SYLLABUS FOR

DATA COMMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING THEORY
(Directed Study)

 

 

Term:  Spring, 2005-2006  (052)  (January 9 - April 22, 2006)

Course Number:  CIS 460

Instructor: Mr. Darren Henderson

Office:  Room 508

Office Phone:  (219) 473-4346

E-mail:  dhenderson@ccsj.edu

Office Hours:     Monday                                 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

                                                                  5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday                  4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday               12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

                                                                  4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

 

Instructor Background:

Darren Henderson earned a B. S. in Engineering from Purdue University Calumet and a M. S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University with a specialty in Communications and Signal Processing.  His undergraduate curriculum was characterized by a strong emphasis in mathematics and physics including courses in Advanced Calculus, Partial Differential Equations, Complex Analysis, Advanced Analysis, Electromagnetic Field Theory, Optics, and Quantum Mechanics.  As his undergraduate senior design team project, Darren worked on a prototype for a home security and convenience system that provided a speech synthesis capability.  His task was to write the assembly language software for the Motorola HC11 microcontroller and to work with the Texas Instruments speech synthesis chip.  Darren’s graduate coursework included courses in Digital Communications, Digital Signal Processing, Image Processing, Computer Networks, and Estimation Theory.

Darren joined the Computer Information Systems Program at Calumet College of St. Joseph in 1995.  He regularly teaches the courses Business Microcomputer Applications, Web Page Design, C++ Programming I and II, Hardware and Software Concepts, and Data Communications and Networking Theory.  In addition to his teaching activities, Darren has worked for CCSJ's Computer Services Department.  He used his engineering background and skills to help lay the groundwork for the school's existing computer network and services.  He was responsible for initially creating the faculty and staff e-mail accounts and for making the school's computers (faculty, staff, and 4th floor computer labs) Internet accessible.  His duties involved Unix/Linux and Windows NT System Administration and TCP/IP Network Administration in support of DNS, DHCP, WWW, and e-mail services.  He was also responsible for implementing an early firewall to protect the school's Univers database system from unauthorized access.  He currently is working on ways of integrating the Blackboard 5 e-learning environment into his courses at CCSJ.

                Before his tenure at CCSJ, Darren was an adjunct instructor in the Electronics Technology Department at Ivy Tech State College in Valparaiso.  He taught a multitude of courses including: Circuits I and II, Solid State I and II, Digital Principals, Digital Applications, and Electricity for HVAC.

                His current research interests are in C++ programming, software engineering for Internet applications, and network security.

 

Course Time: ARRANGED            Room 508

 

Course Description (revised):  This course presents the underlying principles and theory of data communications and computer networks.  Various network topologies are discussed including their operation and the computer hardware and software required to implement, particular emphasis is given to the Ethernet architecture.  The OSI Model and the TCP/IP suite of protocols are used to develop an understanding of layered protocols.  Both peer-to-peer networking and internetworking concepts will be presented.

 

Prerequisites: 

CIS 115, CIS 125, and CIS 312 or 320

 

Learning Outcomes/ Competencies:

Students in this course will:

 

·         be provided with an overview of the major local area network (LAN) topologies and protocols.

·         study the layered protocol concept using the OSI model and the TCP/IP suite of protocols.

·         configure DNS, DHCP, Web, and Email services

·         gain familiarity with various types of communications channels and the types of transmission impairments that are characteristic of each type.

·         understand the differences between analog and digital signals and systems.

 

Textbook: (Recommended)

Business Data Communications, 5th., Stallings, William, Prentice Hall Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2005. (ISBN 0-13-144257-0)

 

Learning Strategies:

With a directed study mode of delivery, the directed study student is responsible for learning the subject material during the time constraints specified in the “Course Outline” below.  Due to the technical nature of the subject matter, supplemental course material (e.g. instructor class notes, assessment exercises ) may be provided as required to the directed study student in either hard copy form or available in downloadable form (e.g. Adobe PDF files or Word documents) on the CIS 460 Blackboard supplement for the directed study student to printout.  Periodic consultation sessions will be held throughout the duration of the term.  Meeting/session times will be arranged in advance in order to best accommodate the schedules of the Instructor and/or the directed study student.  Instructor-Student consultations are also available via electronic mail (e-mail) where deemed appropriate.  The purpose of the sessions will be to address questions on reading assignments, supplemental material, homework problems/projects, and exam preparation.  However, the sessions should NOT be construed as a formal lecture as with a regularly scheduled class.  Students demonstrate the course competencies in part by completing periodic assignments and projects.

