Syllabus for CMP-3540

NETWORK TECHNOLOGY

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides students with the fundamental concepts of data communications and teaches practical approaches and considerations when designing, implementing, and securing a network environment. It includes an analysis of the physical and logical aspects of the network infrastructure and the various industry standards and models available. The material also consists of the common techniques to identify threats and countermeasures utilized to minimize exposure on a network. Throughout this course, students develop and build their analytical and problem-solving skills. Specific topics covered include network standards, architectures, topologies, devices, media, protocols, security, and other network-based technologies.

COURSE TOPICS

Open System Interconnection (OSI) model
Network topologies
Network media
Internetwork devices
Network protocols
Wireless networking
Wide area networks
Network security
Network management

COURSE OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, you should be able to:

CO 1 Explore types of local area networks (LAN), network standards, architectures, and topologies.

CO 2 Specify common types of network media, devices, protocols, and services.

CO 3 Determine the need for firewalls and network security appliances.

CO 4 Determine the features of different network-based and virtual technologies.

CO 5 Evaluate wireless local area network (WLAN), wide area network (WAN), and remote access technologies.

CO 6 Choose the mitigation methods to protect a network from threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks.

CO 7 Determine the purpose and use of security policies and procedures in organizations.

CO 8 Assess common management techniques to identify vulnerabilities, detect threats, and monitor the network.

COURSE MATERIALS

You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.

Required Textbook

The following CertMaster course will serve as your virtual textbook for the course:

CertMaster Learn Network+

ISBN: 978-1642745245

CertMaster provides interactive online courses that help the student prepare for various certification exams. In completing the coursework, the student will be using parts of the CertMaster course as an interactive textbook with chapters, sections, practice questions, and simulated labs to aid in learning about topics in information systems.

Access to these CertMaster resources is provided in the CertMaster Course section of your online course. When you click the CertMaster Course link for the first time, you will need to enter your product code. Use the instructions found in the same section of the course to purchase access. Once you have made your payment and entered the product code, you will have access through the same CertMaster Course link.

Please Note: Be sure to purchase the CertMaster Learn Network+ with the following ISBN to ensure you are using the correct product for this course: ISBN 978-1642745-245.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Network Technology is a three-credit, online course consisting of six modules. Modules include an overview, topics, learning objectives, study materials, and activities. Module titles are listed below.

Module 1: Network Concepts
Course objectives covered in this module: CO 1, CO 2
Module 2: Local Area Networks
Course objectives covered in this module: CO 1, CO 2
Module 3: Network Devices
Course objectives covered in this module: CO 2, CO 3, CO 4
Module 4: Wireless and Wide Area Networks
Course objectives covered in this module: CO 1, CO 2, CO 5
Module 5: Network Security
Course objectives covered in this module: CO 6, CO 7
Module 6: Network Operations and Management
Course objective covered in this module: CO 8

ASSESSMENT METHODS

For your formal work in the course, you are required to participate in online discussion forums, complete CertMaster assignments, and complete a final project. See below for details.

Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.

Promoting Originality

One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in this document.

Discussion Forums

You are required to complete four discussion forums. The discussion forums are on a variety of topics associated with the course modules.

The purpose of the discussion forums is to help make the connection between the course concepts and the goals of the course. In discussion posts, you express your opinions and thoughts, provide support and evidence for the position(s) you take on a subject, and have the opportunity to ask questions and expand on insights provided by your classmates. Active participation is vital to your overall success in this course.

Located within the Evaluation Rubrics section of the course website is the online discussion forum rubric used to aid in the grading of all online discussion assignments.

CertMaster Lab Assignments

You are required to complete ten CertMaster Lab Assignments, each consisting of a number of individual labs. For each individual lab, you are required to download and submit the lab report in PDF form. In addition, you are required to write and submit a 1-page reflection paper (250 to 300 words) that covers all labs in the assignment and explains what you have learned, challenges you have encountered, and how this knowledge can be applied professionally or personally.

Course Project

You are required to develop a secure network design describing the functions and features of the network components for a mid- to large-sized company with multiple sites. You will define the required details in six assignments, listed below:

Course Project Assignment 1: Project Proposal
Course Project Assignment 2: Local Area Networks
Course Project Assignment 3: Network Devices
Course Project Assignment 4: Wireless and Wide Area Networks
Course Project Assignment 5: Network Security
Course Project Assignment 6: Course Paper

GRADING AND EVALUATION

Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

Online discussions (4)—20%
CertMaster lab assignments (10)—40%
Course project—40%

Course Project Assignment 1—5%
Course Project Assignment 2—5%
Course Project Assignment 3—5%
Course Project Assignment 4—5%
Course Project Assignment 5—5%
Course Project Assignment 6—15%

All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:

A	=	93–100	C+	=	78–79
A–	=	90–92	C	=	73–77
B+	=	88–89	C–	=	70–72
B	=	83–87	D	=	60–69
B–	=	80–82	F	=	Below 60

To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or better (for an area of study course) or D or better (for a course not in your area of study), based on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, discussion postings).

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

First Steps to Success

To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:

Read the entire Syllabus carefully, making sure that all aspects of the course are clear to you and that you have all the materials required for the course.
Take time to read the entire Online Student Handbook. The Handbook answers many questions about how to proceed through the course and how to get the most from your educational experience at Thomas Edison State University.
Familiarize yourself with the learning management systems environment—how to navigate it and what the various course areas contain. If you know what to expect as you navigate the course, you can better pace yourself and complete the work on time.
If you are not familiar with web-based learning, be sure to review the processes for posting responses online and submitting assignments before class begins.

Study Tips

Consider the following study tips for success:

To stay on track throughout the course, begin each week by consulting the Course Calendar. The Course Calendar provides an overview of the course and indicates due dates for submitting assignments, posting discussions, and submitting the course project.
Check Announcements regularly for new course information.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Thomas Edison State University recognizes, values, and relies upon the diversity of our community. We strive to provide equitable, inclusive learning experiences that embrace our students’ backgrounds, identities, experiences, abilities, and expertise.

Using AI Ethically: A Guide for TESU Students

TESU's Academic Code of Conduct permits student AI use in support of their writing and research process--not as a replacement for original writing. Document AI use with an acknowledgment statement at the end of each assignment, noting the tools and prompts used. Cite any AI-generated content on the References page. Please review Using AI Ethically: A Guide for TESU Students for more detailed information.

ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS

Thomas Edison State University adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990; ADAAA, 2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) oversees requests for academic accommodations related to disabilities; a student who is pregnant, postpartum, or a student parenting a newborn who is not the birth parent [as covered under NJSA18A]; and students requesting academic accommodation for a short-term/temporary illness and/or injury. Information can be found on the Office of Student Accessibility Services webpage and questions can be sent to ADA@tesu.edu.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.

For more, see: