Computer Networking Syllabus 


Course #: IT 1080 Section(s) All

Room/Time: Muntz 321, Wed/Thur, in class, in person, unless otherwise communicated.

Instructor: Mr. Mark Thomas    (e-mail): mark.thomas@uc.edu

Office: 353F Muntz Hall    Office Hours

Phone No: (513) 558-1662

Textbook(s): None - online notes and web reference material.

Course Goal:To develop a detailed understanding of data communication and networking theory. In addition, we will explore in datail the lower layer components and function of the TCP/IP networking protocol. Successful completion should enable a student to understand basic data communication theory, physical layer components, Ethernet, IP, TCP and UDP protocols as well as packet sniffing techniques.

Grading Scale: Grades will be based upon the standard 10 point grading scale and will not include the +/- system (i.e. A: 90 - 100, B: 80-89, C: 70-79, etc.)

Assignments: There will be two in class exams and a final as well as outside of class homework. Grading will be based upon the number of actual assignments covered. The assignments are subject to change based upon the actual progress of the class. All assigned work will be discussed in class as will due dates. All assigned work is expected to be complete at the beginning of class on the assigned due date. Late assignments will not be accepted without prior permission of the instructor.

Attendance: Classroom attendance is expected and is required. If you do miss class, please make sure you get the notes and any other distributed material from another student in the class. Assignments completed in class (tests, quizzes, projects, etc.) cannot be made up, regardless of the reason for your absence. If you miss more than 10% of the regularly scheduled class meetings, I reserve the right to require you to withdraw from the class. Late arrivals and early departures are treated as absences.

Preparation: Preparation for and participation in class is encouraged and expected. Reading assignments will be given and are expected to be complete before coming to class. Class discussion of the reading material is expected. If it appears that reading assignments are not being done and class participation is not taking place, surprise quizzes may be given. In addition, questions will be assigned which will help the student understand the material being covered. These questions will be discussed in class. Refer to IT Expectations.

Classroom Behavior: Classroom behavior such as websurfing, e-mailing, online chat and/or game playing will NOT be tolerated. This behavior is rude and disruptive to the other students in the class, as well as to the instructor. If this behavior occurs, the student(s) responsible may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor without the permission or knowledge of the student.

Other Information: Student religious accomodation info here.




Note: syllabus is subject to change based upon the actual progress of the course!

Week Topic Notes HW Assignment / Reading Data Captures
1 Welcome, Introduction to Networking Fundamentals, History of the Internet, Introduction to standards & protocol models and protocol diagrams notes study notes, switching article, telephone operators picture, number systems  
2 Data Representation & Signals, analog waves , D-A info, D-D info notes week 2 notes, number systems practice  
3 Signals and Media Specification, Fiber pic, NIC pic, NIC pic 2 notes week 3 notes, Category 6 Standards & FAQ, Ethernet cables explained  
4 Data Link Layer (Layer 2), Introduction to Ethernet, 802.3 doc, Ethernet creator video notes week 4 notes, Ethernet type article, Ethernet type values Eth capture, eth video
5 Media Contention and Timing Concepts, 5-4-3 rule, 5-4-3 diagram notes week 5 notes  
6 Test 1    
7 TCP/IP Layers, Intro to IP (Layer 3), ARP PDU, ARP PDU (in color) notes week 7 notes, scan RFC 791 - IP, RFC 826 - ARP ARP capture, IP configurations
8 ARP cont'd., IP PDU, IPv6, IP addressing (see assigned Class A addrs) notes week 8 notes, Understanding IP Addressing (at least through page 7), reserved IP addresses, IPv6 conversion paper ARP/IP capture, ARP video, Packet Review Practice, more Packet Review Practice
9 Intro to IP fragmentation notes IP Fragmentation IP Frag capture, frag video
10 Test 2   
11 Introduction to ICMP PDU, ICMP types/codes, ICMP data fields, Intro to Transport protocols & UDP, UDP example, Port Numbers notes RFC 792, Ping man page, Traceroute man page, UDP RFC IP/ICMP capture, another ARP/IP/ICMP capture, UDP capture, traceroute example, traceroute capture, ICMP/UDP video
12 Intro to TCP, TCP segment exercise, and solution notes Reading Ch 7 (TCP PDU, pg. 327-345, connection establishment, pg. 269-296), TCP RFC TCP connection capture, TCP teardown capture, TCP reset capture, TCP video
13 Subnets and subnet masks notes Reading, linkedin video, Cisco Subnet article, subnet exercise
14 Intro to routing, IoT article, Server article notes subnet exercise solutions  
Final Day: see UC exam schedule, Eve: normal time

Web man pages

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