IST433:  Network Communications
Course Syllabus
Spring 2001, MW 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm, PH 207

Textbooks:  
The following textbook is required for the course:

Data and Computer Communications-6^th 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)

-      Discuss basic network security tools, techniques, and services

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.  

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:

• What is X?
• What standard governs X?
• How is X implemented?
• What is the cost of implementation?
• What companies are currently involved in this line of business?

Final letter grades are determined based on the following grading scale: 

The instructors reserve 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 midnight of the due date and must be submitted through the WebCT Assignment Dropbox. Late assignments will be penalized at the rate of 5% per day (including weekends).  

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 Spring of 2001 is March 16, 2001.  

University Holidays:
The class is officially dismissed on the following dates:
            MLK Jr. Day:   January 15, 2001
            Spring Break:  March 19, 2001
                                    March 21, 2001

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:

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.