Revised 05/2023

ITN 154 - Introduction to Networks - Cisco (4 CR.)

Course Description

Provides instruction in the fundamentals of networking environments, the basics of router operations, and basic router configuration. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 5 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

First course in a path to a career in Information Technology that provides a foundational understanding of the creation, operation, and maintenance of networks.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

College level reading and writing ability

Course Objectives

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

  • Explain the advances in modern network technologies.
  • Implement initial settings including passwords, IP addressing, and default gateway parameters on a network switch and end devices.
  • Explain how network protocols enable devices to access local and remote network resources.
  • Explain how physical layer protocols, services, and network media support communications across data networks.
  • Calculate numbers between decimal, binary, and hexadecimal systems.
  • Explain how media access control in the data link layer supports communication across networks.
  • Explain how Ethernet operates in a switched network.
  • Explain how routers use network layer protocols and services to enable end-to-end connectivity.
  • Explain how ARP and ND enable communication on a network.
  • Implement initial settings on a router and end devices.
  • Calculate an IPv4 subnetting scheme to efficiently segment your network.
  • Implement an IPv6 addressing scheme.
  • Use various tools to test network connectivity.
  • Compare the operations of transport layer protocols in supporting end-to-end communication.
  • Explain the operation of application layer protocols in providing support to end-user applications.
  • Configure switches and routers with device hardening features to enhance security.
  • Implement a network design for a small network to include a router, a switch, and end devices.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Networking Today
  • Basic Switch and End Device Configuration
  • Protocols and Models
  • Physical Layer
  • Number Systems
  • Data Link Layer
  • Ethernet Switching
  • Network Layer
  • Address Resolution
  • Basic Router Configuration
  • IPv4 Addressing
  • IPv6 Addressing
  • ICMP
  • Transport Layer
  • Application Layer
  • Network Security Fundamental
  •  

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Interoperability in Network Communications
    • Describe the topologies and devices in a small to medium-sized business network.
    • Explain the roles of protocols and standards in network communications.
    • Explain the basic characteristics of a network that supports network communication including
      • LANs and WANs
      • Intranet and Extranet
      • Wireless Network
      • Network Trends
  • The OSI Model and the TCP/IP Suite
    • Explain the benefits of using a Layered Model.
    • Compare the OSI Model and the TCP/IP Model.
    • Explain how the different layers of the TCP/IP model support communication across data networks.
      • Application Layer
      • Transport Layer
      • Network Layer
      • Data Link Layer
      • Physical Layer
    • Explain how the protocols and services in each layer support communication across data networks.
  • IP Addressing Scheme
    • Connect network devices with appropriate media based on network requirements.
    • Design an addressing scheme to provide network connectivity.
    • Use common testing utility tools to verify and test network connectivity
    • Differentiate IPv4 and IPv6 and explain how they support network connectivity.
    • Calculate the network and host IPv4 addresses to enable end-to-end connectivity.
      • Perform IPv4 and IPv6 subnet allocation.
  • IOS Device Settings
    • Explain the features and function of Cisco IOS
    • Identify the Cisco IOS modes of operation.
    • Configure initial settings on a network device using Cisco IOS
    • Understand and explain the command structure of the Cisco IOS.
  • Router and Switch Configuration
    • Explain the functions of routers and switches in a small to medium-sized business network.
    • Perform basic router configurations.
      • Saving and accessing router configurations
    • Implement basic LAN switching.
    • Use show commands and utilities to establish performance baseline.
    • Use utilities PING, PATHPING, TRACEROUTE to troubleshoot.
  • Securing the Network
    • Explain the categories of threats to network security.
    • Recognize and describe the types of security vulnerabilities.
    • Describe measures to mitigate network attacks.
    • Explain steps to secure devices including end and intermediate devices.

Required Time Allocation per Topic

In order to standardize the core topics of ITN 154 so that a course taught at one campus is equivalent to the same course taught at another campus, the following student contact hours per topic are required. Each syllabus should be created to adhere as closely as possible to these allocations. Of course, the topics cannot be followed sequentially. Many topics are taught best as an integrated

whole, often revisiting the topic several times, each time at a higher level. There are normally 60 student-contact-hours per semester for a four credit course. (This includes 15 weeks of instruction and does not include the final exam week so 15* 4 = 60 hours. Sections of the course that are given in alternative formats from the standard 16 week section still meet for the same number of contact hours.) The final exam time is not included in the time table. The category, Other Optional Content, leaves ample time for an instructor to tailor the course to special needs or resources.

Topic:

Time in Hours:

Percentages:
Interoperability in Network Communications 6 10%
OSI Model and TCP/IP Suite 10 17
IP Addressing 8 12
IOS device settings 10 17
Router and switch configurations 12 20
Securing the network 4 7
Other optional content 4 7
Exams and quizzes 6 10
Total: 60 100%