Introduction to Data Communication Networks

1. Introduction to Data Communication Networks ISQS 3349,Spring 2000 Instructor: Zhangxi Lin Office: BA 708 Phone: 742-1926 E-mail: zlin@ba.ttu.eduHomepage: http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu Class meetings: TTh 2:00-3:30p, BA 157 Office hours: TTh 3:30-4:30p

2. Course Objectives • To provide the fundamental knowledge in data communications technologies • To introduce the latest Internet development • To be a basic technical background for the electronic commerce curriculum. • To let students know how to fulfill data communication application needs and prepare to enter the workforce as application developers

3. Course Content • Fundamentals of data communications and computer networks • a conceptual foundation for data communications: OSI layered architecture model • exploring leading edge distributed applications, products, or services • both technical and managerial aspects

4. Topics • Fundamentals - Network model • Physical Layer: Architecture, devices and circuits • Physical layer: Data transmission • Data link layer • Network layer • Networking technology • Local area networks (LANs) • High-speed LANs • Network connection services and wide area networks • Network management • Network management technology • Network security

5. Textbook Business Data Communications and Networking 6th editionJerry Fitzgerald and Alan Dennis John Wiley & Sons 1999.

6. Grading Policy • Attendance 5% • Homework 10% (Including personal home page 10%) • Midterm Exam 30% • Group Project 25% • Written report 40% • Presentation 40% (content 30%, communication 30%, slide 20%, Q&A 20%) • Web Updates 20% • Final Exam 30%

7. Attendance • Taken randomly • Full attendance earn an extra point(1%) • Allow missing up to two unexpected classes without losing any attendance points • Missing an extra class will cost one point (1%)

8. Examinations • Two mid-terms and a final (closed book and closed notes) • Only one of the midterm counted (higher). • Recommend to take both • Most from the questions at the end of the chapters and from the supplemental materials distributed in the class

9. Make-up Test • No make-up for the midterm • Make-up test may only be available in the final exam, in the case that you could not take the test at the specific time due to medical emergencies or unexpected travel plans. If you need to reschedule a test, you must contact the instructor before the scheduled test

10. Homework Assignments • Five short individual homeworks • Based on the questions at the end of the chapters. • Re-submit to improve your grade. The re-submission must be done before the next assignment

11. Group Project • Groups of 3-4 students • Three categories: • Technology research • Network application prototyping • Company interview

12. Suggested Topics • Technology research. • The latest data communication technology or network application development from the Internet. • Your report will provide comprehensive introduction of the technology

13. Suggested Topics • Network application system prototyping. • Develop your own e-commerce site with web and database technology. The system is demonstratible. • Your report will contains the technical specification of the system

14. Suggested Topics • Company Interview. • Internet service providers/Internet content providers. • Non-profitable organization network applications • Business network applications • Your report will cover the interview process, the company's business, the technologies the company is using, the market status, etc.

15. Project Schedule • Three phases • prepare a project proposal (2-3 pages double-spaced) for review, • present your project in the class, and • submit a project report (15-25 pages double-spaced) by the end of the semester. • Deliveries: web site, both printouts and electronic files of the report, • Peer evaluation by the end of the semester

16. Homepage & Discussion Group • Homepage http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu/3349/3349spr2000.html • Discussion Groupnews:isqs.ba.ttu.edu:8119/isqs6341

17. Contact • Before or after class in the classroom. • Drop by during office hours. • Email me at zlin@ba.ttu.edu. • Call 742-1926 during business hours (8:00a-5:00p). • All important announcements will be made via e-mail also. You are responsible for checking your e-mail everyday for any communication from the instructor.

18. Civility in the Classroom • Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment which is conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have an opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from using cellular phones or beepers, eating or drinking in class, making offensive remarks, reading newspapers, sleeping or engaging in any other form of distraction. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall result in, minimally, a request to leave class. -- Dean Roy Howell

19. Disabling Conditions • Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations. Students should present appropriate verification from the Disabled Students Services, Dean of Students Office. No requirements exist that accommodations be made prior to completion of this approved University process

20. Important Dates • 2/1 - Project initiation due • 2/17 - Project proposal due • 2/24 - Midterm 1 • 3/30 - Midterm 2 • 4/27 - Project report due • 5/6 - Final exam

21. What You Need to Do Now • Sign up to the class at: http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu/3349/signup3349.html • Form your project group and choose your project topic. The deadline is February 1.