CIT 161
Network Fundamentals
4 Credits
Description:
Introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer
networks. Provides the opportunity to build simple LAN topologies by applying principles of cabling; performing
basic configurations of network devices, including routers and switches; and implementing IP addressing schemes.
(This is the first course in the Cisco Exploration sequence.)
Components: Lecture: 4 credit hours (60 contact hours).
Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: CIT 111 AND MAT 085 OR Consent of Instructor.
Implementation:
Spring 2013
Competencies/Student Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student can:
1. Explain how communication works and the importance of data networks and the Internet in supporting
business communications and everyday activities.
2. Recognize the devices and services that are used to support communications across an Internetwork.
3. Examine network protocol models to explain the layers of communications in data networks.
4. Describe the importance of addressing and naming schemes at various layers of data networks.
5. Identify protocols and services provided by the layers in the OSI and TCP/IP models.
6. Explain the fundamental concepts of routing.
7. Design, calculate, and apply subnet masks and addresses to fulfill given requirements.
8. Describe the operation of protocols at the OSI data link layer and explain how they support
communications.
9. Explain the role of physical layer protocols and services in supporting communications across data
networks.
10. Explain fundamental Ethernet concepts such as media, services, and operation.
11. Employ basic cabling and network designs to connect devices in accordance with stated objectives.
12. Design a simple Ethernet network using routers, switches, hubs, and a variety of hosts.
13. Use Cisco command-line interface (CLI) commands to perform basic router and switch configuration
and verification.
14. Analyze the operations and features of common application layer protocols such as Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP), Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP),
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and Telnet.
15. Utilize common network utilities to verify small network operations and analyze data traffic.
Outline:
I. Importance of Networks
A.
Network impacts on daily lives
B.
Role of data networking in the human network
C.
Key network components identification
D.
Opportunities and challenges of converged networks
E.
Characteristics of network architectures
F.
Installing network applications
II. Network Components
A.
Network devices
B.
Network connections
C.
D.
E.
Network communication
Network rules and processes
Network tools and commands
III. OSI and TCP/IP Models Overview
A.
Functions
B.
Services
C.
Communication across layers
D.
Peer-to-peer
E.
Compatibility
F.
Network analysis tools
IV. Transport Layer
A.
Role and functions
B.
Layer Protocols: TCP and UDP
C.
Layer Protocol use and key functions
V. Network Layer
A.
Role and functions
B.
Layer Protocol: IP
C.
Layer Protocol use and key functions
D.
Communication devices
E.
Dynamic and Static routes, next-hop addresses, and packet forwarding
VI. IP Addressing
A.
IP Version 4 addressing structure, classes, reserved networks
B.
IP Version 6 addressing structure and format
C.
Binary, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems and number conversions between the three
D.
Address assignment using IP version 4 and IP version 6
E.
Host and network addressing
F.
Common testing utilities
VII. Data Link Layer
A.
Role and Functions
B.
MAC address structure and
C.
Unicasts, multicasts, and broadcasts
D.
Layer Protocol use and key functions
E.
Communication devices
F.
Common logical network topologies
G.
Encapsulation process
H.
Frame components
VIII. Physical Layer
A.
Role and Functions
B.
Layer signaling and coding
C.
Layer Protocol use and key functions
D.
Media characteristics and uses
E.
Correct use of different types of network media
IX. Ethernet
A.
Evolution and history
B.
Ethernet fields
C.
Functions, characteristics, and media access
D.
Ethernet and its relationship to the OSI and TCP/IP models
E.
Ethernet hubs and switches
F.
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
X. Basic Network Media
A.
Role
B.
Types and connections
C.
Pin configurations for different types of copper cables used in a LAN environment
D.
Cabling types, standards, and physical ports
E.
Addressing schemes for a LAN and WAN
F.
Network designs comparison
XI. Internetworking Operating Systems (IOS)
A.
Role and purpose
B.
Configuration files
C.
Classes of devices
D.
Contributing factors and modes of operation
E.
Basic IOS commands
Learning Resources:
Cisco Systems. (2008). Cisco systems official certification guide simulator edition. Indianapolis, IN: Cisco Press.
ISBN: 1-58720-354-5
Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco Corp. (2009). CCNA exploration course booklet: Network fundamentals, version
4.0. Indianapolis, IN: Cisco Press. ISBN-10: 1-58713-243-5 / ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-243-8
Dye M., McDonald, R. & Rufi, A. (2007). Network fundamentals, CCNA exploration companion guide.
Indianapolis, IN: Cisco Press. ISBN-10: 1-58713-208-7 / ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-208-7
Non Textbook
Cisco On-Line Curriculum http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/index.html
Dates of Actions:
Approved:
August 2011
Revised:
December 2012