Case study on Computer Networks

Introduction
Information and communication are two of the most important strategic issues for the success of
every enterprise.While today nearly every organization uses a substantial number of computers
and communication tools (like telephone or fax), they are often still isolated. While managers
today are able to use applications like wordprocessors or spreadsheets, not very many of them use
computer-based tools to communicate with other departments or information retrieval programs.
To overcome these obstacles in an effective usage of information technology, computer networks
are necessary. They are a new kind (one might call it paradigm) of organization of computer
systems produced by the need to merge computers and communications. At the same time they
are the means to converge the two areas; the unnecessary distinction between tools to process and
store information and tools to collect and transport information can disappear. Computer
networks can manage to put down the barriers between information held on several (not only
computer) systems. Only with the help of computer networks can a borderless communication
and information environment be built.

Findings
1. In the curriculum prescribed by Mumbai University, third year EXTC students have a
subject, “Computer communication and Telecom Networks”. This course is not sufficient
to expose students to industry requirements.
2. With the limited hours prescribed for practical, there is insufficient hands on experience
for the students.

Discussion
1. Students are facing problem in preparing for competitive examinations like CCNA.
2. Students are not getting placement in core networking companies.

Conclusion
Information and communication are two of the most important strategic issues for the success of
every enterprise. Computer Networking is a key technology required in any organization. For the
placement of students in any networking company, certification like CCNA, CCIP and CCNP are
required. But the curriculum prescribed by Mumbai University is not sufficient for the students to
prepare for such competitive exams. This curriculum is not giving sufficient hands on practice for
the students to make them industry ready.

Implementation
To bridge the gap between industry requirement and University curriculum communication
domain proposed a bridge course on “Computer Networking”.

Course Objectives
 To make students describe computer network components like switches, bridges,
routers, hubs, gateways and basic protocol models.
 To make students list different types of VLANS and describe how VLANs create
logically separate networks and the need for routing between them.
  To make students justify the operation and necessity of using private and public
IP addresses for IPv4 addressing.
 To make students describe basic routing concepts and differentiate between
methods of routing and routing protocols.
 To compare and contrast the technologies used in Voice over IP and PSTN
technologies including similarities and differences between PSTN and VoIP, call
transport, call signalling and configure dial-peer settings for VoIP
 To analyse troubleshooting of LAN switches and Configure and verify network
device security features

The contents of the bridge course covers Operation of IP Data Networks, LAN Switching
Technologies, IP Addressing (IPv4/IPv6), IP Routing Technologies, Troubleshooting, VOIP and
Network Device Security.

The Duration of the Bridge Course is 48 hours.

Course Outcomes
After the completion of this course student will be able to
 Perform experiments on Computer network routing, security, LAN and VLAN
formation which makes them industry ready

Achievement

After the completion of the course BhargavUpadhyay is placed in Reliance Jio as a Technical
Consultant.

References
[1] Andrew Tanenbaum, “Computer Networks”, PHI New Dehli,
[2] Natalia Olifer and Victor Olifer, “ Computer Networks”, Wiley India,New Delhi
[3] J. F. Kurose and K. W. Ross, “Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach”, Pearson
Publication , 5th Edition, March 2009
[4] L.Garcia et al, “Communication Networks”, McGraw Hill Publication, 2nd Edition
[5] B. Forouzan, “Data Communication and Networking”, McGraw Hill Publication, 5th
edition
[6] Mumbai University Syllabus http://mu.ac.in/portal/ordinances-regulations-syllabus/
[7]CCNA competitive exam Syllabus
https://search.cisco.com/search?query=syllabus&locale=enUS

Prepared by
Ms. KalawatiPatil

Ms. Sukruti Kaulgud

Ms. Megha Gupta

(Domain Co-ordinators)