CNIT 201E- Network Fundamentals Syllabus
Tuesday- Thursday Section, Spring 2010

Instructors 

Sam Bowne         Email: sbowne@ccsf.edu             Web:  http://samsclass.info

Sufyaan Mateen  Email: smateen@ccsf.edu

Office

Cloud 218 5-6 Tue & Thur

Times

Tuesdays & Thursdays 6-9pm.

Text & Materials

The course content and labs will be available online. The purchase of the textbook accompanying this new curriculum and the lab manual is optional.   CCSF will provide any additional handouts, access to software, tools and materials that are needed for the class.

If you don't purchase the lab manual, you will need to print out some lab pages from a lab manual that will be made available online in PDF format.   You fill this out as we do the labs.   (See the Schedule for a list of which labs we will do.)

Texts:
Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide
ISBN-10: 1-58713-208-7 ISBN-13: 9781587132087
Publication Date: November 2007
Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide
ISBN-10: 1-58713-203-6 ISBN-13: 9781587132032
Publication Date: November 2007

Course
Description

Lec-2, conf-1 -PREREQUISITE: CNIT 100 or equivalent

This course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. It uses the OSI and TCP layered models to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers. The principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the curriculum. Labs use a “model Internet” to allow students to analyze real data without affecting production networks. Packet Tracer (PT) activities help students analyze protocol and network operation and build small networks in a simulated environment. At the end of the course, students build simple LAN topologies by applying basic principles of cabling; performing basic configurations of network devices, including routers and switches; and implementing IP addressing schemes.

This is the first course of the Cisco Networking Academy series preparing for the CCNA Certification

Methods

There are 11 chapters that students will be expected to read outside of class.  Class meetings will be a combination of lectures, discussion, small group exercises and some hands-on practice to solidify and deepen the course material
      
Cisco provides a website for students in its Networking Academy.   This website delivers the lessons and exams that we will use in this class.   It also contains the lab manual in PDF form that you will print and use for your assignments.  
The Cisco lessons, lab manual, and module exams are available from the Academy website at:  http://cisco.netacad.net.   You will get accounts on our first meeeting.   (We also have an on-campus mirror for just the lessons.    Its URL  is:  http://147.144.51.246  It is available only when you are on campus.)  There is also a NETLAB server that allows you to do the projects online, at http://147.144.51.247

Final Exam

The final exam will cover all material for the semester. It will consist of the Cisco on-line exam and a skill-based component.  See class calendar for dates.

Grading

Your grade will be based on participation & success in written & hands-on projects as shown in a Lab Manual and Notes, Online Module Exams, and success Online and Practical Final Exams.  

Labs & Activities

30%

On-line Chapter exams

20%

On-line Final Exam

20%

Skills-based Final Exams

30%

Total

100%




Class
Attendance & Other Policies

Attendance:  Your attendance & participation in the class is important to us but we will not take attendance each class.  You can earn extra credit from answering iClicker questions  in class, but you do not get points just for attending.  There will be one or more chapter exams scheduled each week.   Any student who falls behind two or more weeks without prior arrangement may be dropped by the instructor.   However, under normal circumstances, we do NOT usually drop students from the class rolls. It is the student’s responsibility to file the paperwork needed to drop or withdraw from this class. 

The CCSF Computer Policy Guidelines apply.   Basically, be respectful in your communication with others and of the computers and special equipment you will have access to.   In general, if a situation arises where you are uncertain about the ethics involved, talk to us.

Online exams.   The chapter exams are given online.  Due to copyright issues, it is not allowed to copy the Cisco online exams in any form.  The exams will provide feedback on the areas where you need improvement.   You get up to 3 tries at each chapter exam.  The minimum score to aim for is 80%.   The online Final Exam is given in class. 

CCSF Software Policy:  Software in use in the lab and on line or printed resource materials are copyrighted with all rights reserved except when explicitly described as public domain. Under copyright laws, these items may not be copied, photocopied, reproduced or reduced to any electronic medium, in whole or in part. Any violation or attempt to violate copyright laws may result in disciplinary action.

Add/Drop Deadlines:  This is a short-term class.  The add/drop deadlines are different than for full semester classes.  The last day to add is 1/26/10 and the last day to drop with a W is 3/4/10.

Final Notes:
  1.  Chapter exams may be taken up to 3 times.  Your last attempt is your score.
  2.  The Skills-based Final Exams are Pass/Fail only.
  3.  Lab Manuals will be reviewed about 1/2 through the class and again at the end.

How To Succeed in This Class

You need these things to succeed:

 

1. Prerequisite knowledge:  You must have a strong working knowledge of computer use: installing and using basic applications, connecting to the Internet, and using Email.  You should also be familiar with IP addresses and basic networking.  If you don't have that knowledge, you should take CNIT 106 before taking this class.

 

2. Access to a computer and the Internet: You need to have a PC you can use for at least six hours a week. 

 

3. Time to study: You will need to study the textbook for at least three hours per week. 

 

4. Time for hands-on projects in the lab: at least four hours per week.  Labs can also be done remotely via NETLAB.

 

If This Class is Too Difficult

If this class is too difficult:

 

If you make a sincere effort and still cannot do the projects or pass the quizzes, you are probably not ready for this course.  Consider taking CNIT 106: Introduction to Networks instead.

 

Before You Withdraw

If you are doing poorly in the class, and considering withdrawal, please contact your instructor and/or Carmen Lamha at clamha@ccsf.edu to discuss your situation.  Many resources are available to help you, and we can help you find them.