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Introduction to Data Communication Networks

ISQS 3349, Spring 2001

Instructor: Zhangxi Lin

Office: BA 708 Phone: 742-1926 E-mail: zlin@ba.ttu.edu Homepage: http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu

Class meetings: TTh 2:00-3:20p, BA 157 Office hours: TTh 9:00-11:00a

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Teaching Assistant

Vasuki M. Basavanahalli Email: vasuki_bm@yahoo.com Office hours: Tuesday 4-5p, Friday

11a-12p Discussion session: Friday, 10:00-

11:00a, BA 618

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Course Content

Fundamentals of data communications and computer networks

For the study of data communications using the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layered architecture model;

To explore leading edge distributed applications, products, or services that are being used in today's business and home environments.

Both technical and managerial aspects of data

communications and networks will be covered.

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Course Goals

Students should, after taking the course,

have a good understanding of data communications technology

know how to fulfill data communication application needs

have the fundamental knowledge to carry out projects relevant to data communications

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Textbook

Required Textbook:Business Data Communications and Networking, 6/eJerry Fitzgerald and Alan Dennis John Wiley & Sons 1999.

Optional Book (to be adopted in Fall 2001):Business Data Communications, 4/e

William Stallings Copyright 2001, 558 pp.ISBN 0-13-088263-1

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Grading Policy

50% for two required midterm exams and an optional final exam. The final exam is comprehensive and can be used to replace any one of the midterm exams with a lower grade.

Four of the five quiz 20% (the one with the lowest grade will be dropped)

Group project 27% Three short projects, 6% each One major project 9% (written report 30%, group presentation

40%, web page 30%)

Class participation 3%

The above is 100%

Extra bonus credits up to 5%

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Quiz

Two purposes: To exam instructor’s teaching effectiveness To help students to improve study efficiency

Relevant to the exercises for each chapter

Normally it takes 10-15 minutes Two of the 6 Quiz will not be counted,

whichever come with the lowest scores.

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Make-up Test

Make-up test may only be available for exams 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

No make-up test for quiz. Students are allowed to skip one quiz. Taking all quiz is encouraged, but only five of them with highest grades are counted.

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Homework Assignments

Exercises are assigned after each chapter Based on the questions at the end of the

chapters and the supplemental materials. Submission is not mandatory, but

absolutely relevant to the quiz and exams. Answer keys can be found from

supplemental materials

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Group Project

Three short projects Web application system configuration A networking solution for a small business Security issues in network applications

The topic of the major project can be chosen from the following categories:

State-of-art Data communication technology. Dot-com/e-business company interview. Network application prototyping.

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Project Deliveries

Short projects A short report (2-5 pages), deliveries include:

A hardcopy of the report A electronic copy uploaded to a designated site

Presentation & class discussion if scheduled A electronic copy of slides uploaded to a designated site

Posted onto the web Major project

A project report (5-8 pages) Group presentation Posted onto the web

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Extra Bonus Credits

In the following cases you may earn extra credits: Presenting a topic in mini-presentations, one

credit each time. Available to those experienced students.

Active involvement in class discussions Any recognized contribution to improving

teaching and researching for this course.

The maximum number of credits is five (3%).

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Mini-presentation

The students who have work experience in industry are particularly encouraged to provide presentations.

The presentation lasting 5-10 minutes focused on a specific topic.

Normally scheduled to be done at beginning of a class meeting.

Presenters need to contact the instructor in advance to discuss the presentation topic.

At most 6 mini-presentations can be scheduled through the semester.

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Mini-presentation Topics

An example of network application. Web-based application development, such

as CGI, ASP, JSP, PHP, Cold Fusion, etc. Network socket programming. New networking services. E-commerce case study. Online payment services. Any other advanced topics are welcome.

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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

(9:00a-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.

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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 of CoBA

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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

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Important Dates

Jan 23 – Project initiation Jan 25 – Quiz 1 Jan 30 – Project assignment 1 due Feb 6 – Group homepage due, Quiz 2 Feb 13 – Quiz 3 Feb 27 – Exam 1 Mar 6 – Project assignment 2 due Mar 20 – Quiz 4 Mar 27 – Quiz 5 Apr 3 – Project assignment 3 due Apr 17 – Exam 2 Apr 27 – Project report due May 4 – Final exam (Optional)

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After this class

Sign up to the class web site:http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu/3349/

signup3349.html

Form a project group by Jan 23 (Tuesday)

Choose a topic for the major project and prepare to set up a web site for your project (due on February 6).