IST433: Network Communications
Course Syllabus
Fall 2001, M
|
Instructor |
: Brian M. Morgan |
|
Office |
: Prichard
Hall 212 |
|
Phone Number |
: (304) 696-6469 |
|
Fax Number |
: (304) 696-6533 |
|
Office Hours |
: M: 1:00 – 4:00 W: F: |
|
E-Mail |
Textbooks:
The following textbook is required for the course:
Data and Computer Communications-6th ed., by Stallings; Prentice Hall; ISBN: 0-13-084370-9, 2000.
Computer
Requirements:
Supplemental materials can be found contained within the WebCT environment (http://webct.marshall.edu/). I will be sending class announcements,
updates, etc. using your WebCT account (will discuss during the first
lecture). Access to a WWW browser is
required (Netscape 4.0 or higher or Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher) and Adobe
Acrobat Reader (available for download through the class WebCT site).
Course
Description:
Covers the fundamentals of data communication as it relates to
protocols, security, and new technologies. Implement local area network
concepts such as designing, maintaining, and managing a computer network.
Credit:
The course is three (3) credit hours. It includes classroom
lectures, exams, course project, and homework assignments. Students will
participate in homework assignments that illustrate the implementation of
concepts in general applications.
Pre/co-requisites:
Analytical Methods III or permission.
Desired Objectives/Outcomes:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
-
Discuss the behavior of
data signals propagated through a transmission medium, twisted pair, coaxial
cable, optical fiber, and wireless (microwave radio and infrared)
-
Discuss the distinction between digital and analog
data; and digital and analog transmission as well as asynchronous vs synchronous
communication
-
Identify the datalink control protocols, the
cooperative point-to-point exchange of data between two devices, Error
detection, error and flow control
-
Discuss frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) and
time-division multiplexing (TDM)
-
Discuss packet-switched networks, network routing and
congestion control
-
Identify the basic concepts of frame relay and cell
relay networks (ATM), traditional LANs, Ethernet and token ring, bridges,
routers and basic principles of internetworking (IP)
Instruction method:
There will be 3 contact hours of classroom lecture per week. Research and
homework projects covering the major topics are part of the course.
Evaluation method:
Evaluation of student's performance will be based on the quality of your
performance on your research project, homework assignments, exams, and class
and web-based participation.
Grading Policy:
Final grades are based on performance in assignments, exams, and attendance as
indicated below.
|
2 In Class Exams |
30% |
|
Final Exam |
20% |
|
Homework Assignments |
25% |
|
Research Project |
15% |
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Attendance & Participation |
10% |
Course
Project:
The research project will consist of writing a 6-10 page
paper that will involve a web/library search and analysis. The paper will address a topic and answer the
typical questions that could be addressed with reference to technology X:
Final letter grades
are determined based on the following grading scale:
|
90-100% |
A |
|
80-89% |
B |
|
70-79% |
C |
|
60-69% |
D |
|
Below 60 |
F |
The instructor reserves the right to change these values depending on the overall class performance and/or extenuating circumstances.
Policy Statement:
Homework assignments: The course includes a number of homework
assignments. All assignments are due by
Exams:
There are three exams: The first will come after Week 5, the second
after Week 10 and a comprehensive Final exam (as scheduled). Exact dates and
times of exams will be announced in class.
Make-up Exams and Late Penalty: Make‑up exams
will not be given except under unusual circumstances and
satisfactory written justification. Any student
who misses an exam due to an unexcused absence will receive a grade of zero for
that exam with no opportunity for make-up or substitution. University excused absences or those
occurring with a good reason will be excused.
Make up exams must be taken within one week of the original scheduled
date. The decision whether to give a
make up exam rests with the instructor.
Attendance Statement:
Class attendance is mandatory and is a required part of the course. Those needing to miss class for a legitimate
reason must contact me via telephone/voice mail or e-mail prior to the class
meeting for it to be excused. See
grading policy.
Withdrawal Policy:
The University withdrawal policy is followed in this course.
The last day to drop an individual course for the Fall of 2001 is October 26,
2001.
University Holidays:
The class is officially dismissed on the following dates:
Labor Day:
Fall
Break:
Topics and Methodology:
The following outline delineates the tentative class schedule with topics to be
addressed during the course. Please
note this is a tentative schedule and it may change upon class progress:
|
August 20 |
Discussion of Syllabus Introduction to WebCT Introduction to Course Project |
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August 27 |
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Assign Homework 1 – Chapter 2, #1, 3, 4 |
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September 10 |
Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Homework #1 Due Project Proposals Due Assign Homework 2 – Chapter 3 #’s 1, 2, 3,
9, 10, 11, 15, 17 |
|
September 17 |
Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Homework #2 Due Review for Exam 1 Assign Homework 3 – Chapter 4 #’s 1, 4, 8 and
Chapter 5 #’s, 1, 8 (using 01001110), and 14 |
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September 24 |
Exam 1 |
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October 1 |
Chapter 8 Homework #3 Due Assign Homework 4 – Chapter 6 #’s 1, 2, 4, and
6 |
|
October 8 |
Chapter 9 Homework #4 Due Assign Homework #5 – Chapter 8 #’s 2, 5, 7, 8,
12 |
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October 15 |
Chapter 10 |
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October 22 |
Chapter 11 Homework #5 Due Assign Homework #6 – Chapter 10 #’s 4, 17, 18 |
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October 29 |
Chapter 12 Review for Exam 2 Homework #6 Due |
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November 5 |
Exam 2 |
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November 12 |
Chapter 13 Assign Homework #7 – Chapter 13 #’s 3, 7 and
Chapter 14 #’s 1, 7, and 10 |
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November 26 |
Chapter 14 |
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December 3 |
Chapter 15 Review for Final Exam Project Papers Due Homework #7 Due |
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December 10 |
Final Exam |
For each topic
discussed in the textbook, specific experience of other students and the instructor
will be discussed to enhance the characteristics involved. Additional material may also be covered in
the class.
Every student is
responsible for all materials presented in class, including lectures, notes,
and handouts. In case you are not present
for a class, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor and receive
information about the material presented in that class. Class attendance is very important.
Effort Required:
As a 400-level course, a considerable amount of development and research effort
is required of the student. For every
one hour in class, the student is expected to put in an effort of at least 3
hours outside the class for studying and programming. Upon background and preparedness, some
students may have to put in additional effort.
Communication:
The Bulletin Board facility of WebCT and private E-mail will be used to make
any general announcements, last minute changes, etc. It is mandatory that you monitor your WebCT
course messages at least once a day.