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CCOG for CIS 278 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
CIS 278
Course Title:
Data Communication Concepts II
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
30

Course Description

Provides in-depth concepts of data communications and networking. Explores network architectures, complex network designs, and network hardware configuration. Explores both ISP-based and telephone system-based options for connectivity. Includes configuring and operating Cisco routers and other data communication equipment in order to build functional networks. Prerequisites: CIS 179, or instructor permission. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Work will principally be done in the laboratory or simulated lab software. Students will have the opportunity to configure routers, switches, and other data communication equipment in order to build functional networks.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Design moderately complex networks using appropriate network and link types.
  • Configure different types of network hardware.
  • Design subnets in both VLSM (variable length subnet masks) and IPv6.

Course Activities and Design

This course is presented by means of:

  • on-campus lectures or notes and recorded lectures within a Learning Management System
  • individual or group lab and written assignments

Students will be required to use essential tools to complete the lab assignments.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Build network and other interface cables
  • Draw logical and physical network diagrams
  • Configure network devices
  • Construct networks
  • Test and troubleshoot the constructed networks
  • Demonstrate laboratory proficiency

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Cables
    • Identify 568A and 568B cable terminations, and when to use each
    • Describe the construction of Twisted Pair, Coax, and Fiberoptic cables
    • Identify when to use straight-through and crossover cables
  • Draw Network Diagrams
    • Students receive a description of a network, then draw a logical diagram of the network.
    • From this diagram and the physical building dimensions, they then draw the physical network including all networking devices and connection points.
  • Configure Network Devices
    • Connect (on simulator or live) routers and switches for varying network needs, including LAN, WAN, and internetwork configurations
  • Construct Networks
    • Students receive a description of a network.
    • They assemble network devices, including switches, routers and workstations, and assemble them into a working network. 
  • Test and troubleshoot networks
    • Test newly constructed networks.
    • The instructor will inject problems and the student will diagnose and correct the problem.
  • Concepts include:
    • Putting networking theory into practice,
    • Designing and building networks,
    • Configuring network hardware,
    • Testing and troubleshooting active networks.