Introduces students to the fundamental building blocks that form a modern network system, such as protocols, standards, addressing, media, topologies, and hardware. Other topics addressed are: basic terminology associated with networks, uses of networks, network architectures, TCP/IP Protocols, tools for troubleshooting TCP/IP networks, structured cabling, networking media, signaling methods, transmission flaws, wireless local area networks (WLANs), and virtualization. Additional focus is placed on the objectives on teh Network+ exam to help students prepare for the Network+ certification exam. However, this course is not sponsored, nor endorsed, nor affiliated with CompTIA, Inc. Prerequisite: Eligibility for enrollment into ENGL 101 and MATH 055 (or MATH 051) or MATH 045; or permission of the Instructor.

This course prepares students to have an overall view of the way computers communicate and the basics of networking. Key topics include networking standards, the OSI model, network protocols, transmission media, topologies, hardware, software, WANs and remote connectivity, security, managing and upgrading a network, and TCP/IP. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: Describe and implement various network services and standards as related to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model; Demonstrate the ability to properly troubleshoot network connectivity problems; Establish network security and various management practices; Describe and install network connectivity devices and transmission media; Define the topologies and how they work with each other; Perform basic TCP/IP computations and perform troubleshooting utilizing various TCP/IP command line utilities; Describe and implement common network protocols.