SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IST 220: Networking and Telecommunications

Transcription

1 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IST 220: Networking and Telecommunications A. UNIVERSITY BULLETIN: 1. Abbreviation: IST 2. Number: Title: Networking and Telecommunications 4. Abbreviated title: Network and Telecom 5. Credits: 3 6. Description: Introduction to digital network topologies; transmission media; signal modulation; digital packet switching and routing; systems integration; communications management; security. 7. Prerequisite(s) : IST 110 B. COURSE OUTLINE: 1. Brief Outline: Module 1 Introduction to Communications History of communications Communications components: message, sender, receiver, medium, comprehension Applications of data communications Networking introduction Software types and roles Module 2 Physical Layer Conducted media Radiated media Media selection Signal representation and modulation (digital/analog; carrier; simple modulation techniques) Module 3 Data transmission Data flow (simplex, half-duplex, and full duplex) Codes Sources of errors Error prevention Error detection and correction Digital transmission Interfaces and standards 1

2 Common Carriers and typical services Module 4 Introduction to LANs Motivations for networking Network applications LANs versus WANs Module 5 LAN Hardware Servers Clients NICs Module 6 Topologies and MAC Protocols Topologies and standards Data link and MAC protocols Choosing a LAN architecture Module 7 LAN software Client software Server software Print spooling Backup Sharing issues License agreements Module 8 LAN selection Alternatives Selection criteria Module 9 WAN Hardware Terminals Multiplexers Concentrators Front-end processors Protocol converters Other devices Module 10 WAN topologies and transmission services Topologies Data link protocols intro Asynchronous protocols Synchronous protocols OSI network layer OSI transport layer 2

3 Module 11 WAN software Overview Access methods Transaction control Module 12 WAN implementations Packet distribution networks Internet Information Superhighway IBM's SNA Global networks Module 13 Network interconnections OSI Reference Model Repeaters, bridges, routers, etc. LAN-to-Host Module 14 Network management introduction History Objectives Organization LAN versus WAN management Module 15 Management systems Software Protocols Network management tools Module 16 Network security and recovery Security Error detection and recovery Module 17 Distributed systems History of distributed systems Advantages and disadvantages Distributed file systems Client/server model Distributed database systems 2. Listing of major topics Week 1 Introduction to Communications 3

4 Week 2 Physical Layer Week 3 Data transmission Week 4 Introduction to LANs Week 5 LAN Hardware Week 6 Topologies and MAC Protocols Week 7 LAN software Week 8 LAN selection Week 9 WAN Hardware Week 10 WAN topologies and transmission services Week 11 WAN software Week 12 WAN implementations Week 13 Network interconnections Network management introduction Week 14 Network security and recovery Week 15 Distributed systems 3. Brief description IST 220 is an introduction to digital networking and telecommunications and their applications in information systems. It is a required core course for both the two-year and four-year IST degrees, and is a critical part of the curriculum. Its objective is to provide the students with a basic understanding of the working of digital networks and the ability to apply this knowledge to specific applications and situations. Evaluation of knowledge objectives will be by examination, and of application (i.e., selection and management) objectives by grading of group and individual projects and case studies. As a core course, IST 220 will be offered every semester at University Park, in as many sections as necessary to meet current demand. At other locations where the Associate and Baccalaureate degrees are offered, it will be offered 1-2 times annually depending on demand. Ideally, section size should not exceed 45 students per class. The course content includes an introduction to: telecommunications history; telecommunications transmission media (conducted and radiated); transmission characteristics (including an introduction to coding and modulation techniques); error characteristics, detection, and correction; local and wide area networking applications, hardware, and software; the OSI models; industry standards; topologies; protocols; internetworking devices; communications management; security and recovery; information system applications; and the selection of telecommunications and networking systems. Special attention will be paid to evolving Internet Protocol (IP) technologies, e.g., Internet2. 4

5 While the course is about digital technology and how it works, it is not a hands on course, or a training course in particular equipment and/or applications. While there will be demonstrations of relevant technologies, the course is not equipment-intensive and will not involve special technology needs beyond the normal access to computing and the Internet. The course is not duplicative of any other course currently offered. Although there is some overlap with CMPET , CSE 458, and COMP 421, none of these courses cover exactly the same material, and they operate at a different level of depth and detail. MIS 180 also overlaps somewhat, but it appears that no current course provides the same 200-level mixture of local and wide area networking and business communications topics. 4. Faculty member responsible for course development: Lawrence R. Newcomer, Asst. Prof. of Computer Science, PSU-York Willie K. Ofosu, Asst. Prof. Telecommunications/Electrical Engineering, PSU- Wilkes Barre Shankar Sundaresan, Asst. Prof., Mgmt. Info. Systems, Smeal College of Business Administration Richard D. Taylor, Professor and James and Barbara Palmer Chair in Telecommunications Studies, College of Communications C. JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT: IST 220 is one of the core requirements for both the 2-year and 4-year IST degrees, and will play an important role in many Minor degree programs as well. It is introductory in nature, and is accessible to all students who have passed IST 110. Currently, and ever more so as time passes, it is impossible to seriously study information without a thorough understanding of the movement of information. IST 220 provides a foundation in the technologies used to move information, and should be of interest to serious students in any information discipline. 1. Instructional, Educational, and Course Objectives: (a) To gain an appreciation of telecommunications history (b) To understand the available options for both conducted and unbounded communications media 5

6 (c) To be able to select an appropriate communications media for specific applications (d) To understand the basic characteristics of transmitted data (e) To understand sources of transmission errors along with prevalent error detection and correction techniques (f) To understand important industry interfaces and standards (g) To be familiar with important common carriers and typical services (h) To be able to select appropriate carriers and services for specific applications (i) To understand the applications, hardware, software, and relevant standards of local area networking, including the OSI reference model (j) To understand the applications, hardware, software, and relevant standards of wide area networking (k) To be able to select appropriate networking technologies for specific applications (l) To understand the important issues of network management, security, and recovery (m) To understand the major communications topologies, protocols, and devices (n) To be able to select appropriate networking security and recovery technologies for specific applications (o) To foster communications, interpersonal, and group interaction skills through appropriate collaborative and active learning projects and experiences 2. Evaluation Methods: Achievement of knowledge objectives will be evaluated by exam. Achievement of selection/management objectives will be evaluated by grading of group and individual projects and case studies. 3. Relationship/Linkage of Course to Other Courses: Although there is some overlap with CMPET , CSE 458, and COMP 421, none of these courses cover exactly the same material and obviously they operate at a different level of depth and detail. MIS 180 also overlaps somewhat, but it appears that no current course provides the same 200-level mixture of local and wide area networking and business communications topics. IST 110 is a prerequisite. 4. Relationship of Course to Major, Option, Minor, or General Education: As noted, IST 220 is a required core course for both the 2-year and 4-year IST degrees. 5. Consultation with Appropriate Departments and Academic Support Units: 6

7 Attached 6. If course is to be offered by several colleges: N/A 7. A description of any special facilities : N/A 8. Technology Needs Form: N/A 9. Frequency of Offering and Enrollment: Frequency: Enrollment: IST 220 will be offered every semester at University Park. At other locations where the Associate and Bacculaureate degrees are offered, the course will be offered 1-2 times annually depending on demand. Student enrollment at University Park will begin at approximately 150 in the first year and grow to 800 over a 3-4 year time period. Enrollment at other locations should range from students annually D. EFFECTIVE DATE: Spring,

8 Attachments Description Listing of Major Topics (by module): 8