Introduction to Data

Communication Networks
ISQS 3349, 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 12:30-1:50p, BA 157
Office hours: TTh 9:00-11:00a

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.

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

projects relevant to data communications

Textbook

Required Textbook:

Business Data Communications and Netw

6th edition
Jerry Fitzgerald and Alan Dennis
John Wiley & Sons 1999.

Grading Policy

Two Exams 50%

Five of the Six Quiz 25% (the highest five)

Group Project 25%

Written report 30%
Presentation 50% (content 30%, communication 30%, slide 20%,
Q&A 20%)
Group Web Site Updates 20%

The above is 100%

Extra Bonus Credits up to 5%

Quiz

Two purposes:
To exam instructors 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.

Exam Schedule

Quiz 1 - 9/7, Thursday, Chapter 1-2

Quiz 2 - 9/14, Thursday, Chapter 3
Quiz 3 - 9/21, Thursday, 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.

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

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 semester.
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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.
Online payment services.
Any other advanced topics are welcome.
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Group Project

Each Group consists of 3-4 students

Topics (suggested, but not restricted):

Email Security (6)

Internet server management (5)
Client side scripting languages (5)
Advanced Web Page Design (5)
Internet-based flexible learning system (5)
Network programming (8)
New e-Business models (5)
Survey on e-shopping (4)
Survey on e-business (4)
Survey on Internet-oriented job market (4)

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Group Project

Topics (continued):

Internet and banking (4)

On-line stock trading (4)
Web security (6)
Firewall and proxy server technology (5)
Hacking and security (7)
Secure Eletronic Transaction (SET) (8)
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) (6)
Web-enabled database access (6)
Multi-protocol Label Switching (5)
Wireless communications (6)
e-Portal services (6)
Certificate authority (6)

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Project Schedule

Four phases
prepare a project proposal (2-3 pages double-spaced)
for review;
provide an on-line handout for the class, which must
contain i) subject introduction, ii) web links, and iii) 3
questions with answers;
present your project in the class, and
submit a project report (10-25 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/3349/3349fall2000.html

Discussion Group
news:isqs.ba.ttu.edu:8119/isqs6341

Schedule
http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu/3349/3349sch-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 email also. You are responsible for checking your email 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/3349/signup3349.html

Form your project group by September 5.

Choose your project topic. The deadline is

September 12.

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