-server and explain its uses.

VII. Network Client Configuration
   A. Give example of the various operating systems that can be used on a
client.
   B. Explain the basics of network adapter cards.
   C. Describe how a client can use the resources of a server.
   D. Outline the basics of troubleshooting client problems.

VIII. Local Area Network Administration
   A. Describe the job responsibilities of the network administrator.
   B. List the components of a network environment as related to users and
groups.
   C. Define network security and explain why it is so important in the
networked environment.
   D. Describe methods for managing your network environment.

IX. Remote Access
   A. Explain how modems work and their purpose.
   B. Describe at least three types of modems.
   C. Compare the two basic carriers for modem signals.
   D. Describe remote access software and explain its ramifications to an
organization.

X. Networks Expansion
   A. List the hardware required to expand networks and explain the
purpose of each one.
   B. Describe the process for connecting multiple networks.

XI. Wide Area Networks
   A. Explain the basics of a Wide Area Network and contrast it with a
Local Area Network.
   B. Describe the two basic public network services.
   C. Compare and contrast the three basic types of network switching.
   D. List the types of network lines that might be encountered in a real
work network.
   E. Explain the uses for X.25, Frame Relay, ATM, ISDN, FDDI, and SONET.
   
XII. Network Troubleshooting
   A. Explain methods of proactively preventing problems.
   B. List the basic methods of troubleshooting a network problem.
   C. Identify where you might find resources for troubleshooting network
problems.
   D. Describe various diagnostic tools used in trouble-shooting
networks.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Unit Quizzes (10 pts x 12) 120 (48%)
Midterm (Written) 50           (20%)
Class Participation 30         (12.5%)
Final (Written) 50             (12%)
Total 250                     (100%)

Grading Scale (percentage of total points):
90 - 100 = A
80 -  89 = B
70 -  79 = C
60 -  69 = D
Below 60 = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.