CIS1315

Introduction to Networking
Course Information
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the world of networking personal computers. It
focuses on configuring, managing, and troubleshooting elements of the basic
network infrastructure.
Once you have successfullly completed this course, you will have mastered the
fundamentals of networking. This course also covers maintenance, management,
and security of a network. You will be using the LabSim A+ to learn terminology,
proceedures and for simulated labs that combines hardware and software tasks to
give you the most realistic training experience.
In the LabSim you will experience an integrated learning system which will include:

o
o
o
o
o

Video and Simulation Training

Hands-on Practice Labs
Detailed Demonstrations
Written Lessons
Practice Exam

This blended-learning approach gives you the highest-quality IT training available

and prepares you for the Network+ (Exam code N10-004) Certification Exam.

Course Objectives:

When you complete this course, you should be able to:

Identify basic networking concepts, including how a network works. Content should include network
access, protocol, network interface cards, full duplex, cabling twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic.
Identify procedures for swapping and configuring network interface cards.
Identify the ramifications of repairs on the network. Content should include reduced bandwidth, loss of
data, network slowdown.
Identify the networking capabilities of DOS and Windows including procedures for connecting to the
network. Identify concepts and capabilities relating to the Internet and basic procedures for setting up a
system for Internet access. Content should include TCP/IP, E-mail, html, http, ftp, domain names (Web
sites), ISP, and dial-up access.
Summarize the basics of networking fundamentals, including technologies, devices and protocols
o Basics of configuring IP addressing and TCP/IP properties (DHCP, DNS)
o Bandwidth and latency
o Status indicators
o Protocols (TCP/IP, NETBIOS)
o Full-duplex, half-duplex
o Basics of workgroups and domains
o Common ports: HTTP, FTP, POP, SMTP, TELNET, HTTPS
o LAN / WAN
o Hub, switch and router
o Identify Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
o Basics class identification
Categorize network cables and connectors and their implementations
o Cables
Plenum / PVC
UTP (e.g. CAT3, CAT5 / 5e, CAT6)
STP
Fiber
Coaxial cable
o Connectors
RJ45
RJ11
Compare and contrast the different network types
1.
Broadband
DSL
Cable
Satellite

Prerequisites and Corequisites:

PC Operator and Information Processing Technician Certificates
Course Topics:

Introductution Section: Course Introduction, including the Learning Lab ( 2 hrs )

Module 1 Networking Basics ( 12 hrs )
Module 2 Cables and Connectors ( 10 hrs )
Module 3 Networking Devices ( 10 hrs )
Module 4 Ethernet ( 10 hrs )
Module 5 Network Implementation ( 12 hrs )
Module 6 Wireless Networking ( 12 hrs )
Module 7 Wide Area Networks - WANS ( 10 hrs )
Module 8 Network Security ( 12 hrs )
Module 9 Network Management ( 12 hrs)
Module 10 Troubleshooting (10 hrs)
Practice A+ Practical Applications Exam ( 2 hrs)

Specific Course Requirements:

You must be motivated and self directed with the ability to follow a calendar timeline of due dates.
You MUST communicate with your instructor a MINIMUM of twice a week. It is YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY to notify the instructor if you have a technical problem or a medical
emergency. FIRST THING, EMAIL YOUR INSTRUCTORS SO THEY KNOW YOU ARE ABLE
TO LOG INTO YOUR COURSES.
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:
LabSim Network+

This is a access code that you will use to set up a LabSims account for online materials and
simulation/virtual labs.
Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain this passcode. If you purchase this
elsewhere, it will cost you about 7 times more than purchasing through out
bookstore. We have received a group discount there.
You need to search for the CIST1315 course.
Supplementary Materials:
There are no supplementary materials for this course.
Hardware Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at

http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.
The LabSim has video demonstrations and you must have sound on your system.
Software Requirements:
The minimum requirements can be found at
http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.
Supported web browser information can be found at
http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.
Multimedia software such as Real Player, Windows Media Player, or QuickTime Player may be
required.
Instructor Information
Instructor: Judy Johnson
Tennessee Technology Center at Crump.
E-mail Address: judy.johnson@ttcrump.edu
Office Phone: 731-632-3393 - ext. 246
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:
There required quizzes and labs in each section. These are on-line within the LabSim. Once
these are completed the instructor will review your work then manually post your scores into the
D2L gradebook here in the course.
There will be a final exam. We will use the practice Network+ Exam in the LabSims as our final for
this course.
Grading Procedure:

