ITFN 1502 - Foundations of Networking and Security

https://apps.clayton.edu/courses/catalog/202408/ITFN/1502

(Fall 2024: CRN 83217)

Printable Course Syllabus

Byron Jeff

E-mail: byronjeff@clayton.edu
Phone: 678-466-4411 (Please leave a voicemail)
Office: UC 338
Office hours (In person, Teams or E-mail):
MW 1:00 - 2:00 PM,
T 2:00 - 3:30 PM, or by appointment via Teams/E-mail

Note: the syllabus and schedule are subject to change.

Course Description (3-0-3)

Foundations of Networking and Security:

Introduction to terminology and applications of communications and networking as essential elements of information technology and information systems that includes OSI and TCP/IP models. Students gain familiarity with concepts of data communication infrastructure, industry trends, hardware, software, media, transmission equipment, wireless and satellite communication, and network security concepts. Includes an emphasis on LAN architecture, standards, protocols and implementation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this course, the successful (passing) student will be able to:

Explain the basic terminologies and applications of data communications and networking.
Distinguish between the TCP/IP and OSI 7-layer architecture.
Demonstrate the understanding of the data transmission and the different transmission media.
Explain the different data encoding technique for both digital and analog data using both digital and analog signals.
Outline the differences between the main network types LAN, MAN and WAN.
Demonstrate the understanding of topologies, transmission media, and protocols that are most commonly used for LANs.
Understand the fundamental concepts in IP Addressing and routing in the internet.
Understand the concepts and protocols of wireless data networks and be able to design and evaluate wireless networks.
Identify the security needs and the solutions to prevent security threats in networking and data communication systems.
Demonstrate the basic understanding of internetworking concepts.

Course Outcomes:

Students are expected to obtain a developing level of mastery of networking and security. Students should show potential to perform independently. Students should be aware of the skills required for successful systems analysis and design and of the techniques of project management, prototyping and system implementation.

Prerequisites

ITFN 1101 (with C or better grade)

Math 1101 or higher (see the DUCK for more info) (with C or better grade)

ENGL 1101 or higher (see the DUCK for more info)

Meeting Times

Day of week	Times	CRN	Location
MW	3:35-4:50 PM	83217	UC 268

Class Email:

ITFN1502-01Fall24@groups.clayton.edu (83952 MW evening class)

Course Textbook

White, Curt M. Data Communications and Networks: A Business User's Approach, 8th Edition, Course Technology, Boston MA . 2016

Jerry Fitzgerald, Alan Dennis,Alexandra Durcikova Business Data Communications and Networking, Thirteenth Edition Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Digital Version Available for FREE via Clayton State Percipio Book Collection Access: https://claytonstate.percipio.com (Also accessible via SWAN )

Assessment

You will have numerous opportunities to practice and demonstrate mastery of the materials covered in this course. It is up to you to keep current on all readings and assignments (including in-class announcements). *If you fall behind, you will most assuredly fail this course!*

Grading will be based upon the following scale:

Grade Range

A >= 90%

B 80% - 89%

C 70% - 79%

D 60% - 69%

F < 60%

Grade	Range
A	>= 90%
B	80% - 89%
C	70% - 79%
D	60% - 69%
F	< 60%

Assignment weights are as follows:

Assignment Portion of Grade
Final 30%

Three Monthly Tests 39% (13% for each of 3 tests given approximately once a month)

Quizzes 12%

Project Portfolio 12%

Discussions 7%

Assignment	Portion of Grade
Final	30%
Three Monthly Tests	39% (13% for each of 3 tests given approximately once a month)
Quizzes	12%
Project Portfolio	12%
Discussions	7%

The final for this class is comprehensive. In addition the grade on the final can be used to redeem one *(and only one)* monthly test grade. So if your grade on the final is higher than your lowest monthly test grade, then that monthly test grade will be replaced with the grade from the final. This policy is designed to give a student the chance to improve one poor monthly test showing.

Partial credit may be given. Please be advised that no credit will be given for late assignments.

Course Topics

The list of course topics below will be presented in the order listed below. The listed exams are inserted following the likely coverage of the material that the exam will cover. Be aware that in class adjustments of both the material and the exam coverage may be made. Any adjustments superceeds the outline listed here. Exact test dates will be announced a minimum of one week before the actual exam.

Course Introduction / Basic communication and networking system model
OSI and TCP/IP layered architectures
Data transmission fundamentals, switching and encoding techniques
Media types
Test 1: Mid February
Data link layer and error control
LAN fundamentals
LAN topologies, protocols, and switching architectures
Test 2: Mid March
Introduction to network layer and network security
Introduction to IP addressing and wireless data Networks
Test 3: Mid/Late April
Final Exam: Monday December 9th , 2024 TIME: 2:45 PM

Project Portfolio

Please read carefully!

