Course Description
A foundation course in networking and telecommunications technologies, and management of modern data networks, with emphasis on the building blocks of local and wide area networks. Subjects covered include networking architectures, topologies, models, layers, protocols, IP subnetting, equipment, operating systems, security and various tools and utilities. Also covered are economic and policy issues inherent to telecommunications, and management skills that the professional in this field will need to master.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze and explain the evolution of telecommunications networks, from the telegraph to currently emerging technologies, with a focus on the economic, legal, and policy issues driving the industry,
- Summarize and describe data and voice communications and telecommunications models (e.g., OSI and Internet models), topologies (LAN, MAN and WAN), protocols, standards and architectures in use today.
- Describe the functions of telecommunications standards bodies, and various standards such as ISO OSI and the IEEE 802-series standards and protocols.
- Discuss the concepts and the physical “building blocks” of data communication networks such as switches, routers, firewalls, and cabling.
- Describe logical elements such as algorithms and protocols used to establish communication between networked devices and between multiple networks,
- Define the characteristics and nomenclature of various wireless protocols and devices,
- Explain why different technologies are deployed in different contexts of networking, considering factors such as topology, bandwidth, distance, application and number of user.
- Demonstrate proficiency in IP management including subnetting and supernetting.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform basic troubleshooting operations on LANs, WANs and connected devices, and to analyze network traffic and behavior.
- Describe various information security practices and methods for mitigating network threats.
- Discuss the use and management implications of telecommunications networks including security, technical staff recruitment and professional development.
- Design a multilayer Ethernet LAN, incorporating and comparing other network topologies as needed.