CIS 484/585 Communication Systems


Teacher: Adam Reed, EE, PhD, CTT (areed2@calstatela.edu)

Course Description:

An IS manager is often also the manager of a business organization's networked communication and information services. This course teaches the concepts and techniques of protocols used in business communication and information services, network organization, and network-based service selection, deployment and maintenance.

Time demands:

This course requires, in addition to 4 hours of lab/lecture per week, between 8 and 16 hours per week in independent study and practice. Students with prior computer networking experience will need about 8 hours per week in addition to class; students without prior experience may need up to 16 hours per week in addition to class time.

Web Site:

http://www.prenhall.com/panko/

Textbook:

Raymond R. Panko, Business Data Communications and Networking, Seventh Edition, Prentice-Hall 2008.

Tentative Schedule:

  1. Course Introduction
  2. Panko, Chapter 1
  3. Panko, Chapter 2
  4. Panko, Chapter 3, part 1
  5. Panko, Chapter 3, part 2, and Module B
  6. Panko, Chapter 4
  7. Panko, Chapter 5
  8. Panko, Chapter 6 and Module C
  9. Panko, Chapter 7
  10. Panko, Chapter 8, part 1
  11. Panko, Chapter 8, part 2
  12. Midterm
  13. Panko, Module A
  14. Panko, Chapter 9, part 1
  15. Panko, Chapter 9, part 2
  16. Panko, Chapter 10
  17. Laboratory (SHC-346): Network Monitoring
  18. Laboratory (SHC-346): Network Monitoring
  19. Panko, Chapter 11
  20. Course Summary and Final Review

Grading:

The primary grading inputs are class participation, written input (e-mailed to areed2@calstatela.edu), midterm and final. I will raise to an A or A- the grade of any student from whom I learn, by way of class participation or project, a new concept, insight, or technique. Concrete information about programs or bugs may also raise your grade somewhat, if it is useful and perceptive.

If you prefer, you may receive a grade based on a project paper instead of examinations. If you choose this option, you must receive e-mailed approval for your project before the scheduled date of the midterm.

The midterm and the final will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions each. You will need to bring your own Scantron forms and #2 pencils. The questions will be the kind you are likely to encounter as an IS manager responsible for your organization's network and network services. As on the job, you are expected to make use of reference materials; for this reason, both tests will be open-book with respect to the textbook and any hard-copy materials you bring with you. Because of University regulations you may NOT communicate with anyone other than the instructor/proctor, or use telephone, e-mail or Web communication while being tested.

Participation:

Questions from which students may benefit will be answered in class. I will not answer individual questions during breaks or after class. If you wish to discuss something during office hours, please send me e-mail at least a day in advance; if the answer to your question may be of general interest I will discuss it in class. Questions and insights during class are encouraged; if I learn something new to me from your question I may raise your grade accordingly.

Behaviors that may distract me, or your colleagues, away from appropriate work will NOT be tolerated in class. This includes receiving audible cell phone or pager alarms; you are responsible for testing your gear to make sure that it will stay silent during class time. You may only use computers in the classroom when and as instructed.

Study Partners:

You are expected to select a study partner among your colleagues in the class (or two study partners, so that you will meet in a group of three). You will exchange telephone numbers and e-mail addresses among partners, and meet with your parner or partners each week to review your understanding of current course content. Please make sure to bring to class any issues that come up in reviewing matters with your study partner. If you miss any class work you are responsible for obtaining your study partner's notes and recollections, and for asking whatever questions may help your understanding.