A comprehensive student generated project portfolio must be submitted by each student on the specified date near the end of the semester. The portfolio consists of a number of required project elements coupled with additional project elements selected by the student. The portfolio will serve as the single grading instrument for the project portion of the course. The portfolio will be graded on the following elements:

Project Completeness
Project Correctness
Meeting milestone/feedback deadlines (feedback information below)
Incorporating project element feedback
Documentation of project design and development

Each element of the project portfolio will have a milestone/feedback deadline during the semester. Project elements that are substantively complete and correct (i.e. not perfect but mostly done) and turned in by the milestone/feedback deadline will receive feedback that the student may use to improve their project for the portfolio. However, any project element that is not submitted for feedback by the given deadline, or is not substantively complete/correct at that deadline will not receive credit for meeting the milestone/feedback deadline nor feedback incorporation element for that project element.

Active Feedback System

Soliciting and incorporating feedback is an essential element for success in the learning and development of technological systems. In order to encourage active student participation in the feedback process, this course implements an active feedback points system. The system is governed by the following rules:

Each student begins the semester with a one feedback points balance.
For each course element that requires feedback, the student is responsible for actively soliciting feedback for that element.
Students may only solicit feedback for course elements that are turned in a timely fashion before the given due date.
Students who solicit feedback before the deadline gain one point on their feedback balance. Students who do not solicit feedback, or turn in their assignment late, lose one point from their feedback balance.
Students who have a positive feedback balance gain two rewards. The first is that students with a positive feedback balance may request and receive feedback via E-mail. The second is that students with a positive reward balance at exam time earn two extra credit points on their exam.
Students who do not have a positive feedback balance must solicit feedback in person during office hours. In addition students who do not have a positive feedback balance at exam time are not eligible for extra credit points on their exam.

Pictures/Recordings of Course Content in Lecture

The practice of students taking pictures of course content in class has become so prevalent that it now rises to the level of disruptive class behavior. While the instructor understands that students are attempting to reorganize course content such that it's easier for them to access offline, it triggers two levels of distraction in the classroom:

The practice distracts the instructor who is in the process of trying to explain the course content.
The practice distracts the student attempting to capture the image because that student is no longer focused on the course content, but with the process of trying to capture the image.

Because of these issues, this practice will be limited during lecture in the course in the following two ways:

For course content that the student has access to, such as course slides, or project/discussion pages posted to D2L, students may only take pictures of that content from their own screens and not the projected lecture screen for the class.
For handwritten course content on boards, or annotated slides, students may take pictures of the content off the board or projector when access is granted by the instructor.

Students are encouraged to share their notated board shots in the class discussion forum named "Class Notes and Board Shots" which can be a shortcut to each individual student needing to take their own shot of an image that has been shared.

University Attendance Policy

University Attendance Policy Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students' ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy

Your active participation in class is expected. Class attendance is expected because it's much easier to learn if you're participating in class and asking questions about things that confuse you.

All excused absences must be accompanied by documentation such as a doctor's note.
Any excused absence for a monthly test or final must be discussed with the instructor at least 24 hours in advance. Test absences must be documented beforehand. Test absences that do not follow the above procedure will result in a grade of zero that that test or final.

Late Work Policy

Late work delays both the learning process and the feedback process. Project elements needs to be turned in a timely fashion. D2L assignment submissions for project elements will be closed 24 hours after the feedback deadline.

The instructor may waive late penalties if techical problems to homework submission occurs. In the event of technical difficulties:

Please inform the instructor via E-mail of the problem.
Please DO NOT SUBMIT any assignments VIA E-MAIL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! Assignments submitted via e-mail will not be accepted. All assignments must be submitted via Desire2Learn.

Words of Wisdom (TAKE THIS PART SERIOUSLY!)

In an online class reading for comprehension is critical. When working through a new task with written instructions, please take the time to read through all the instructions before beginning. You may even want to take notes on what you are reading. Don't be the student who after reading the instructions of "click this link, then click the blue button on the resulting page" sends an e-mail asking "I clicked the link, what do I do next?".
Skills Practice is essential for learning success. When learning new skills that will be assessed on exams, be sure to practice examples in order to gain the confidence to perform that skill on the exam. Not all skills practice will be graded work. Nontheless, it is essential to practice skills for both understanding and mastery. It is essentially that skills practice items be worked on before the assessments even though the final assessment on those items occur at the end of the semester with the portfolio grade.
Start assignments early. This way, you can ask questions and clarify things that are confusing. Be sure to take a look at the homework when you receive it and not an hour before it is to be turned in!
If you cannot keep up with the pace of this class, please talk with your professor as soon as possible. Please do not simply drop the class without first discussing your situation.

Academic Honesty

As members of the academic community, students are expected to recognize and uphold standards of intellectual and academic integrity. The university assumes as a basic and minimum standard of conduct in academic matters that students be honest and that they submit for credit only the products of their own efforts. Both the ideals of scholarship and the need for fairness require that all dishonest work be rejected as a basis for academic credit. They also require that students refrain from any and all forms of dishonorable or unethical conduct related to their academic work. The policy represents a core value of the university, and all members of the university community are responsible for abiding by its tenets. Lack of knowledge of this policy is not an acceptable defense to any charge of academic dishonesty. All members of the academic community -- students, faculty, and staff -- are expected to report violations of these standards of academic conduct to the appropriate authorities. The procedures for such reporting are on file in the offices of the deans of each college, the office of the Dean of Students, and the Office of the Provost. In an effort to foster an environment of academic integrity and to prevent academic dishonesty, students are expected to discuss with faculty the expectations regarding course assignments and standards of conduct. Students are encouraged to discuss freely with faculty, academic advisers, and other members of the university community any questions pertaining to the provisions of this policy. In addition, students are encouraged to avail themselves of programs in establishing personal standards and ethics offered through the University's Counseling Center.

