This course will cover data communications (or network communications) concepts, network installation, network configuration, network media, network topologies, network management, network communicationsand related network security.

After this course the student will be able to:

1. Explain, identity and summarize the fundamental concepts, standards, importance, function and products related to network communications.
2. Analyze network communications features and functionality.
3. Given a scenario, design a network communications strategy via the application of an appropriate methodology.
4. Perform a review, of today’s state of the art products, in the area of network communications.
5. Perform a review, of the academic trends and knowledge, in the area of network communications.

This course covers the basic concepts, standards, purpose and implementation of network communications.  This course will include an in-depth focus on network communications.  From a practical standpoint, the current state of the art is covered, which will assist the students to analyze and design current network communications solutions.  Various scenarios will be covered and a methodology will be presented to help students perform network troubleshooting.  The future trends, from an academic and theoretical standpoint are covered, which will help the students understand what new network communications functionality will be coming out, in the future.  There is also a short introduction, covering how to perform research, in order to find the current state of the art network communications solutions and future trends.  

Some topics covered are the OSI model, TCP/IP model, IP addressing, IP routing, layer 2 switching, QoS, network tools: traceroute, arp, netstat, nslookup; firewall design and firewall configuration, Kerberos, threats, security vulnerabilities, vulnerability scanners such as NMAP; WAN, MPLS, SNMP, virtual networking, network installation, network configuration, common protocols such as NAT, VLAN, DNS, DHCP, wireless, SOHO networks, standard media types, standard connector types and associated properties.

During the course, students will work on individual tasks and group tasks.  For group work, students will collaborate with each other using a variety of collaboration tools.  Course material will cover thefundamental concepts, standards, importance, function and scope of network communications.  In order for students to design an appropriate network communications solution, students will first need to perform some research, in order to find the available security solutions.

Teaching on Internet for distance students or at campus for the students living on campus. IT support: Learning management system (Fronter), e-mail and phone.

The learning Management System Fronter is used for delivering course material, information and submissions. Knowledge is shared and created within the course through virtual meetings with teachers and other students for discussions, supervision, teamwork and seminars. For student on campus there will be meetings on campus.

Aim 1-5, Individual tasks and Group tasks, 2,5 hp (U or G#)
Aim 1-5, Written examination, 5 hp (U, G, or VG)

Distance students can be examined online, a webcam is mandatory.