Standard

Posted: 09/05/07

CIS 1140 - Networking Fundamentals

Course Description

Introduces networking technologies and prepares students to take the CompTIA’s broad-based, vendor independent networking certification exam, Network +. Covers a wide range of material about networking, from careers in networking to local area networks, wide area networks, protocols, topologies, transmission media, and security. Focuses on operating network management systems, and implementing the installation of networks. It reviews cabling, connection schemes, the fundamentals of the LAN and WAN technologies, TCP/IP configuration and troubleshooting, remote connectivity, and network maintenance and troubleshooting. Topics include: basic knowledge of networking technology, physical layer, data layer, network layer, transporter layer, TCP/IP fundamentals, TCP/IP suite: utilities, remote connectivity, security, implementing the installation of network, maintaining and support the network, and troubleshooting the network.

Competency Areas	Hours
Basic Knowledge of Networking Technology	Class	4
Physical Layer	D. Lab	4
Data Link Layer	P. Lab/O.B.I.	0
Network Layer	Credit	6
Transport Layer
TCP/IP Fundamentals
TCP/IP Suite: Utilities
Remote Connectivity
Security
Implementing the Installation of the Network
Maintaining and Supporting the Network
Troubleshooting the Network

Prerequisite:	CIS 106 or advisor approval
Corequisite:

