CNIT 106:
Introduction to Networks

Course Information for Fall 2023

This course covers the analysis of technologies for connecting computers and devices into networks. Terminology and the major components of networks: architecture, topologies, hardware, connections, protocols, operations, administration, support, security and troubleshooting. Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Wireless LANS and Virtual networks are also covered. Follows the objectives of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

This course provides a foundation for further study or a career in networking technical support or administration. It is recommended that this course be taken before taking security courses or advanced Microsoft networking classes.

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

1. Explain devices, applications, protocols and services at their appropriate OSI layers.
2. Determine the appropriate placement of networking devices on a network.
3. Compare business continuity and disaster recovery concepts.
4. Summarize common networking attacks.
5. Troubleshoot common wired and wireless connectivity and performance issues.

Instructor Information

Course Requirements

CompTIA Network+ N10-008 Cert Guide, DELUXE EDITION, 2022, Anthony Sequeira & Michael D. Taylor, Pearson IT Certification. ISBN 978-0-13-758530-4.

We will be using the deluxe edition throughout the course so that we have access to lab simulations, drag-and-drop learning exercises, matching activities, flashcards, and other learning tools. The DELUXE EDITION comes with a 1-person access code. If you buy the textbook used, you may not get an access code or it may no longer be valid. It's important that you receive a textbook that has a sealed access code in the back of the textbook. The best way to ensure a sealed, never used access code is to purchase a new textbook from a reputable source.

A few places to buy the hardcover textbook:
Pearson
amazon.com
CCSF bookstore

Please make sure you buy the N10-008 EDITION. It would be a BIG MISTAKE to buy an earlier edition.

The above textbook is required. Students who wait 3 or 4 weeks to obtain a textbook or never obtain a textbook have a very difficult time succeeding in this course.

1. Chrome - fully supported by Canvas, although other browsers can be used
2. Microsoft Word or Notepad for writing brief reports and MS Excel
3. Image manipulation software such as IrfanView (freeware) or MS Paint

Class attendance is required. In an online class this means logging into the class as well as engaging academically in course activities such as quizzes, discussion forums, and assignments. You are required to log into the class at least once per week, although 3 or 4 times per week is recommended. Your instructor reserves the right to drop any student who does not log in AND engage academically in course activities for more than 2 1/2 weeks. Although your instructor reserves the right to drop any student for lack of attendance, students should not depend on your instructor to do so. It is the student's responsibility to complete the online form in myRAM Portal that is needed to drop or withdraw from this class. If you simply stop attending class, the student will probably receive a failing grade for the course.

Take time to learn how your financial aid works: If your instructor withdraws the student due to lack of attendance based on the above policy and it is after the standard drop with full refund period, then the student most likely will be financially liable to pay for the entire cost of the course. A student needs to be sure that he/she will be able to actively engage in the class on a regular basis from the start of the semester all the way through to the very last day. If the student can not make this semester long committment, then the student should make sure he/she drops the course prior to the deadline to receive a full refund.

Please be aware of the the information on the list of Important Dates including the last day to drop classes with a full refund.

Grading

A = 90% +
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = 59% or below

Homework makes up 45% of your final grade. There will be weekly assignments to complete. Please see the course Schedule as well as the weekly Plan inside of Canvas for homework assignment due dates and details.

Late Homework: Homework may be accepted up to 1 week late but with a 10% penalty. I will allow only two late homework assignments from each student.

Participation makes up 10% of your final grade. Participation points are based on posting or replying to the appropriate chapter Discussions on a weekly basis. There are 15 separate opportunities to participate in the weekly chapter Discussions. You are required to participate in 10 of the 15 chapter discussion forums to earn full participation points. Only forum discussions posted by the assigned weekly due date will earn points.

There will be 4 chapter quizzes which make up 15% of your grade. The quizzes will be multiple choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank. You get 2 attempts at each quiz. The highest score counts.

The Mid-Term Exam is worth 15% of your grade and covers chapters 1 - 11 and any material covered during the first half of the course. The mid-term exam will be multiple choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank. The mid-term exam must be taken during the scheduled week - Wednesday, October 25 - SATURDAY, October 28 by 10 p.m. PST - no exceptions. There is no make-up mid-term exam. Please mark your calendar.

The Final Exam is worth 15% of your grade and is comprehensive. The final exam will be multiple choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank. The final exam must be taken during the scheduled week - Wednesday, December 13 - SATURDAY, December 16 by 10 p.m. PST - no exceptions. There is no make-up final exam. Please mark your calendar.

You are responsible for knowing these dates and completing your mid-term and final exams by the SATURDAY due dates. Do not wait until the last minute to take your online mid-term or final exam. If you run into technical or other difficulties at the last minute, you will still be responsible for completing your exams by the due date.

Academic Accommodation