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CIS 115 - NetPrep Wide Area Networks

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Credits

3 Credit Hours (2 Lecture; 2 Lab)

Description

Covers networking topics related to Wide Area Networks (WANs). These topics include the telecommunications components and concepts used to build WANs, as well as the protocols used to transport voice and data over a wide area.

Prerequisites

CIS 107 with a grade of "C" or better or consent of instructor.

Outline
  1. Introduction to Telecommunications
  2. Telecommunications Components
  3. Point-to-Point Alternatives
  4. Wide Area Switching Alternatives
  5. X.25 Overview
  6. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
  7. Frame Relay
  8. Metropolitan Area Networks
  9. Switched Multimegabit Data Service (SMDS) and Fibre Channel
  10. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM); Telecommunications Summary

Outcome

For all of the following student competencies, the level of mastery is moderate; the level of knowledge is to define, identify, and measure; and the assessment tools will be tests and quizzes, papers, class participation, cases and projects.

The student should be able to:

  • Understand the different types of WAN connections.
  • Understand the basics of telecommunications services.
  • Identify the components used to make connections.
  • Identify the layer of the OSI model that corresponds to the different type components.
  • Understand when to use each component.
  • Understand the impacts of line speeds to MAN/WAN performance.
  • Understand what Data Service Units (DSUs) and Channel Service Units (CSUs) are used for in telecommunications.
  • Identify Dataphone Digital Service (DDS) offerings.
  • Understand Time Division Multiplexer (TDM) operations.
  • Understand modem fundamentals.
  • Explain the RS-232 interface and modem protocols.
  • Understand different modulation techniques used in telecommunications.
  • Distinguish asynchronous and synchronous communication techniques.
  • Identify the different types of digital subscriber lines.
  • Comprehend microwave fundamentals.
  • Understand satellite fundamentals.
  • Identify high-speed alternatives used for point-to-point connectivity.
  • Characterize differences between T1, FT1, T1-fp, and T3.
  • Give bandwidth and transfer capabilities of each of the high-speed point-to-point
  • connectivity options.
  • Present configuration possibilities of each option.
  • Understand the T1 framing format and how data is transported over T1 lines.
  • Understand SONET technology and the SONET hierarchy.
  • Understand how X.25 is used to transport data over a wide area.
  • Identify the difference between packet switching, frame switching, Frame Relay and cell relay.
  • Understand the X.25 layers and their functionality.
  • Identify the difference between a virtual circuit, a physical circuit and a logical channel.
  • Explain what a pad is used for.
  • Explain the header of an X.25 packet.
  • Understand how X.25 is used to transport data over a wide area.
  • Explain the difference between packet switching, frame switching, frame relay, and cell relay.
  • Explain the difference between a virtual circuit, physical circuit, and a logical channel.
  • Identify the X.25 protocol layers and their functionality.
  • Understand what a PAD is used for.
  • Describe the header of an X.25 packet.
  • Understand the functions of ISDN.
  • Identify the protocol layers of ISDN.
  • Explain how ISDN attaches to a public network.
  • List ISDN services.
  • Describe the LAPD frame format.
  • Identify the different types of ISDN user premise equipment.
  • Characterize some uses of ISDN in networking environments.
  • Identify the layers of Frame Relay.
  • Explain how Frame Relay differs from X.25.
  • Understand why Frame Relay is replacing X.25 in many instances.
  • Explain how Frame Relay operates.
  • Characterize the function of the protocol header of a Frame Relay frame.
  • Understand how a LAN uses Frame Relay to send data across a wide area.
  • Understand the general functionality of a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
  • Characterize how the MAN protocols relate to the OSI model.
  • Give the purpose for dual buses in the IEEE 802.6 protocol.
  • Identify the protocol layers of SMDS.
  • Describe how LANs interface to an SMDS network.
  • Explain how cells are created for an SMDS network.
  • Describe the Fibre Channel protocol layers and how they relate to OSI.
  • Characterize where Fibre Channel fits in the overall networking picture.
  • Explain what a Fibre Channel fabric is and how it is implemented.
  • Understand how Fibre Channel is used to transfer data across a short haul network.
  • Explain the reason for ATM development.
  • Characterize the current state of the ATM market.
  • Identify the different types of B-ISDN transfer modes.
  • Describe how ATM is used to transfer data over a wide area.
  • Understand how ATM relates to B-ISDN.
  • Identify ATMs different layers.
  • Describe the function of each field in an ATM cell.

Frequency

Every semester

Formats

Classroom & web-based, self-paced

Software Utilized

Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator, RealPlayer, Shockwave Player, Adobe Acrobat Reader