CO 352 & IM 352 - LAN Design and Installation
I. Catalog Description
CO 352 LAN Design and Installation 3c-01-3sh
Prerequisites: IM 350 or OS 313 or any CO course numbered 300 or higher
A study of fundamental local area networking concepts. Detailed study of the basics of local area network (LAN) technology. Comparative study of commercially available LAN systems and products. The course will feature a hands-on laboratory implementation of a LAN. Cross listed as IM 352. Either course may be substituted for the other for D/F repeats; but may not be taken for duplicate credit.
IM 352 LAN Design and Installation 3c-01-3sh
Prerequisites: IM 350 or OS 313 or any CO course numbered 300 or higher
A study of fundamental local area networking concepts. Detailed study of the basics of local area network (LAN) technology. Comparative study of commercially available LAN systems and products. The course will feature a hands-on laboratory implementation of a LAN. Cross listed as CO 352. Either course may be substituted for the other for D/F repeats; but may not be taken for duplicate credit.
II. Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A. Understand the components of LANs and the purpose of each.
B. Interconnect computing machines to constitute a LAN.
C. Install and configure a LAN operating system
D. Examine and analyze packets on a LAN transmission medium.
E. Implement LAN auditing functions to enhance the security and integrity of LAN transactions.
III. Detailed Course Outline
1. The Basics of LANs. (3 hours)
An overview of the history of the evolution of LANs. An explanation of the components and associated terminology of LANs. Advantages of LANs and problems faced by LAN users.
2. LAN Standards (3 hours)
A look at the LAN standards that
specific vendors follow and the resulting medium access control standards set
by the
3. LAN Transmission Media (3 hours)
A discussion of the properties and characteristics of the cables that interconnect the nodes in a LAN.
4. LAN Topologies and Protocols (6 hours)
An explicative discussion of the spatial arrangements of the machines that comprise LANs.
A look at the rules used in data exchange between the nodes in a LAN and a mapping of the various medium access control protocols with the topologies.
5. Basic Component Architecture (3 hours)
A detailed exploration of the technology and trends of the important constituents of LAN architectures, namely clients and servers. A study of the vital relationship and interdependencies between hardware technology of the constituents parts of a local area network.
6. LAN Operating Systems (3 hours)
A look at various network operating systems in terms of their multiuser and multitasking architectures. An examination of the features that distinguish network operating systems from conventional operating systems. An exploration of the functions of server and client software. An explanation of the services provided by network operating systems. Distinguishing between server operating systems and server network operating systems.
7. Commercially Available LANs (3 hours)
A look at the features of the most prominent commercially available LANs. A comparison and contrast of the products.
8. Fundamentals of LAN Design (3 hours)
Comparison and contrast of File server functions and Client server functions. Dedicated versus non-dedicated servers. Security issues and disaster recovery details.
9. LAN Installation (6 hours)
An overview of topology implementation and installation of the network operating system. Examination of the demands on a LAN manager. A look at network operating system menus, establishment of login scripts. A hands-on installation of NetWare or other current operating system.
10. Application Software (3 hours)
A look at the selection and installation of application software on LANs. Concerns with licensing, file server memory management, etc.
11. LAN Management and Control (3 hours)
An exploration of the methodologies for gathering LAN traffic statistics; survey of protocol analyzers; security control and encryption/decryption techniques.
12. In-class Examinations (3 hours)
IV. Evaluation Methods
20% Homework assignments (10%) and Research paper comparing the network implemented in class with other real networks (10%). The assignments will be based on material discussed in class and on aspects of the project.
40% Examinations. Two in-class exams and a final exam all of which count equally toward the 40%. Examinations consist of short-answer, analysis, and what-if questions.
40% Project. The project is to install network interface cards into the computers, attach the computers with a cable, and then install and configure a network operating system. The student will have to demonstrate that the completed project (the LAN) is functional.
Grading Scale: The standard grading scale will be used.
90%+=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; below 60%=F.