Data Communications and
Network Management
ISQS 6341, Fall 2000
Instructor: Zhangxi Lin
Office: BA 708
Phone: 742-1926
E-mail: zlin@ba.ttu.edu
Homepage: http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu
Class meetings: TTh 2:00-3:20p, BA 268
Office hours: TTh 9:00-11:00a
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Course Content
Fundamentals of data communications and
computer networks
 For the study of data communications using the Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) layered architecture model;
 To explore leading edge distributed applications, products, or
services that are being used in today's business and home
environments.
 Both technical and managerial aspects of data communications and
networks will be covered.
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Course Goals
Students should, after taking the course,
have a good understanding of data
communications technology
know how to fulfill data communication
application needs
have the fundamental knowledge to carry out
relevant research
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Textbook

Required Textbook:
Business Data Communications and Networking
6th edition
Jerry Fitzgerald and Alan Dennis
John Wiley & Sons 1999.
Optional Materials:
1) Data & Computer Communications, 6th edition
William Stallings, Prentice Hall 2000
2) Business Data Communications, 5th edition
David A. Stamper, Addison Wesley, 1999
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Grading Policy
 Two Exams 50%
 Five of the Six Quiz 25% (the highest five)
 Group Project 25%
 Written report 40%
 Presentation 40% (content 30%, communication 30%, slide 20%, Q&A
20%)
 Group Web Site Updates 20%
The above is 100%
 Extra Bonus Credits up to 5%
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Quiz
Two purposes:
To exam instructor’s teaching effectiveness
To help students to improve study efficiency
Relevant to the exercises for each chapter
Normally it takes 10-15 minutes
One of the 6 Quiz will not be counted,
whichever has the lowest score.
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Quiz Schedule
Quiz 1 - 9/7, Thursday, Chapter 2
Quiz 2 - 9/14, Thursday, Chapter 3
Quiz 3 - 9/26, Tuesday, Chapter 4
Exam 1 - 10/10, Tuesday
Quiz 4 - 10/19, Thursday, Chapter 7
Quiz 5 - 10/26, Thursday, Chapter 8
Quiz 6 - 11/2, Thursday, Chapter 9
Exam 2 - 11/21, Tuesday
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Make-up Test
Make-up test may only be available for exams in
the case that you could not take the test at the
specific time due to medical emergencies or
unexpected travel plans. If you need to
reschedule a test, you must contact the
instructor before the scheduled test
No make-up test for quiz. Students are allowed
to skip one quiz. Taking all quiz is encouraged,
but only five of them with highest grades are
counted.
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Homework Assignments
Exercises are assigned after each chapter
Based on the questions at the end of the
chapters and the supplemental materials.
Submission is not mandatory, but
absolutely relevant to the quiz and exams.
Answer keys can be found from
supplemental materials
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Extra Bonus Credits
In the following cases you may earn extra
credits:
Presenting a topic in mini-presentations, one credit
each time. Available to those experienced students.
Active involvement in class discussions
Any recognized contribution to improving teaching
and researching for this course.
The maximum number of credits is five (5%).
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Mini-presentation
 The students who have work experience in industry are
particularly encouraged to provide presentations.
 The presentation lasting 5-10 minutes focused on a
specific topic.
 Normally scheduled to be done at beginning of a class
meeting.
 Presenters need to contact the instructor in advance to
discuss the presentation topic.
 At most 6 mini-presentations can be scheduled through
the session.
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Mini-presentation Topics
An example of network application.
Web-based application development, such as
CGI, ASP, PHP, Cold Fusion, etc.
Network socket programming.
New networking services.
E-commerce case study.
Research issues in e-commerce or data comm.
Any other advanced topics are welcome.
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Group Project
Each Group consists of 2-3 students
Topics (suggested, but not restricted):
Web security (6)
Public Key infrastructure (9)
Hacking and security (8)
SSL and TLS (7)
Secure Eletronic Transaction (SET) (8)
SOCKS V5 (8)
Certificate authority (7)
IPSec (7)
Web-enabled database access (6)
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Group Project
Topics (continued):
Layer-3 switch and Layer-4 switch (7)
Wireless communications (6)
ICMP (7)
Routing Information Protocol (RIP) (7)
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) (7)
IntServ vs DiffServ (7)
Internet Quality of Service (6)
e-Portal services (6)
Internet-based escrow services (7)
Online credit card payment (6)
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Project Schedule
 Four phases
prepare a project proposal (2-3 pages doublespaced) for review;
provide an on-line handout for the class, which must
contain i) subject introduction, ii) web links, and iii)
three questions with answers;
present your project in the class, and
submit a project report (10-15 pages double-spaced)
by the end of the semester.
 Possible peer evaluation by the end of the semester
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Homepage & Discussion
Group
Homepage
http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu/6341/6341fall2000.html
Discussion Group
news:isqs.ba.ttu.edu:8119/isqs6341
Schedule:
http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu/6341/6341sch-fall2000.html
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Contact
Before or after class in the classroom.
Drop by during office hours.
Email me at zlin@ba.ttu.edu.
Call 742-1926 during business hours (9:00a5:00p).
All important announcements will be made via
e-mail also. You are responsible for checking
your e-mail everyday for any communication
from the instructor.
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Civility in the Classroom
 Students are expected to assist in maintaining a
classroom environment which is conducive to learning.
In order to assure that all students have an opportunity
to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise
approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from
using cellular phones or beepers, eating or drinking in
class, making offensive remarks, reading newspapers,
sleeping or engaging in any other form of distraction.
Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall result in,
minimally, a request to leave class.
-- Dean of CoBA
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Disabling Conditions
 Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may
require some special arrangements in order to meet
course requirements should contact the instructor as
soon as possible to make necessary accommodations.
Students should present appropriate verification from
the Disabled Students Services, Dean of Students Office.
No requirements exist that accommodations be made
prior to completion of this approved University process
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Important Dates
9/5 - Form project group
9/12 - Choose project topic
9/19 - Group homepage due
9/26 - Project proposal due
10/10 - Exam 1
11/21 - Exam 2
11/30 - Project report due
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What You Need to Do Now
Sign up to the class at:
http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu/6341/signup6341.html
Form your project group by September 5.
Choose your project topic. The deadline is
September 12.
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What You Need to Do Now
Sign up to the class at:
http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu/6341/signup6341.html
Form your project group by September 5.
Choose your project topic. The deadline is
September 12.
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