Course Description: This course will provide students with the basic concepts of Data Communications. It will cover such topics as transmission medium, modulation techniques, link control, line protocols and transmission impairments.

Learning Outcomes: The objective is for students completing the course to be able to:

• Accurately define local area networks, wide area networks, metropolitan area networks and personal area networks.
• Distinguish between analog and digital signals and understand how data codes are used in data communication.
• Identify the various communication media and be able to explain the most appropriates uses for each type (twisted pairs, coaxial, fiber optic)
• Know the differences between clients and servers.
• Identify the various types of line sharing devices and be able to explain how they can support multiple connections.
• Know the functions of LAN and WAN equipment (switches, routers, bridges)
• Describe the differences between amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation.
• Understand the various error detection and correction techniques used in modern networks.
• Explain the OSI model and be familiar with the protocols used in network communications.
• Know the difference between packet switching, cell switching, and circuit switching.
• Explain the major WAN network topologies.
• Describe the major network standards and standard writing organizations.
• Understand the major network security issues including the use of VPNs.

Class Schedule:  The official class schedule should be checked frequently since scheduled events are subject to change.

Credit Hours: 3
 
Last Day to Drop Class: See FCCJ Semester Schedule

Textbook: Curt White, Data Communications and Computer Networks: A Business User's Approach, 5th Edition. Thomson Course Technology, 2009, ISBN-10: 142390303X; ISBN-13: 9781423903031 .

Blackboard: The Blackboard site will be used to perform the following activities.

Guidelines for Student Success: Each person is expected to complete all quizzes and examinations during the designated time periods (see class schedule). You are also encouraged to communicate with the instructor and other members of the class using Internet mail/messaging, Blackboard chat room, Blackboard forums, and the telephone/voice mail. Class status (grades) will be available via the Blackboard grade book but students are expected to keep a record of their own progress including all quizzes and examination scores. I keep backup copies of these activities but it is always helpful to have an additional copy of this important information.

Don't get behind in the course. Make sure you allocate sufficient time for reading the textbook, reviewing the publisher's web site, checking the class email, and preparing for the quizzes and tests. If you "get stuck" on something that doesn't make sense to you, don't remain in the dark. Seek help! Contact your instructor and/or other students in the class. I hope that your experience in this course is a positive one and I intend to do everything possible to make this course as interesting and rewarding as possible.

Testing:

Major Examinations: Three examinations are scheduled during the term/semester. The first exam will cover the first third of the textbook (chapters 1 - 5), the second exam will cover the following third of the textbook (chapters 6 - 10), and the last exam will cover the final third of the textbook (chapters 11 - 14). 

Chapter Quizzes: Chapter quizzes are conducted for each chapter of the textbook. The scores from the examinations and chapter quizzes will be recorded in your course grade book. All due dates are listed in the requirements/schedule. If you feel that an answer to any test question is incorrect notify the instructor via email with the following information:

1. Name of the test and question number
2. Copy of the test question with the answer that you selected
3. Your rationale for challenging the answer
4. Page number in the book supporting your answer

Testing Guidelines: All quizzes and examinations are conducted online and strictly timed. Individuals who exceed the test time limit will incur a 10% penalty unless there is a system failure or other extenuating circumstances. If you are disconnected during a testing session, simple log back in, then you may resume the test at the point where the disruption occurred. Let me know if you experience technical difficulties during you tests. To minimize disruptions you should use a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP) and avoid heavy BlackBoard server congestion periods when taking tests. Please consult the class schedule for examination due dates.

Research Paper: Each student will complete and submit a technical research paper which will be due the last week of the semester. The specific details concerning topics, milestones, and submission procedures will be posted on the course website.

Class Participation: Credit for class participation may be earned by:

1. Posting to the discussion board
2. Creating a class homepage
3. Responding to email

Grade Distribution:

The following grade scale will be used in the assignment of the final letter grade for the course:

Schedule of Events: Complete schedule of events including test dates is contained in the Blackboard class site.

FCCJ Policy: Academic dishonesty will result in a "0" for the test or quiz and handled in accordance with the appropriate FCCJ board rules. You may work together on your class assignments and projects, in fact, you are encouraged to help each other but it is never acceptable to copy another student's work.