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will:	Hours
		Class	D. Lab	P. Lab/ O.B.I.
BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY		9	0	0
	Demonstrate understanding of basic network structure.
	Demonstrate understanding of the characteristics of star, bus, mesh, and ring topologies, their advantages and disadvantages
	Demonstrate understanding of the characteristics of segments and backbones
	Identify the major network operating systems, including Microsoft Windows NT, Novell NetWare, and Unix.
	Identify the clients that best serve specific network operating systems and their resources.
	Identify the directory services of the major network operating systems.
	Associate IPX, IP, and NetBEUI with their functions.
	Define mirroring, duplexing, striping, volumes, and tape backup and explain how each relates to fault tolerance or high availability.
	Define the layers of the OSI model and identify the protocols, services, and functions that pertain to each layer.
	Recognize and describe the advantages and disadvantages of coax, Cat 3, Cat 5, fiber optic, UTP, and STP, and the conditions under which they are appropriate.
	Recognize and describe the length and speed of 10Base2, 10BaseT, and 100BaseT
	Recognize and describe the length and speed of 10Base5, 100Base VGAnyLan, 100Base TX
	Recognize and describe the visual appearance of RJ45 and BNC and how they are crimped
	Identify the basic attributes, purpose, and function of full- and half-duplexing
	Identify the basic attributes, purpose, and function of WAN and LAN
	Identify the basic attributes, purpose, and function of Server, workstation, and host
	Identify the basic attributes, purpose, and function of Server-based networking and peer-to-peer networking
	Identify the basic attributes, purpose, and function of Cable, NIC, and router
	Identify the basic attributes, purpose, and function of Broadband and baseband
	Identify the basic attributes, purpose, and function of Gateway, as both a default IP router and as a method to connect dissimilar systems or protocols.
PHYSICAL LAYER		3	0	0
	Given an installation, configuration, or troubleshooting scenario, select an appropriate course of action if a client workstation does not connect to the network after installing or replacing a network interface card. Explain why a given action is warranted
	Identify how the network card is usually configured, including EPROM, jumpers, and plug-and-play software
	Explain how to use network card diagnostics, including the loopback test and vendor-supplied diagnostics
	Describe hardware resource conflicts, including IRQ, DMA, and I/O Base Address conflicts
	Identify the use of Hubs, MAUs, Switching hubs, Repeaters and Transceivers and how they differ.
DATA LINK LAYER		3	0	0
	Describe bridges, what they are and why they are used
	Describe the 802 specs, including the topics covered in 802.2, 802.3, and 802.5
	Describe the function and characteristics of MAC addresses
NETWORK LAYER		3	0	0
	Explain the fact that routing occurs at the network layer
	Explain the difference between a router and a brouter
	Explain the difference between routable and nonroutable protocols
	Explain the concept of default gateways and subnetworks
	Explain the reason for employing unique network Ids
	Explain the difference between static and dynamic routing
TRANSPORT LAYER		3	0	0
	Explain the distinction between connectionless and connection transport
	Explain the purpose of name resolution, either to an IP/IPX address or a network protocol.
TCP/IP FUNDAMENTALS		8	0	0
	Demonstrate knowledge of the concept of IP default gateways
	Demonstrate knowledge of the purpose and use of DHCP, DNS, WINS, and host files
	Demonstrate knowledge of the identity of the main protocols that make up TCP/IP suite, including TCP, UDP, POP3, SMTP, SNMP, FTP, HTTP, and IP
	Demonstrate knowledge of the ideas that TCP/IP is supported by every operating system and millions of hosts worldwide
	Demonstrate knowledge of the purpose and function of Internet domain name server hierarchies (how email arrives in another country).
	Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of TCP/IP addressing, including:
	Demonstrate knowledge of the A, B, and C classes of IP addresses and their default subnet mask numbers
	Demonstrate knowledge of the use of port number (HTTP, FTP, SMTP) and port numbers commonly assigned to a given service.
	Demonstrate knowledge of the definition of IP proxy and why it is used
	Demonstrate knowledge of the identity of the normal configuration parameters for a workstation, including IP address, DNS, default gateway, IP proxy configuration, WINS, DHCP, host name, and Internet domain name.
TCP/IP SUITE: UTILITIES		6	0	0
	Explain how and when to use ARP, Telnet, NBTSTAT, TRACERT, NETSTAT, Ipconfig/winipcfg, FTP, and PINGS to test, validate, and troubleshoot IP connectivity:
REMOTE CONNECTIVITY		2	0	0
	Explain the distinction between PPP and SLIP
	Explain the purpose and function of PPTP and the conditions under which it is useful
	Explain the attributes, advantages, and disadvantages of ISDN and PSTN (POTS)
	Specify the modem configuration parameters that must be set, including serial port IRQ, I/O address and maximum port speed
	Specify the requirements for a remote connection
SECURITY		3	0	0
	Identify selection of a security model (user and share level)
	Identify standard password practices and procedures
	Identify the need to employ data encryption to protect network data
	Identify the use of a firewall.
IMPLEMENTING THE INSTALLATION OF THE NETWORK		0	10	0
	Demonstrate awareness that administrative and test accounts, passwords, IP addresses, IP configurations, relevant SOPs, etc., must be obtained prior to network implementation.
	Explain the impact of environmental factors on computer networks.
	Given a network installation scenario, identify unexpected or atypical conditions that could either cause problems for the network or signify that a problem condition already exists, including: Room conditions (e.g., humidity, heat, etc.) The placement of building contents and personal effects (e.g., space heaters, TVs, radios, etc.) Computer equipment Error messages
	Recognize visually, or by description, common peripheral ports, external SCSI (especially DB-25 connectors), and common network componentry, including: Print servers Peripherals Hubs Routers Brouters Bridges Patch panels UPSs NICs Token ring media filters
	Given an installation scenario, demonstrate awareness of the consequences of trying to install an analog modem in a digital jack
	Given an installation scenario, demonstrate awareness that the uses of RJ-45 connectors may differ greatly depending on the cabling
	Given an installation scenario, demonstrate awareness that patch cables contribute to the overall length of the cabling segment.
MAINTAINING AND SUPPORTING THE NETWORK		0	10	0
	Identify the kinds of test documentation that are usually available regarding a vendor's patches, fixes, upgrades, etc.
	Given a network maintenance scenario, demonstrate awareness of standard backup procedures and backup media storage practices
	Given a network maintenance scenario, demonstrate awareness of the need for periodic application of software patches and other fixes to the network
	Given a network maintenance scenario, demonstrate awareness of the need to install anti-virus software on the server and workstations
	Given a network maintenance scenario, demonstrate awareness of the need to frequently update virus signatures.
TROUBLESHOOTING THE NETWORK		0	20	0
	Identify the following steps as a systematic approach to identifying the extent of a network problem, and, given a problem scenario, select the appropriate next step based on this approach: determine whether the problem exists across the network, determine whether the problem is workstation, workgroup, LAN or WAN determine whether the problem is consistent and replicable, and use standard troubleshooting methods.
	Identify the following steps as a systematic approach to determining whether a problem is attributable to the operator or the system, and, given a problem scenario, select the appropriate next step based on this approach: Identify the exact issue, recreate the problem, isolate the cause, formulate a correction, implement the correction, test, document the problem and the solution, and give feedback
	Identify the following steps as a systematic approach to determining whether a problem is attributable to the operator or the system, and, given a problem scenario, select the appropriate next step based on this approach. Have a second operator perform the same task on an equivalent workstation, have a second operator perform the same task on the original operator's workstation, and see whether operators are following standard operating procedure.
	Given a network troubleshooting scenario, demonstrate awareness of the need to check for physical and logical indicators of trouble, including: link lights, power lights, error displays, error logs and displays, and performance monitors
	Given a network problem scenario, including symptoms, determine the most likely cause or causes of the problem based on the available information. Select the most appropriate course of action based on this inference. Issues that may be covered include: recognizing abnormal physical conditions, isolating and correcting problems in cases where there is fault in the physical media (patch cable), checking the status of servers, checking for configuration problems with DNS, WINS, HOST file checking for viruses, checking the validity of the account name and password, rechecking operator logon procedures, and selecting and running appropriate diagnostics
	Specify the tools that are commonly used to resolve network equipment problems. Identify the purpose and function of common network tools, including: crossover cable, hardware loopback, tone generator, tone locator (fox and hound).

Suggested Resources

Books

Enhanced Network+ Guide to Networks, ISBN: 0-619-21237-3, Dean, Course Technology

Network+ Guide to Networks, 4th ed., ISBN: 0-619-21743-X, Dean, Course Technology

Lab Manual for Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition, ISBN: 0-619-21744-8, Grice, Course Technology

LabSim for Network+, Second Edition, ISBN: 1-4188-3585-4, Course Technology