MIS 687: Business Data Communications
FALL 2015, Course Schedule #: 22236
Class Hours: T 4:00-6:40 pm, Classroom: SSW2532
Instructor: Bongsik Shin, Ph.D
Office: SS-3118, Phone: 619-594-2133, email: bshin@mail.sdsu.edu
Office Hours: T (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm) or by appointment
MSIS PROGRAM GOALS
MSIS students will graduate with the ability to: a) analyze organizational data, information, and
knowledge requirements for the design and implementation of information systems; b) understand
business implications of enterprise information systems infrastructure and architecture in a global
environment; c) align information systems strategies with organizational business strategies; and
d) understand threats, challenges, and trends of information systems in the global environment and
develop adequate solutions. MIS 688 contributes to the above sets of goals through its specific
objectives and student learning outcomes.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This class is intended to teach fundamental as well as in-depth knowledge of computer networking.
This class has following student learning goals and outcomes. At the end of the semester, students
should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Explain general networking terminologies.
Explain software and hardware elements necessary to implement a network.
Explain intermediary devices including routers and switches in their internal architecture and
operational mechanism.
Explain internetworking, transmission media, and network protocols.
Discuss and compare major network standards for LAN and WAN and their technical
differences.
Develop preliminary competence to design, analyze, and implement small scale networks.
Articulate general approaches available to implement security measures on a computer
network.
Discuss standard architectures, layers, and key protocols of each layer.
Explain the Internet architecture.
COURSE DESIGN
Computer networking is a technical and challenging subject but is highly rewarding knowledge.
To effectively realize the learning outcomes, this course relies on various pedagogical approaches:
reading assignments (though not enforced), classroom lectures and discussions, and hands-on
assignments. The reading assignment is an “important” self-learning tool and the classroom lecture
is designed to supplement the reading assignment by clarifying and elaborating challenging
concepts.
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This is an introduction course on networking and therefore during the lecture I will be assuming
that students have little background in networking. So, do not feel embarrassed in raising your
hand to ask any question. A student with significant experience in computer networking is
encouraged to consult the instructor.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

Required: “A Practical Introduction to Computer Networking and Cybersecurity” 2nd
edition (2015) by Bongsik Shin, Montezuma Publishing.

References: There are useful Internet sources that can help growing knowledge base. They
can be especially beneficial when the textbook lacks explanation.
YouTube
Wikipedia
Techencyclopedia
Whatis.com
Howstuffworks.com
Protocols.com
http://www.youtube.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/
http://whatis.techtarget.com/
http://www.howstuffworks.com/
http://www.protocols.com/
GENERAL CLASS POLICY

Course information including the syllabus, hands-on assignments, and exam scores will be
updated on Blackboard. Students are required to check Blackboard on a regular basis to be
informed of updates, especially test and assignment scores. All students should turn off
their laptop computers during the class.

As for individual assignments, students can work together for troubleshooting. However,
collaboration must not extend to the preparation of the report. Giving or receiving
excessive assistance that crosses the line will be dealt with according to the University rules
of academic dishonesty.

If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this
class, it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To
avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student
Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not
retroactive, and that I cannot provide accommodations based upon disability until I have
received an accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is
appreciated.
TESTING AND GRADING
Tests
2
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There are three non-cumulative exams. All exams must be taken at their scheduled time
and at the course venue. No early or late examinations unless a student experiences an
emergency situation or any other form of unavoidable scheduling conflicts.
Test questions are based on the textbook chapters and lectures.
Test questions will be in multiple-choice format and students are required to bring a
Scantron (Form 882-E). There will be 50 questions.
Each test is 100 points (2 points for each question). Test questions can be challenging and
those that require pure memorization are avoided to the extent possible. You should invest
enough time and efforts to thoroughly review covered chapters to meet your performance
goal.
Individual extra-credit opportunities will NOT be provided.
Hands-on Assignments
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Multiple hands-on assignments are planned throughout the semester and some will rely on
a network simulation program, which will be posted on Blackboard for downloading.
Students should start working on each assignment early rather than waiting until the last
moment as there could be unexpected problems. Sending a frantic SOS email seeking help
at the last moment is not appreciated.
Late submission of an assignment costs 50% penalty per day.
All assignments that need a written report should be submitted at the beginning of a class.
All written reports should be done with professional quality. Unstapled reports are not
accepted.
Reading Assignments
There are numerous technical concepts in computer networking, but there is simply not enough
time to cover them all in the class. To make up the gap, students should read the assigned
chapter in advance and prepare for class discussions. Reading it once may NOT be enough to
grasp the content. The lecture will be organized based on the assumption that students have
completed the reading assignment.
Final Grading

There will be no official letter grades for mid-term tests. The letter grades will be decided
only once after the final exam, based on the combined scores of tests, individual
assignments, and a project. That means every scoring opportunity is equally important!

The posting of final grades on the university system will be notified via email. Appeal for
grading should be done within a week of the posting date.
The weight distribution of final grades is shown below (The assignment point is an
approximation).

Sources
Midterm 1
Points
100
3
Midterm 2
Final exam
Individual hands-on assignments
Class participation
Total

100
100
90 (approximation)
10
400
Final grades are curved according to the following approximation:
A
AB+ B
BC or below
10% 15% 25% 25% 15% 10%
CLASS SCHEDULE
The weekly progress may vary and certain topics may be started before or after the scheduled date.
All scheduled tests, however, are held on the scheduled dates.
Week
8/25
9/1
9/8
9/15
9/22
Class Coverage/Reading Assignment
Introduction to the course
Demonstration: Packet Tracer
Blackboard
Textbook
Chapter 1: Fundamental Elements
Chapter 2: Architectures and Standards
Chapter 3: Intermediary Devices
Chapter 4: Elements of Data Transmission
9/29
Midterm Test 1
10/6
10/13
10/20
10/27
Chapter 5: IP Address
Chapter 6: Packet Routing
Chapter 7: Ethernet
Chapter 8: Wireless LAN
11/3
Midterm Test 2
11/10
11/17
11/24
12/1
12/8
Chapter 9: Wide Area Network
Chapter 10: The Internet
TBD
Chapter 11: Cybersecurity: Threats
Chapter 12: Cybersecurity: Defenses
12/15
Final Exam (16:00 – 18:00)
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