Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Archived Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Archived Catalog

COMN-120 Network Essentials

Credits 3 / 3 Contact Hours
Pre-requisite: Placement into ACRD 080 .  Pre- or Co-requisite: COMG-153. Note: Student must provide own personal storage device.
This course is designed to give students a broad overview of current terminology and technologies found in current networking environments. Topics include local and wide area networking, the OSI model, TCP/IP and network protocols, media architecture, and networking hardware. Network designs using various topologies and protocols as well as the basic concepts and approaches involved in maintaining and administering a network will also be addressed. This course will also help to prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ exam.

Course Outcomes
Describe the fundamentals of network communications

Learning Objectives

  • Describe basic computer components and operations
  • Define common networking terms
  • Compare different network models

Performance Standards

  • List the basic functions of a computer
  • List the required components needed to network a stand-alone computer
  • List the steps of network communication
  • Explain the difference between a peer-to-peer/workgroup model and a server-based domain model

Explain the hardware equipment used in setting up a network

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the function of a switch and how it is used in a network
  • Differentiate between a switch and a router
  • Explain the function of a route and how it is used in a network

Performance Standards

  • List the steps of a network switch’s operation
  • Describe the differences between a switch and a router in regards to setting up a network
  • Explain the function of a wireless access point in regards to setting up a network
  • Explain the function of a router in regards to setting up a network

Analyze network topologies and technologies

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the physical topologies of a network
  • Describe the network topologies of a network

Performance Standards

  • Explain the primary physical networking topologies in common use
  • Explain the primary logical networking topologies in common use

Identify the various types of network media and discuss their strengths and weaknesses

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the types of wired network media that can be used to set up a network
  • Describe the types of fiber optic network media that can be used to set up a network
  • Describe how a wireless network is used to set up a network

Performance Standards

  • Define the primary cables used in wired networking
  • Describe the characteristics of the major types of fiber-optic media
  • Explain the technologies used for wireless networking

Define network protocols used in OSI model and TCP/IP layered architecture

Learning Objectives

  • List the protocols in a TCP/IP layered architecture
  • List the protocols in the OSI Reference Model

Performance Standards

  • Describe the purpose of a network protocol and the layers in the TCP/IP architecture
  • Describe TCP/IP Application-layer protocols
  • Describe TCP/IP Transport-layer protocols
  • Describe TCP/IP Internetwork-layer protocols
  • Describe TCP/IP Network acccess-layer protocols
  • List the seven layers of the OSI model

Demonstrate how to configure IP addressing

Learning Objectives

  • Explain how to calculate a subnet mask
  • Explain how to subnet a network based on the number of clients needed

Performance Standards

  • Perform subnetting calculations
  • Configure IPv4 addresses
  • Recognize IPv6 address types

Explain concepts of network security and how to protect a network from attacks

Learning Objectives

  • List the elements of a Network Security Policy
  • Describe the methods of securing access to network data

Performance Standards

  • Develop a network security policy
  • Secure access to network data
  • Describe network security devices

Demonstrate the ability to maintain and administer a network

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the process of network management and administration
  • Describe the benefits of documenting a network and list what elements should be documented
  • List the steps of the problem-solving process
  • Explain different approaches to network troubleshooting

Performance Standards

  • Create and work with user and group accounts
  • Create and manage permissions on storage volumes
  • List reasons why network documentation is good for a network
  • Demonstrate the steps of the problem-solving process on a network