Course

10150104 Data Communications
Course Information
Description
This is an introductory course covering the process used to exchange data between end point applications on a network (Like your web browser connecting to a website). Included will be a basic introduction to the concepts of host addressing, data communication channels/flows, and the fundamentals of the applications, tools, and configurations needed to enable and troubleshoot end host connectivity to an existing data network. NOTE prereq: Students are required to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management).
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Explain foundational computer networking concepts
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Exam
    Criteria
    Identify the common types and sizes of networks, such as LANs and WANs
    Describe the purpose of common hardware/virtual networking devices
    Differentiate network topologies, such as star, mesh, and hybrid topologies
    Explain the purpose, layers, and associated protocols of conceptual network models, such as the OSI and TCP/IP models
    Convert between different number systems, such as decimal, binary, and hexadecimal
    Explain how the Ethernet protocol works in a computer network
    Explain how the Internet Protocol (IP) works in a computer network
    Explain how the TCP/UDP protocols work to enable end-to-end device communication

  2. Implement basic network connectivity for devices in a small network
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Skill Demonstration, Exam
    Criteria
    Configure the IP address and subnet mask of Windows and Linux devices
    Configure the default gateway of Windows and Linux devices
    Configure the preferred DNS server for Windows and Linux devices
    Configure static routes and gateways in network routers
    Configurations meet accuracy range specified by the instructor
    Network connectivity is successful

  3. Implement common network services
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Skill Demonstration, Exam
    Criteria
    Configure a Domain Name System (DNS) recursive server
    Configure a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server
    Configure Network Address Translation (NAT) in a network router
    Configurations meet accuracy ranges specified by the instructor
    Network services are functional

  4. Implement technologies to secure modern networks
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, Skill Demonstration, Exam
    Criteria
    Configure firewall rulesets to restrict and control network traffic
    Network traffic is secured using encryption
    Private/public key pairs are created for authentication
    Network traffic is analyzed using packet capturing software
    Scans of networks are performed successfully using network reconnaissance tools
    Networks are secured within accuracy range specified by the instructor