CS 457 - Computer Networks
MIS420 - Networking in a Business Environment
SYLLABUS


Number and Title of Course: CS 457 - Computer Networks : MIS420 - Networking in a Business Environment
Instructor(s): Dr. Wayne Summers -      Office: SCA204
Office phone: 454-3230     Department phone: 454-3295

Office Hours: MW 3:00-3:50 p.m. TR 1:45-2:45; via e-mail, net-meetings and by appointment
e-mail address: summers_wayne@ColumbusState.edu
homepage:http://csc.ColumbusState.edu/summers
Catalog Description of Course:(CS457/557)A study of the major concepts of computer networks and data communications. Topics discussed will include data communications networking, computer communications architectures and protocols as well as applications including Local Area Networks(LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN). (3 credits).
Catalog Description of Course: (MIS420/520)An introduction into the use and role of LANs in the business environment. The course discusses the function of file servers in the LAN environment and provides hands-on experience. (3 credits).
Course Prerequisite: Junior Standing and a familiarity with computers.
Required Textbook(s):
  1. Business Data Communications and Networking, 3nd Edition by Raymond Panko, Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-13-088262-3.
  2. Traveler's Guide to the Internet by Wayne Summers [available online] or other Internet book
  3. On-line documentation
Supplementary Books and Materials

Educational Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:
  1. Discuss the unified view of the field of computer communications.
  2. Discuss various communications architectures and protocols.
  3. Understand several communications models including the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI).
  4. Understand the functioning of several Local Area Networks like Novell's Netware, UNIX networks, Windows peer-to-peer networks and Windows Client-Server.
  5. Connect computers in a local area network.
  6. Work in a Windows peer-to-peer network environment.
  7. Work in a Unix network environment.
  8. Work in a Windows NT network environment.
  9. Connect and use a modem.
  10. Use the Internet as an example of a WAN.
  11. Be comfortable with the vast array of terms and concepts in data networking.

Major Topics

  1. Basic Concepts and Principles
  2. Layered (Encapsulated) Communication for Internet Access
  3. A Closer Look at HTTP, TCP, IP, and PPP
  4. Physical Layer Concepts
  5. Modems and Beyond
  6. A Small PC Network
  7. Small Ethernet LANs
  8. Larger Site Networks
  9. Wide Area Networking
  10. Network Security
  11. Networked Applications

Instructional Methods and Techniques

  1. The class will meet for two one-hour fifteen minute lecture/discussion periods each week via WebCT.
  2. Many of the assignments should stress hands-on applications by the students.

Assignments for Course

  1. Readings from the textbook(s)
  2. Outside reading from popular computing and information technology periodicals like PC-Week, PC-Magazine, etc.
  3. Readings from documents found on the Internet
  4. Weekly homework assignments may include -
    1. installing a network card and connecting to a LAN
    2. using the Internet for e-mail, ftp, and accessing the web
    3. installing a peer-to-peer network
    4. setting up a client and using UNIX
    5. setting up a client and using Windows NT
    6. Using TCP/IP tools
    7. Setting up a network
    8. Installing a modem and connecting to a WAN
    9. Network programming

Course Evaluation (approx.):

  1. One midterm and final exam over the lectures, readings, and homework consisting of both non-essay and essay questions. [300 pts]
  2. Homework including lab assignments that reinforce the material discussed in class. [200-300 pts]
  3. The students would be expected to discuss their readings weekly in the discussion group and online during the chat sessions. [100 pts]
  4. Networking project - preferably hands-on but may be replaced by a term paper / report on an emerging topic in computer networks
    should include a PowerPoint presentation that is suitable for posting on the Internet for discussion by the class. [100 pts]

Grades may be determined according to this scale :

A    90% - 100% B    80% - 89%
C    70% - 79% D    60% - 69%

Honor Policy:

Cheating will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating will be given a zero on the assignment or exam. Repeat offenders will be given an F for the course and may suffer expulsion from the university. All work must be your own. You may discuss the material in the course and help one another, however, I expect any work you hand in for a grade to be your own. Plagiarism will result in, at best, an "F" for the assignment. A simple way to avoid inadvertent plagiarism is to talk about the assignments, but don't read each other's work or write solutions together. Keep scratch paper and old versions of assignments until after the assignment has been graded and returned to you. If you have any questions about this, please see me immediately.
Class Attendance: Class attendance is the responsibility of the student, and it is the student's responsibility to independently cover any material s/he may miss. Class attendance and participation may also be used in determining grades. You should attend all lab sessions. Attendance will be taken.
Makeup Exams: Makeup exams will be given only if the instructor is notified IN ADVANCE of the exam with a legitimate reason for missing the exam.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR CS 457: Computer Networks
MIS420 - Networking in a Business Environment

(tentative)

  Lecture topic Chapters Homework Topic
Week 1 (8/20-24) Basic Concepts and Principles P1
TG1, TG2, TG3		 overview of computer networking
Week 2 (8/27-31) Layered (Encapsulated) Communication for Internet Access P2

TG4, TG6, TG7		 introduction to Internet networking and standards
Week 3 (9/3-9/7) A Closer Look at HTTP, TCP, IP, and PPP P3
 HTTP and IP protocols
Week 4 (9/10-9/14) More on TCP/IP Module A TCP/IP
Week 5 (9/17-9/21) Physical Layer Concepts
Modems and Beyond		 P4, P5 physical layer of networking
Week 6 (9/24-9/28) More on Propagation
Telephone Service		 Module B
Module D		 data transmission issues
Week 7 (10/1-10/5) A Small PC Network
Small Ethernet LANs 		P6, P7 LAN networking assignment
Week 8 (10/8-10/12) More on Local Area Networks Module C Ethernet
Week 9 (10/15-10/19) Larger Site Networks
Wide Area Networking 		P8, P9 internetworking
Week 10 (10/22-10/26) More on Large Scale Networks Module E WANs
Week 11 (10/29-11/2) Network Security P10, Module F network security
Week 12 (11/5-11/9) Networked Applications P11 e-mail application
Week 13 (11/12-11/16) Networked Applications Module G LISTSERV program
Week 14 (11/19-11/23) Looking Forward
Happy Thanksgiving		 P12 network management
Week 15: Review PROJECTS
Week 16: FINAL EXAM - Thurs. Dec. 6: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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written by Wayne Summers summers_wayne@ColumbusState.edu