ITEC 350

I. Course Title: Introduction to Computer Networking

II. Course Number: ITEC 350

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: ITEC 220 with a grade of “C” or better.

V. Course Description:

This course covers networking concepts including ISO reference model, TCP/IP protocol, and various network classifications as well as hands-on experience.

Note(s): Applied Learning designated course. Students who have received credit for CPSC 450 or INSY 371 may not receive credit for ITEC 350.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Topics include:

1. Introduction

a. Reasons for networking

b. Concept and rationale for network layers

c. Classification of networks: PAN (personal area networks), LAN (local area networks), MAN (metropolitan area networks), and WAN (wide area networks)

d. Network standards and standard bodies

2. Applications and Layered Architectures

a. Protocols, services, and layering

b. ISO’s OSI (open systems interconnection) reference model

c. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) protocol stacks

d. DNS (Domain Name Systems)

e. IP addressing and subnetting

f. Connectionless vs. connection-oriented services

g. Segmentation and reassembly

h. Multiplexing: FDM (frequency division multiplexing), TDM (time division multiplexing), WDM (wavelength division multiplexing)

i. Network analyzers

3. Digital Transmission Fundamentals

a. Line Coding: unipolar NRZ (non-return-to-zero), polar NRZ, NRZ-inverted differential encoding, bipolar encoding, Manchester encoding, differential Manchester encoding.

b. Error detection and correction: single parity bit, multi-dimensional parity check, CRC (cyclic redundancy check) polynomial codes

4. Peer-to-Peer Protocols and Data Link Layer

a. ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) protocols and reliable data transfer: stop-and-wait ARQ, go-back N ARQ, selective repeat ARQ, sliding window protocols

b. Flow control

5. Medium Access Control Protocols and Local Area Networks

a. Wireless LAN

6. Packet-Switching Networks

a. Routing in packet-switching networks: centralized vs. distributed routing, static vs. dynamic routing, flat vs. hierarchical routing, flooding

b. Shortest path routings: distance vector protocols (Bellman-Ford-Fulkerson shortest path algorithm), link state protocols (Dijkstra shortest path algorithm)

7. Communication Networks and Services

a. IRP (internet routing protocols): RIP (routing information protocol), OSPF (open shortest path first), BGP (border gateway protocol)

b. DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol), NAT (network address translation), and mobile IP

8. Security Basics

a. Confidentiality, integrity, authentication

b. Packet sniffing, IP spoofing, DoS (denial of service), DDoS (distributed DoS)

c. Symmetric key cryptography: substitution cipher, DES (data encryption standard),

d. Asymmetric key cryptography: Public key infrastructure - RSA, confidentiality, digital signature, authentication

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

Course is conducted using lecture, and students complete a network lab project. In the lab project, students establish a small local area network with Internet accessibility, file sharing, and other features using routers, switches, and multiple computers. Students will begin the project with cabling and installing various operating systems on the computers.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Students who complete the course will be able to:

Identify and describe the responsibilities of each of the seven layers of the OSI reference model defined by the ISO.
Describe the implementation of the common protocols within the different layers of the TCP/IP protocol suite.
Set up a small network with a router, a switch, and multiple computers.
Identify common security weaknesses within a network and describe their solutions.
Write a survey paper on a leading edge topic related to networks and give a presentation.
Students will be able to reflect on how the skills they learn in this class will apply to professional roles.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessments, which may include in-class exams, presentations, homework assignments, projects, labs, and quizzes will be used to measure each student’s performance.

Other Course Information: None

Review and Approval

Feb. 15, 2001           New Course           Felix Amenkhienan, Chair
Sept. 25, 2001           Updated               John P. Helm, Chair
Feb 17, 2003           Updated                  John P. Helm, Chair
Nov, 2003                  Updated                  Joseph Chase, Chair
April 2005          Updated                  Robert H. Phillips, Acting Chair

Revised: June 1, 2012

March 01, 2021