(PHYSICAL AND WIRELESS)
In large companies, computers in the workplace need to be connected to a single unit to get work done. Whether it’s a company or some other shared hub, computers need to be able to share resources to accomplish goals. Building these networks requires skill, so understanding computer networks is key for getting these connections built. Network addresses must be set and approved. Network connections need to be sure. Building these types of networks requires a lot of thought, but with the right knowledge, you can provide your geographic area and beyond with safe, reliable
networked devices. Whether it’s the local area network for your company or the wired network in your home, you’ll need some knowledge to get it started. These computing devices need a shared operating system, some form of network security, and internet protocols to keep sensitive information safe. When you add in other office equipment such as connected printers and others, it can be quite an undertaking to get everything connected. Now that we have wireless networks,
these connections are even more complicated. However, you can find the building blocks for building computer networks with courses designed to give you those fundamental skills. As businesses delve into the world of IT, it could be even more important to build robust, yet safe systems. Network devices are vulnerable to attacks and broken connections, so your expertise is necessary.
This vocational program is designed to prepare successful students for immediate employment in the networking area of computer services occupations. The College believes that this program is consistent with its mission to be an active partner in local economic development by providing skilled entry level workers.
In addition to General Education Outcomes, learners who complete the Computer Networking Diploma will be able to:
Demonstrate introductory knowledge of a programming language and of operating systems;
Identify the different types of hardware and software that are required in networking;
Distinguish between computer processes, services and protocols;
Describe how protocols are used to transmit information across a network;
Identify the flow of information between two communicating computers;
Describe current technologies used in local area networks (LANs);
Describe current technologies used in wide area networks (WANs);
Identify when to use a switch, hub or router;
Identify TCP/IP layers, components and functions and the services these applications provide;
Identify the need for Virtual LANs;
Describe common application servers used for Internet access;
Retrieve Internet information through a wide variety of applications;
Discuss routing methodologies and routing protocols;
Be able to list the common WAN protocols, and understand the specific functions of the Network Layer in terms of network addressing;
Determine the root cause of a technical problem;
List ways to measure networking traffic;
Evaluate networking equipment to solve a performance problem.
CURRICULUM
Week #1 – Introduction and overview
Topics: Basic communications model. Protocol layers and service models. Basic definitions. The OSI model. The Internet protocols. The role of standards organizations.
Week #2 – Overview of the Internet
Topics: What is the Internet? Delay in the Internet (traceroute and ping). History of the Internet. Security in the Internet. Concept of Quality of Service (QoS).
Week #3 – Application layer
Topics: Application layer protocols. Clientserver as a key model. Web, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, POP3, and DNS. Peer-to-peer file sharing networks. Protocol design.
Week #4 – Sockets programming
Topics: Sockets programming in C. A simple client-server implementation. A simple web server implementation. Brief discussion of project.
Week #5 – Transport layer
Topics: Brief discussion of project. Reliable data transfer – Stop-and-wait and Go-back-N design and evaluation. TCP and UDP semantics and syntax.
Week #6 – Transport layer (continued)
Topics: TCP RTT estimation. Principles of congestion control – efficiency and fairness, reactive and proactive.
Week #7 – Security in networks
Topics: Threats and attacks. Symmetric and public key cryptography. Authentication. Firewalls. VPNs.
Week #8 – Network layer and routing
Topics: Principles of routing. Inside an IP router. IP semantics and syntax. Multicast routing.
Week #9 – Network layer and routing
Topics: Link-state and distance vector routing. Midterm exam review.
Week #10 – Link layer (continued)
Topics: Error detection (parity, checksum, and CRC). Multiple access protocols (collision and token based). IEEE 802.3 Ethernet.
Week #11 – Link layer (continued) and physical layer
Topics: Switching and bridging. Media. Signal strength and interference. Data encoding.
Week #12 – Wireless and mobile networks
Topics: IEEE 802.11 WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks
Week #13 – Network management
Topics: What is network management. SNMP. Other tools and trouble-shooting. Traffic analysis. Configuration management.
Week #14 – Hot topics — IoT, NFV, & SDN
Topics: Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Internet of Things (IoT). Review for comprehensive final exam.
Week #15 – Course wrap-up and review for final exam
Topics: Course wrap-up and review for comprehensive final exam.
Week #16 – Final Exam week
Events: Comprehensive final exam