Mar 28, 2024  
2022 - 2023 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2022 - 2023 Cowley College Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

CIS1958 NETWORK+ COURSE PROCEDURE


CIS1958 NETWORK+

3 Credit Hours

Student Level:

This course is open to students on the college level in either the Freshman or Sophomore year.

Catalog Description:

CIS1958 - Network+ (3 hrs.)

This course will prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ certification.  The topics will include networking concepts, cabling, wireless networking, cloud computing, network risk management, unified communications, network segmentation/virtualization, wide area networks, and industrial/enterprise networking.

Course Classification:

Lecture

Prerequisites:

None.

Co-requisites:

None

Controlling Purpose:

This course is designed to prepare students to set up, install, and protect computer networks.  These concepts provide a foundation for further courses involving networking and preparation for the Network+ certification test.

Learner Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to explain networking concepts, cabling, wireless networking, cloud computing, network risk management, unified communications, network segmentation/virtualization, wide area networks, and industrial/enterprise networking.  The student will be able to set up and secure a simple network.

Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:

The following outline defines the minimum core content, not including the final examination period.  Instructors may add other material as time allows.

UNIT 1: Introduction to Networking

Outcomes: Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of networking including protocols, client-server models, peer-to-peer models, networking hardware devices, OSI model, best practices, and the seven-step troubleshooting model.

  • Identify types of applications and protocols used on a network
  • Distinguish between the client-server and peer-to-peer models used to control access to a network
  • Describe various networking hardware devices and the most common physical topologies
  • Describe the seven layers of the OSI model
  • Explore best practices for safety when working with networks and computers
  • Describe the seven-step troubleshooting model for solving a networking problem

UNIT 2: Computers Communicating on Networks

Outcomes: Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to identify how computers communicate on a network including hostnames, domain names, ports, sockets, IP address, OSI Transport layer, and the OSI Network layer.

  • Describe how computers and other devices are addressed on a network
  • Explain how hostnames and domain names work
  • Identify how ports and sockets work at the OSI Transport layer
  • Demonstrate how IP addresses are assigned and formatted at the OSI Network layer
  • Use command-line tools to troubleshoot problems with network addresses

UNIT 3: Transportation of Data Over Networks

Outcomes: Explain how data is sent over networks including TCP/IP protocols, routing, IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols, and use TCP/IP utilities.

  • Identify and explain the functions of the core TCP/IP protocols
  • Explain the purposes and properties of routing and describe common IPv4 and IPv6 routing protocols
  • Employ multiple TCP/IP utilities for network discovery and troubleshooting

UNIT 4: Structured Cabling and Networking Elements

Outcomes: Explain and set up cabling and networking elements as well as troubleshooting network devices.

  • Identify the best practices for managing network and cabling equipment in commercial buildings and work are
  • Explain issues related to managing power and the environment in which networking equipment operates
  • Describe characteristics of NIC and Ethernet interfaces
  • Troubleshoot network devices and create a network map to be used for network troubleshooting

UNIT 5: Network Cabling

Outcomes: Describe the basics of network cabling including basic data transmission concepts, coaxial cabling, STP, UTP, fiber-optic media, networking media, connectors, converters, couplers, and usage of tools for troubleshooting network cabling problems.

  • Explain basic data transmission concepts, including signaling, data modulation, multiplexing, bandwidth, baseband, and broadband
  • Describe the physical characteristics and Ethernet standards of coaxial cable, STP, UTP, and fiber-optic media
  • Compare the benefits and limitations of different networking media
  • Explore the connectors, converters, and couplers for each cabling type
  • Examine common cable problems and differentiate between various tools for troubleshooting those problems

UNIT 6: Wireless Networking

Outcomes: Explain the basics of wireless networking, including nodes, obstacles, WLAN, WLAN transmission methods, wireless access points, wireless security concerns, and evaluation of common problems.

