CIS 485: Local Area Networks
CIS 560: Seminar: Microcomputer Networks


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

Course Description:

This course teaches the body of knowledge needed to manage organizational data networks. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) administers a certification examination, Network+, which tests mastery of the body of knowledge that its member firms have found indispensable for effective management of data networks. This course follows the outline of network management skills tested by the Network+ examination, which is the final examination in this course. The course includes a discount on the Network+ exam that brings the price down to $ 118. from the regular price of $ 225.

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 work experience with data networks 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.

Textbooks:

David Groth, Toby Skandier, and Bill Ferguson, CompTIA Network+ Certification Kit: Exam N10-003, Sybex (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) 2007.
Includes:
David Groth and Toby Skandier, Network+ Study Guide: Exam N10-003, 4th Edition (G+S.)
Toby Skandier, Network Administrator Street Smarts: A Real World Guide to CompTIA Network+ Skills (S.)
Bill Ferguson, Network+ Fast Pass (F.)

Tentative Schedule:

  1. Course Introduction
  2. G+S, Chapters 1 and 2
  3. G+S, Chapters 3 and 4
  4. G+S, Chapters 5 and 6
  5. G+S, Chapters 7 and 8
  6. G+S, Chapters 9 and 10
  7. S, Phase 1; F, Chapter 1
  8. S, Phase 2; F, Chapter 2
  9. S, Phase 3; F, Chapter 3
  10. S, Phase 4; F, Chapter 4

Grading:

The primary grading inputs are class participation, written input (e-mailed to areed2@calstatela.edu), and the CompTIA Network+ certification exam, which also serves as the final examination in this course. 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 the final exam. If you choose this option, you must receive e-mailed approval for your project before session 5 of this course.

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.