https://catalog.clayton.edu/student-handbook/student-policies/academic-honesty

Academic Dishonesty

Any student is found obtaining or granting inappropriate help in this course on any in-class graded assignment (test, quiz, exam) will subject to acadmic discipline. The offense will go on permanent record with the university. If this is not the student's first academic misconduct offense at CSU, he will be recommended for expulsion from the university. This is in full accord with CSU's policy, and we encourage you to read and review the university's policy in your student handbook.

So it is permissible to do group work or work with a tutor or other instructors on outside work in this course that is to be turned in for a grade. However, remember that the objective is to gain understanding of the problem solving process and apply that understanding. Note that the majority of the course grade is done via an in-class assessment, which each student must do on their own work without assistance.

Academic discipline can range from a zero for the in-class assessment in question to expulusion from the University depending on the circumstances.

All alleged instances of acadmic misconduct will be referred to the Office of Student Affairs.

Artificial Intelligence Tools (ChatGPT et. al.)

Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are designed to assist in creating and analyzing text, code, video, audio, and other multimedia. Use of these resources in your coursework comes with benefits and risks. In this course, the rules for AI usage are listed below. Any unapproved use within the course might be considered a breach of academic honesty. While exercising responsible and ethical engagement with AI is a skill you may hone over time, your unique human insights, critical thinking, and creative contributions remain pivotal to your learning experiences and success.

Health/Personal/Emotional Concerns

Students may experience stressors that can impact both their academic experience and their personal well-being. These may include academic pressure and challenges associated with relationships, mental health, alcohol or other drugs, identities, finances, etc.

If you are experiencing concerns, seeking help is a courageous thing to do for yourself and those who care about you. For personal concerns, CSU offers health and counseling services at no charge to you. You can schedule those services by calling 678-466-4940 or visiting the Health and Wellness Center located in Laker Village, Building 1000 (vehicular entrance off Harper Drive through Gate 5).

Hardship Withdrawal

Students who experience an unexpected event or circumstance beyond their control that directly interferes with their ability to continue to make satisfactory progress in classes, such as serious illnesses or unexpected major life events, may petition the Dean of their major for a hardship withdrawal from all classes. In order to be considered for a hardship withdrawal, the student must have been passing all courses at the time that the emergency or other hardship arose and notify his or her instructors or other University officials about the hardship situation as soon as possible after it arose (per University and BOR policy, passing is defined as a grade of D or above). Hardship requests that are not filed in a timely manner are subject to denial even if the student was passing and the hardship was legitimate. Students who attend any classes through the end of a term and complete all course requirements (i.e. final project or exam) are not eligible for hardship withdrawal. If you have taken a final exam in any of your courses, you may not request a hardship withdrawal. For more information go to: http://www.clayton.edu/registrar/Withdrawal

Health and Safety Statement

Clayton State University is committed to providing and promoting a healthy and safe learning environment. Anyone who is feeling ill should refrain from coming to campus and should determine if a visit to a physician or clinic is necessary. Individuals on campus who choose to wear a face mask are free to do so at any time.

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have "on demand access" throughout the semester to "an appropriate computing device" that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will be required to sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Computer Devices Policy,

See https://catalog.clayton.edu/rules-regulations/computer-devices/ for more information.

Library Syllabus Statement

The Clayton State Library provides services and resources to support your academic success not only in this course, but throughout your career at Clayton State and beyond. Each academic department has an assigned personal librarian who is knowledgeable about resources in that subject area. You are encouraged to contact your department's personal librarian to schedule a one-on-one consultation for help with any research assignments. You can also receive personalized research support through chat, email, phone, text, or in-person any time the library is open. You may also access online research guides, LibGuides, created by Clayton State Librarians directing you to the best resources in selected subject areas. All the information about these and other resources is available on the library's homepage. For further questions, contact the library using the information below:

Call: (678) 466-4346

Email: library@clayton.libanswers.com

Research Support: https://clayton.libanswers.com

LibGuides: https://clayton.libguides.com

Web: https://clayton.edu/library

Find your personal librarian: https://clayton.libguides.com/liaison

Clayton State Library YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/claytonstatelibrary

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching-learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior toward the instructor and/or other students in the class. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from the class. A student who is dismissed from the class is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal, in collaboration with the Office of Community Standards. If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF. More detailed examples of disruptive behavior are provided in the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures sections of the Clayton State University Academic Catalog and Student Handbook.

Weapons on Campus

Clayton State University is committed to providing a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Information on laws and policies regulating weapons on campus are available at http://www.clayton.edu/public-safety/Safety-Security/Weapons

Disability Services

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact Disability Services You can contact them at 678-466-5445 or E-mail at disabilityservices@clayton.edu . The Disability Services office is located in Edgewater Hall, Suite 255.