The final course grade will be a combination averages. The quizzes average will be 25%, the labs
will be 40%, the remaining activies (worker characteristics/meeting due dates etc) will be 25%
and the final will be 10% of the final course grade.
Labs: Complete the labs. If you make below a 77, redo the lab for a better score. If you repeat a
lab, the scores will be averaged together then recorded for that lab's section. The average of all
labs will count as 40% of your final grade. These labs are completed within LabSims. All work
submitted late will result in a 10 point deduction.
Quizzes: A passing score on the quizzes (exams) is 77. You may retake a quiz only if you have
scored less than 77.0%. Each test and retest counts as a part of the module grade. These quiz
scores will be averaged for the average module quiz score. All work submitted late will result in a
10 point deduction.
This retake policy is to provide you the opportunity to learn the module material and provide a
more accurate estimation of your knowledge. It is NOT meant as an opportunity for you to merely
learn the quiz questions because the retake quiz is NOT the same is the original quiz. Please do
not abuse the policy. (Note: The retake quiz covers other materials in the but with a completely
different set of questions.)
There will be a 10 point reduction for work that is submitted within the week after the due date
and a 20 point deduction for work later than a week.
Grading Scale:

93.0% - 100.0% - A
85.0% - 92.9% - B
77.0% - 84.9% - C

You are expected to maintain a satisfactory progress throughout the course.

Satisfactory progress is defined as a minimum average of 77.0% and weekly
performance. Unsatisfactory progress will result in termination from the course with
a Failing grade.
There is a very large amount of material to absorb and it may be very challenging
for someone who is new to the computer world. Please use the discussion board
and e-mail system to let me know if you are having difficulty with the material. We
all come from different backgrounds and this is not easy for most people to learn.
None of us was born with any of the computer knowledge we now possess. We all
had to learn it somewhere.

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:
Check the course modules for additional on-line content. Prepare for the quizzes by reading the
material in the LabSim and completing the labs.
Please refer to the Assignment page in the Course Content above for this term's due date
schedule. I recommend you print these pages for quick reference.

Class Participation:
You are expected to fully participate in the course. In addition to course work and assignments,
you are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource and check the course
discussion board frequently for announcements. You ae required to participate in all discussions.
You are expected to read all of them and be familiar with their contents. You just might have the
answer to someone's question. Often a learner can express information from a viewpoint that is
helpful and identified with by another learner. So, let's have everyone's two-cents worth.
Punctuality:
You are expected to complete a module every 8-10 day,s based on the due dates. Late work
WILL affect your grade. There will be a 10 point deduction during the first week you work is late and
20 points deducted if you are over a week late.
IF you have a technical problem or medical emergency, notify me immediately.
Course Ground Rules
Learn how to navigate in Desire2Learn (D2L) as soon as possible. The new student Orientation
class should be accomplished during the first week of the trimester.
This course uses the honor system. Not following the rules will result in limited comprehension of
the materials for you to excel in the Information Technology environment. This is a self-paced,
asynchronous course which must be completed within the 15-week time limitation. Pace yourself
to accomplish about a chapter each week. Do not get behind. It is difficult to catch up.
If you know the material, you may complete the course early by successfully completing all the
assignments. There is no required amount of participation time to complete this course. YOU
ARE WELCOME TO WORK AHEAD OF THE SCHEDULED DUE DATES !!
If you have any questions, ask them! Several options are available; e-mail the instructor, e-mail
other students, or use the discussion board. Check the boards often to see if there are new
discussions or announcements. Please, feel free to discuss anything that will help you learn and
understand computers, just keep the topics relevant to the subject material.
Manage your time wisely. Give yourself enough time to read the material, view the videos in
LabSims and perform the labs before an quiz.
Address technical problems immediately. Observe course netiquette at all times.
Guidelines for Communications
Email:

Always include a subject line with the course name.

Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in
wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
Use standard fonts.
Do not send large attachments without permission.
Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless
necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
Respect the privacy of other class members.

Discussion Groups:

Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Your contributions are a must.
Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be
respectful of other?s ideas.
Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.
Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
Be constructive in your comments and suggestion.

Web Resources:

Columbia Guide to Online Style by Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor

Citation Styles Online http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html

Library
The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library
materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias,
maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as
background reading must be included in all courses.

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if
determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability
accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific
accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate
contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the
accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes
The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during
the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email

communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support
Log-In/Password Problems?
AskRODP Website: http://help.rodp.org
AskRODP Helpdesk: 866-550-7637

Technical Problems?
AskRODP Website: http://help.rodp.org
AskRODP Helpdesk: 866-550-7637

Registration Problems?
Contact your home school RODP Campus Contact

TBR/RODP-Related Issues?
Contact the RODP Helpdesk at 888-223-0023