 

Assessment:

The student’s grade is computed using the weights shown below:

 

                                        Class Exercises/Class Participation                               25%

                                        Homework                                                            25%

                                        Midterm                                                                 25%

                                        Final                                                                       25%

                                                                                                                        ------

                                                                                                                        100%

 

Class Policy for Assignments/Exams:

Homework problems will be assigned throughout the duration of the term. Homework will be collected generally two weeks from the date assigned unless otherwise directed.  Late homework is subject to an automatic deduction to be determined by the instructor.  All LATE Homework received after 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2006 (i.e. Week #15) will NOT be considered for credit and will result in an assigned score of zero.

 

Failure to submit a required homework assignment(s) by the instructor-specified deadlines will result in an assigned score of zero.  A missed midterm exam or final exam will be assigned a score of zero.

 

Exams are typically closed book and closed notes.

 

The FINAL EXAM is comprehensive!

 

The function of the homework assignments is that they serve both as exam preparation and to explore optional or related topics in more detail.  The function of the exams is to confirm that the student has achieved the required level of proficiency in the subject material.

 

Grading Scale:

 

A: 93-100                A-: 90-92               B+:  87-89     B: 83-86         B-:  80-82    C+: 77-79

C: 73-76                 C-: 70-72              D+:  67-69     D: 63-66         D-:  60-62    F:  59 & below

 

Class Policy on Attendance:

Periodic consultation sessions will be held throughout the duration of the term.  Meeting/session times will be arranged in advance in order to best accommodate the schedules of the Instructor and/or the Directed Study student(s).  Instructor-Student consultations are also available via electronic mail (e-mail) where deemed appropriate.  The purpose of the sessions will be to address questions on reading assignments, homework problems, and exam preparation.  However, the sessions should NOT be construed as a formal lecture as with a regularly scheduled class.

 

Class Policy on Electronic Devices:

As a matter of courtesy to the instructor and to fellow students, cell phones, beepers, pagers, etc. are generally NOT to be answered in class and should be switched off BEFORE class begins.  If it is absolutely necessary to receive a call during the class period, then the device should be placed in a “vibrate” mode and the student should answer the call outside the classroom so as to minimize disruptions to the learning environment.

 

Course Outline: (Tentative)

 

Class Dates:

Topics/Assignments:

WEEK 1

 

Course Policies/Syllabus

Data Communications and Networking Overview

WEEK 2

 

Class Exercise - A Simple Ethernet TCP/IP Network

Network Hardware and Software

Network Topologies

Network Addressing Basics

Peer to Peer Networking vs Client Server Networking

Ethernet NIC installation and Network Assembly

Static TCP/IP Network Configuration

TCP/IP Network Testing

Microsoft Workgroup/File and Printer Sharing Concepts

WEEK 3

 

RFC 1180 (A TCP/IP Tutorial) Handout

Background:

Computer Network Concepts: Definition, LAN vs WAN, Topologies

Ethernet Operation and Addressing

Number Systems (decimal, binary, and hex)

Layered Protocols (TCP/IP over Ethernet)

OSI Model

Ethernet II Header

IP Addressing

ARP protocol

IP Routing

Homework #1 – TCP/IP Network Commands

WEEK 4

 

Windows 2K Server Handouts (2)

DNS and DHCP Concepts

Class Exercise - DNS Server

Class Exercise – DHCP Server and DHCP Client

WEEK 5

 

Windows 2K Server Handouts  (2)

Web Server and Client Concepts

FTP Server and Client Concepts

NTFS Permissions

Class Exercise – Web Server and Web Client

Class Exercise – FTP Server and FTP Client

WEEK 6

 

Email Server Handouts

Email Server and Client Concepts

Class Exercise – Email Server

Class Exercise – Email Client

WEEK 7

 

Midterm Review

WEEK 8

 

Midterm Exam

 

WEEK 9

 

RFC 1180 (A TCP/IP Tutorial) Handout (cont.)

