In this course, you will learn about network topologies, protocols, network components, cabling, network operating systems, directories, security, printing, data backup, installation of file servers, workstations, and applications.

What you learn in this course will benefit you by providing a comprehensive and up-to-date survey of basic networking concepts and terminology. This will enable you to build a solid foundation for subsequent courses in the NVCC Information Technology (IT) Network Administration and Network Engineering programs of studies. For students majoring in other IT programs it will help you to understand how networks support applications and are supported by hardware and software. The course provides a thorough coverage of designs - topologies, media, architectures, and protocols - that compose modern IT networks. If you will be using the principles covered in this course for your everyday job, then it will also help to prepare you for the various professional certification tests that are available in the IT world (such as the Network+) - do note that you will need more study, especially of sample exams, before you invest $100+ for these exams.

PREREQUISITE:  

ITN 100 (IST 212) or equivalent (by instructor permission)  

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Understand basic concepts and terminology of networking. 
• Understand peer-to-peer and client-server based networks. 
• Understand the major types of network topologies. 
• Know the purpose of repeaters, bridges, routers, brouters, and gateways in networks. 
• Know the characteristics of various physical devices used in networks, especially types of cables, connectors, interface devices - and their advantages and disadvantages. 
• Know the difference between broadband and baseband transmissions. 
• Describe the working and characteristics of network interface hardware and software. 
• Understand and explain the OSI reference model. 
• Understand and explain the IEEE 802 networking model and related standards. 
• Know the structure of network packets. 
• Relate the various networking protocols to the OSI reference model. 
• Relate the various networking protocols to the TCP/IP protocol suite/stack. 
• Know the addressing at Layers 2 and 3, especially subnet masking. 
• Understand the different major networking architectures. 
• Understand the basic concepts and components of a network operating system. 
• Know key roles and responsibilities of a network system administrator. 
• Describe the roles of modems and commercial carriers in building a network. 
• Explain the basic concepts associated with wide area networking and how it differs from local area networking. 
• Relate the key issues in network management. 
• Relate major changes in networking resulting from the growth of the Internet.

 

Your course grade will be determined by the introductory letter, discussion forum, 6 quizzes, 3 exams, according to the following points:

There are four (4) exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : ckellermann@nvcc.edu
Telephone :(703) 878 - 5628
You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.