CO 354 & IM 354 - Testing and Controlling LANs
I. Catalog Description
CO 354 Testing and Controlling LANs 3c-01-3sh
Prerequisites: CO 352 or IM 352 or equivalent
This course explores local area network (LAN) topologies and their associated protocols. The course introduces ways of interconnecting, securing, and maintaining LANs. It provides students with hands-on experience in the interconnection of multiple LANs. It also presents a hands-on approach to design, testing and administration of interconnected LANs. Cross listed as IM 354. Either course may be substituted for the other for D/F repeats; but may not be taken for duplicate credit.
IM 354 Testing and Controlling LANs 3c-01-3sh
Prerequisites: CO 352 or IM 352 or equivalent
This course explores local area network (LAN) topologies and their associated protocols. The course introduces ways of interconnecting, securing, and maintaining LANs. It provides students with hands-on experience in the interconnection of multiple LANs. It also presents a hands-on approach to design, testing and administration of interconnected LANs. Cross listed as CO 354. 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. Match various LAN topologies with their associated protocols.
B. Interconnect separate LANs.
C. Distinguish between the different LAN interconnection devices and their operation.
D. Distinguish between various IEEE (
E. Discern common LAN problems and develop solutions for them.
F. Manage, optimize, and monitor the performance of LANs.
III. Detailed Course Outline
1. LAN Transport Systems, Protocols and Topologies. (6 hours)
An overview of the common topologies and protocols of LANs and an in-depth look at LAN architectures in light of the various IEEE 802 standards. A look at LANs as an alternative to a mainframe.
2. LAN Testing and Support (3 hours)
Examination of the common problems that result with the connection of various LAN components. Resolving conflicts of NICs (Network Interface Cards) and IRQs (Interrupt Requests) and I/O (Input and Output) addresses. Ways of solving cabling problems. A look at some of the methods for testing devices used with LANs, for example multimedia systems.
3. LAN Interconnection Concepts and Devices (9 hours)
A study of the various ways of connecting LANs to each other. A detailed look at the connectivity devices for connecting LANs to each other and those for connecting LANs to MANs (Metropolitan-Area Networks) and WANs (Wide-Area Networks). A hands-on interconnection of independent LANs in the laboratory.
4. Remote Access to LANs (6 hours)
Study of methods of accessing local area networks from remote locations and identification of the security options available with remote access servers. A look at wireless LAN Standards. Examining remote-boot PROMs (Programmable Read Only Memories).
5. LAN Performance Monitoring (6 hours)
A look at the basic LAN performance measures: throughput and message delay. Study of permissions and rights on LANs. The process of auditing network accounts.
Methods of monitoring and tracking network performance. Methods of protecting sensitive information on LANs through control of access points..
6. Fault-Tolerance Techniques for LANs (3 hours)
The process of locating and correcting network problems. Effects of Redundancy. Disk mirroring, disk duplexing, RAID technology (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks), Disk and tape backup strategies, Virus protection, Power management. Other methods of preventing data loss.
7. Troubleshooting and Maintaining LANs (6 hours)
A look at protocol analyzers, cable testers and other performance monitoring devices.
A study of common network problems and identification of common network problems associated with specific layers of the OSI (Open System Interconnection) reference model.
8. In-class Examinations (3 hours)
IV. Evaluation Methods
20% Homework assignments(10%) and Research paper comparing the software used for network evaluation in class to other software to do this task (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. Selected projects covering LAN maintenance, troubleshooting, interconnection, etc.
Grading Scale: The standard grading scale will be used.
90%+=A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; below 60%=F.