Syllabus for Intermediate Routing, LAN Switching and WANs, CISC 271 – CCNA 3 & 4 *
(4 Credit Hour course: 3 hour lecture, 2 hour lab)

Instructor: Kevin Manna, Founders 201   610-861-5392

Catalog Description:  This course is intended for networking professionals and students who already grasp the general concepts of data communications and networking with routers, but would like a more detailed understanding of LAN design and analysis, implementation of routing protocols, WAN technologies and telecommunications industry standards. There is a strong emphasis on device configuration and network troubleshooting. This is the 3rd and 4th semester of the Cisco Networking Academy Program. Prereq. - CISC 267.

Outcomes:

• Compute and use Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM) techniques to design and implement effective and efficient IP addressing
• Configure and use the RIP v2 distance vector routing protocol
• Describe the concepts and techniques of link-state routing, and compare and contrast with distance vector routing
• Configure and use the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) linkstate routing protocol in a single area mode of operation
• Configure and use the Extended IGRP (EIGRP) routing protocol
• Demonstrate an ability to troubleshoot routing protocol problems, specifically using and interpreting the show and debug commands
• Describe the operation and technology of the IEEE 802.3 “Ethernet” variants
• Describe and compare the concepts and techniques used within Ethernet switched LANs
• Describe and compare the concepts and techniques used by Ethernet LAN switches
• Design a simple LAN using tiered techniques
• Describe the three tier process as used by Cisco for internetwork design purposes
• Configure and administer a Cisco Catalyst LAN switch
• Compare and contrast various forms of redundancy built into networks, and explain the associated advantages and disadvantages
• Describe the operation of the spanning tree algorithm, and describe the methods by which it is implemented and used in a switched network
• Describe and compare the concepts, advantages and disadvantages of virtual LANs
• Configure and administer inter-switch VLANs on Cisco switches and solve a simple VLAN problem
• Configure and administer VTP on Cisco switches
• Configure and administer routing between VLANs on Cisco switches
Describe the concepts and characteristics of Network Address Translation, and explain its configuration, use, and administration on a network
Describe the concepts and characteristics of the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and explain its configuration, use, and administration on a network
Describe, compare, and contrast the essential features of WAN technology
Classify WAN link options and explain the differences between circuit switched and packet switched technologies
Make recommendations about the provision of WAN services based on needs
Design a simple WAN system using a hierarchical tiered approach to the design
Describe the operation, configuration, and functionality of serial point-point links
Configure and administer serial point-point links
Describe the concepts, characteristics, and functionality of the Point to Point Protocol (PPP)
Configure and administer PPP on a serial link
Describe the concepts, characteristics, and functionality of Frame Relay
Configure and administer permanent virtual circuit (PVC) Frame Relay WAN operations
Describe, compare and contrast workstation and server operating systems and the associated hardware
Describe the concepts of network management, and explain how network management tools are utilized on a modern network
Explain the different WAN devices.
Explain the relationship of WAN operations to the OSI model.
Identify the different ways to manage and secure a WAN.
Implement a complex WAN inclusive of all current WAN technologies discussed.

This course is contains many labs and exercises.  These exercises are designed to increase the student’s familiarity with the networking concepts discussed in the lectures and readings.

Learning is a mutual process.  Students are encouraged to share related life experiences.  Participation is encouraged.  Please ask questions at any time when you need clarification on a topic.

A Study Guide will be provided for each Chapter.  It is the students’ responsibility to complete these.  They are for YOUR benefit and will assist you when studying for the tests.  Study guides are due the day AFTER the lecture for that particular chapter.  They will become part of your assignments grade.

Class Labs will occur after the discussion of a topic.  Additional lab time can be made available during the instructor’s office hours or via lab passes.

Grading will be assigned approximately per the following:

Assignments/Labs/Case........................................ 35%
Tests (14)...................................................................45% one per chapter
Final Exam................................................................. 20%
Practical Portion ………………..P/F (% averaged with final exam)

NOTE: The practical Exam is pass/fail.  However, you MUST pass this to receive a grade.  You may take this exam more then once, if needed, until you pass.

Tests may not normally be retaken.  Tests can be made up only in the event of a medical emergency directly related to the student and verified by a written doctor’s excuse.

The College attendance policy is strictly adhered to.  You can not learn if you are not present and participating.  Please arrive on time.  Two lates will be considered an absence. 

A one-time award of 5 points will be added to one of your exams if you stop by my office for an informal “how’s the semester going?” meeting after the THIRD test and before mid-term break.

* This is a sample/generic syllabus only