“Hands-On TCP/IP” Handouts (2)

Ethernet Demultiplexing

Ethernet Header

IP Header

ARP Header

TCP and UDP Headers

Class Exercise – Ethernet Demultiplexing

Homework #2 – Internet Research/Ethernet Demultiplexing

WEEK 10

 

RFC 1180 (A TCP/IP Tutorial) Handout (cont.)

“TCP/IP Network Administration” Handout

IP Routing Concepts

Transport Layer Concepts – TCP and UDP

Flow Control and Error Control Concepts

Half-Duplex vs Full-Duplex Operation

ARQ Mechanisms: Stop-and-Wait and Go-Back-N

Common Windows and Red Hat Linux TCP/IP Commands and Results Handout

Homework #3 – Freesco Router

WEEK 11

 

Wireless Technology and Wireless LAN Concepts

Class Exercise – Wireless LAN Configuration

Class Exercise – IP Router Configuration

WEEK 12

 

Class Exercise – Ethernet-TCP/IP Internetwork

Class Exercise – Review of IP Router Configuration, TCP/IP Network Services and Applications

WEEK 13

 

“Packet Sniffer” Software

Registration/Whois Services

Sockets

Network Address Translation (NAT)

Firewalls

Class Exercise - “Packet Sniffer” Software

Class Exercise - Freesco “Dial-Up” Router Configuration

WEEK 14

 

Final Exam Review

NO CLASS - Easter Recess

WEEK 15

 

Final Exam

 

 

Class Participation:

See "Class Policy on Attendance" above

 

Center for Academic Excellence:

Tutoring assistance is free to all students of Calumet College of St. Joseph.  The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) has experienced and well-trained tutors in most subject areas to help students who are struggling in a course or who are doing well and would like to do better.  Regular weekly tutoring sessions are likely to improve your grade.  In addition to the face-to-face tutoring offered by the Center, online tutoring is available for students whose schedules do not permit them to meet with a tutor in person.  Call the Center for Academic Excellence at (219) 473-4287, to schedule a tutoring appointment or for additional information about how to access online tutoring assistance.

 

Academic Alerts:

In order to assist students to successfully persist towards course completion, Calumet College of St. Joseph asks instructors to give a written evaluation in the form of an Academic Alert at the end of the 5th and 10th weeks of the semester (Fall and Spring) for any students performing below “C” average work.  The current practice is to have the instructor hand-deliver the alert to the student if possible otherwise the alert is forwarded to the CCSJ Academic Advising office where it is then delivered to the student via the U.S Postal Service.  The intent of the academic alert system is to notify the student of substandard performance so that they may take steps to rectify the situation (e.g. tutoring through the Center for Academic Excellence)  However, students should realize that NOT receiving an Academic Alert on week #5 or week #10 is NOT a guarantee of NOT receiving a grade below a “C” for the semester since a student’s assigned semester grade depends on the student’s performance during all 15 weeks of the semester.

 

Statement of Plagiarism:

If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances.

 

Please note: Calumet College of St. Joseph subscribes to Turnitin.com and all papers can and may be submitted for checks on plagiarism from the Internet/Electronic sources/Databases.

 

Citation Guidelines:

Calumet College of St. Joseph adheres to citation guidelines as prescribed by the particular discipline (i.e., MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual of Style or Turabian.).  All of these guidelines are available in the Calumet College of St. Joseph library or bookstore.  These texts outline how to cite references from a variety of sources, including electronic media.

 

School Closing Information:

 

                Internet:                                               http://www.ccsj.edu

               

http://www.EmergencyClosings.com

Facility: Calumet College of St. Joseph

Phone: 219.473.4770

 

                Radio:

 

WAKE – 1500 AM

WGN  - 720 AM

WIJE – 105.5 FM

WLS – 890 AM

WZVN – 107.1 FM

WBBM NEWS RADIO 78

 

                TV Channels:

 

2, 5, 7, 9 (WGN), 32 (WFLD)

 

 

 

Withdrawal from Classes Policy:

After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar. The Registrar must receive written request for withdrawal by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests may be mailed to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax number 219-473-4259. Students are to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. The request is forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. If the request is honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if denied, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed.

 

An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Dropping a course without written permission automatically incurs an "F" grade for the course (see Refund Schedule).