COMPUTER NETWORKING

Course Syllabus

General Information
Faculty: Information Technology
Department: Networks and Communication Systems
Course Name: Computer networks –INSY 411
Prerequisite: Computer Maintenance – INSY 214
Number of Credits: 4
Course Instructor: Jean Pierre Niyodusenga
Cell phone: 0788489758
Office Hours: Sunday 9-10am
Email: petero@auca.ac.rw

Course Description

This course covers various topics in computer networks communication. It includes protocols that
govern way communication takes place on the network, the parameters for routing and network
analysis and dissemination strategies in the static and dynamic networks. The OSI model and other
related topics are also discussed in this course. The course further discusses on how to plan and
implement a network in a small and wide areas. Installation of Server/Client based scenarios are
also discussed which involves at the same time sub-netting huge networks into small networks
called subnets.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course the students should demonstrate knowledge and ability to the
following:

 Understand basics of computer network communications

 Understand and identify network devices and their role/functions within a given network
 Identify the different types of network topologies and protocols.
 Explain the layers of the OSI model and TCP/IP. Explicitly explain the functions for each
layer.
 Understand and building the skills of sub-netting
 Be able to administer a network regardless its size
 Familiarity with the basic protocols of computer networks, and the way they can be
used
to assist in network design and implementation.

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 COURSE CONTENT

Chapter 1. COMPUTER NETWORKING OVERVIEW

Week Week of Topic Objectives
 This topic aims to provide real knowledge
and hands on skills knowledge to the
1 2-sept Networking overview students while covering important topics in
the area of computer networks.

 Explain the main theories found in

2 9-sept Network Topologies
computer communication network
 Plan, conduct site survey and implement
computer networks from scratch
 Administer a network as well as
3 16-sept Network Technologies
client/server located therein to the best of
their ability

 Describe and explain variety of protocols

4 23-sept Network Protocols that govern the way communication takes
place on the network.

Chapter 2. INTERNETWORKING
Week Week of Topic Objectives
 Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and
their associated protocols to explain
5 30-sept Ethernet Networking
how data flows in a network

 Select the appropriate media, cables,

ports, and connectors to connect
6 7-oct Ethernet Collision Detection switches to other network devices and
hosts

 Explain network segmentation and

basic traffic management concepts
 Select the appropriate media, cables,
7 14-oct Ethernet Cabling ports, and connectors to connect
routers to other network devices and
hosts

8 Chapter3. Subnetting
9 Introduction to subnetting  Define subnetting concepts
 Describe different methods used to
10 21-oct Subnetting using CIDR subnet using classless interdomain
routing
 Describe and highlight the difference
11 28-oct Subnetting using VLSM between CIDR and VLSM while dealing
with different subnets
 Describe and perform different types of
Understanding switching different
12 4-nov subnetting methods from one class to
Classes of IP addresses
the other

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 CHAP 4. HOW TO BUILD YOUR NETWORK – SITE SURVEY – PLANNING A NETWORK
Week Week of Topic Objectives
 To be able to deal with various types of
networks that include: PEER TO PEER
13 11-nov TYPES OF NETWORKS
NETWORK,AD-HOC NETWORK,WIRELESS
NETWORK,CLIENT-SERVER NETWORK
 To be able to install and configure
various types of server roles that include:
File Server, Print Server, Mail Server,
14 18-nov TYPES OF SERVERS
Exchange Server, Database Server,
Web Server

 To be able to deal with wide range of

Wireless Access Points, Broadband
15 25-nov INTRODUCTION TO ROUTERS
Routers and Cisco Routers

 To be able to install and configure

windows and Linux systems to interact
Introduction to networking
16 2-dec while sharing information in a various
using Linux systems
ways. Master Linux system for
networking purposes

17 9-dec General course review & project grading

18 16-26-dec Finals

Administrivia

No phones_____ in class 
Be attentive in class and ask questions
Class participation is highly encouraged
All communications should be through class representative or Dean of
students if you miss a class!
Late assignments will be penalized first graded out 70% plus deducting a
point each day of delay 

Assessment
Grading Percentage
Attendance 5%
Assignments 15%
CAT 10%
Mid Semester Exam 25%
Project 10%
End Semester Exam 35%

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Academic Honesty

There are guidelines and principles which govern the University excellence and
integrity. The first principle is honesty—a fundamental principle governing the life
of a Christian. Any deviation from this standard, however small, is a serious
compromise of Christian standards. The second principle is the value that the
University places on the academic excellence of its students. When students
leave the university, AUCA wants the world to know they are Adventist University
graduates. This is only possible if students are completely honest and do all the
assignments to the best of their ability while at the University. For this reason the
University disciplines students who show academic dishonesty in any form. Thus,
the following measures have been put in place:

1. Any grade obtained in a fraudulent manner is not recognized. Thus, the student
gets 0 in the
course he/she cheated. A student may be withdrawn from the course. A student
may be suspended from all the courses for one semester or more. Each case will
be examined individually.

2. Serious cases of cheating or fraud involve a dismissal of the student by the

administrative
committee, on recommendations of the disciplinary committee.

3. Other measures may be applied according to individual cases. For more

information on student indiscipline, see the student handbook.

Textbooks and References

1. J.kurose and k. Kurose, " Computer Networking Top Down approach ", 3rd
edition

2. Andrew S. Tanenbaum, "Computer Networks" 4th Edition , Prentice-Hall 2003.

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