  • Explain how nodes exchange wireless signals
  • Identify potential obstacles to successful wireless transmission and their repercussions, such as interference and reflection
  • Understand WLAN (wireless LAN) architecture
  • Specify the characteristics of popular WLAN transmission methods, including 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Install and configure wireless access points and their clients
  • Explore wireless security concerns
  • Evaluate common problems experienced with wireless networks

UNIT 7: Cloud Computing and Remote Access

Outcomes: Explain cloud computing, remote connection methods, VPNs, methods of encryption, user authentication protocols, and symptoms of connectivity and security problems with remote connections.

  • Identify the features and benefits of cloud computing
  • Explain methods for remotely connecting to a network
  • Discuss VPNs (virtual private networks) and the protocols they rely on
  • Understand methods of encryption, such as IPsec, SSL/TLS, SFTP, and SSH, that can secure data in storage and in transit
  • Describe how user authentication protocols such as RADIUS, TACACS+, EAP, and Kerberos function
  • Recognize symptoms of connectivity and security problems commonly encountered with remote connections

UNIT 8: Network Risk Management

Outcomes: Explain network risk management, including various security risks, effective security policy, security measures and devices, and prevention/response to malware infections.

  • Assess a network’s security needs and vulnerabilities
  • Describe security risks associated with people, hardware, software, and Internet access
  • Discuss the elements of an effective security policy
  • Apply appropriate security measures and devices when designing a network
  • Prevent and respond to malware infections

UNIT 9: Unified Communications and Network Performance Management

Outcomes: Explain network management, including basic concepts, system and event logs, unified communications performance, three common quality of service technique, and troubleshooting techniques.

  • Describe the basic concepts of network management
  • Utilize system and event logs to evaluate, monitor, and manage network performance
  • Explain how unified communications, including voice and video transmissions, affect network performance
  • Explain three common quality of service technique
  • Troubleshoot network availability issues and evaluate network redundancy measures

UNIT 10: Network Segmentation and Virtualization

Outcomes: Explain network segmentation and virtualization concepts including methods of network design, virtual network components, incorporation of virtual components in VLANs, switches, switching techniques, and methods of combining VM and VLAN technologies.

  • Describe methods of network design unique to TCP/IP networks, including subnetting, CIDR, and supernetting
  • Explain virtualization and identify characteristics of virtual network components
  • Describe techniques for incorporating virtual components in VLANs
  • Explain the advanced features of a switch and understand popular switching techniques, including VLAN management
  • Identify methods of combining VM and VLAN technologies

UNIT 11: Wide Area Networks

Outcomes: Explain wide area networks including uses, WAN topologies, characteristics of WAN technologies, WAN transmission and connection methods, wireless WAN technologies, and common problems with WANs.

  • Identify a variety of uses for WANs
  • Explain different WAN topologies, including their advantages and disadvantages
  • Compare the characteristics of WAN technologies, including their switching type, throughput, media, security, and reliability
  • Describe several WAN transmission and connection methods, including dial-up, ISDN, T-carriers, frame relay, DSL, broadband cable, broadband over power line, ATM, SONET, MPLS, and Metro Ethernet
  • Describe wireless WAN technologies, including 802.16 (WiMAX), HSPA+, LTE, and satellite communications
  • Explore common problems with WAN connections and ways to prevent Internet connection problems

UNIT 12: Industrial and Enterprise Networking

Outcomes: Explain industrial and enterprise networking, including industrial control systems, SCADA, network assets, change management procedures, physical security controls, and components of a disaster recovery plan and incident response plan.

  • Identify significant components of an industrial control system or SCADA system
  • Inventory and manage network assets and identify significant business documents
  • Create and follow appropriate change management procedures for major and minor network changes
  • Identify significant physical security controls to limit or monitor access to secure are
  • Describe the components of a reliable disaster recovery plan and a defensible incident response plan

Projects Required:

Varies, refer to syllabus.

Textbook:

Contact Bookstore for current textbook.

Materials/Equipment Required:

None

Attendance Policy:

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy:

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size:

Based on classroom occupancy

Course Time Frame:

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college.  A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies:

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program: 

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability. If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class and which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.