Online Course Syllabus CN466 - Protocol Analysis

Online Course Syllabus CN466 - Protocol Analysis Important Notes: This document provides an overview of expectations for this online course and is subject to change prior to the term start. Changes may also occur during the term due to faculty or SPS Distance Learning course updates. Some links may only be active once the term starts. For this course you must check the Regis Bookstore: http://www.efollett.com for the most current online course material information. Course Description This course provides an overview of protocols commonly used in today s computer networks. An emphasis is placed on the protocols that make up the majority of LANs and the Internet. Special attention is placed on the most common protocol stacks used and the interaction between layers of a protocol stack. Expanded Course Overview For two computers to communicate they must use a common language. Course Prerequisites CN300 Introduction to Networking In order to successfully participate in this course, students are expected to have a working knowledge of the following topics and proficiency in the following skills: 1. Working knowledge of the OSI model 2. Practical experience with small to medium size networks Familiarity with at least one complete protocol stack.

Basic knowledge of protocol layering and protocol headers. Course Materials Required Text Reed, Kenneth, D (2001) Protocol Analysis (revised edition) WestNet Learning.Technologies ISBN: 1-58676-120-X (softcover) Course Outcomes Each Student is expected to achieve the following outcomes: Full and complete participation in class discussions and exercises during the week assigned Successful completion of exams Describe the layers of the OSI model and corresponding protocols used in everyday networks Describe in detail the two types of protocol addresses and how they are used in networking Identify and describe protocol information found in a trace. Identify the various protocols and header attributes in a protocol trace Take a trace using a protocol analyzer and describe the contents of the trace Grading Criteria Each student is expected to:

Score a 70% or higher on the exams Complete all assigned computer lab exercises Complete all assigned in class and homework exercises Grading Breakdown Assigned exercises: Class participation: Exams 40% of final grade 20% of final grade 40% of final grade Grading Ranges A 100 % - 93% C 76.9% - 73% A- 92.9% - 90% C- 72.9% - 70% B+ 89.9% - 87% D+ 69.9% - 67% B 86.9% - 83% D 66.9% - 63% B- 82.9% - 80% D- 62.9% - 60 % C+ 79.9% - 77% F below 60% Course Outline Suggested 8-Week Schedule WS Topics Reading Activities 1 Review of the OSI Model Web Review material on web site and Review OSI Model Post your bio Answer Forum Questions

2 Three Types of Addresses Ch.1 3 The Physical Layer Ch.1 4 The Data Link Layer Ch.2 5 6 7 8 The Network Layer and the Internet Protocol The Transport Layer, UDP and TCP Operation Client/Server Information Transfer Review and Final Exam Preparation Ch.4 Ch.5 Ch.6 Read Unit 1 Lessons 1-7, Answer Forum Questions Answer Forum Questions Access a protocol analyzer for taking traces. Read Unit 2 Lessons 1-6, Answer Forum Questions Take Trace and analyze data link layer (Ethernet) Midterm Exam Read Unit 3 Lessons 1-6, Answer Forum Questions Take Trace and analyze network layer (IP) Midterm Exam Read Unit 4 Lessons 1-6, Answer Forum Questions Take Trace and analyze transport layer (TCP) Read Unit 6 Answer Forum Questions Take a trace of client/ server interaction. Take Final Exam and Turn in any extra credit Work Load and Attendance This course is an online course. You are expected to participate in the online discussion forum at least three times each week. You will likely benefit from a daily involvement. Since this is an eight week course, the pace is quite fast; you will need to work hard to keep up with the material. This highly accelerated pace requires students to take a great deal of responsibility for their own learning outcomes. Students should expect a minimum of 20 hours per week of study and lab assignments. The course assignments will not cover every topic discussed in the assigned reading. However, students are responsible for all the material. To reach this end, students should read the material and

discuss and ask questions in the forum. Questions and comments will drive the class discussion. A topic about which little interest is expressed will receive little, if any time. However, that topic may be critical to success on the exams and/or labs. Because of the accelerated nature of the class, regular "attendance" is very important. Failure to participate in three major weekly activities (forum discussions or assignments) will result in a failing grade. Online Course Assignments CN466 Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Course Dynamics This course is organized around an eight-week program. Weekly outcomes, assignments, and critical information are organized week-by-week. Typically, each week includes a reading assignment, forum submittal, e-mail assignment, and work on your final course project. Work on your final project every week and make periodic submittals of your progress as required by your Facilitator. Online weeks correlate to a 7-day work week. Each week's work begins on a Sunday. Week one begins on the first day of the term, which is always a Monday. Prior to the start of each week, Sunday, complete the reading assignments. On Sunday of each week, read your weekly critical information found in the Week-by-Week section. (Note: Your timely understanding of critical information content may be required to complete your weekly assignment or final project.) The due dates for assignment submissions should be dictated by your facilitator, but in general: By Wednesday, midnight, of each week, participate in the Forum discussions, read other student postings, and reply, when appropriate, to their postings. By Friday, midnight, respond to at least two of your classmates postings. By Saturday, midnight, of each week, submit

your protocol traces and descriptions Protocol Traces Protocol traces can be taken using the protocol analyzer of your choice. There is also a free download from www.ethereal. com that is sufficient for taking the required traces. Each trace should be submitted with a description of the fields in the trace. You can also submit screenshots of each trace, preferably filtered to the exact trace headers from the assignment. Exams The midterm will cover the materials and assigned readings and activity assignments for weeks 1-5. The final exam will cover the materials from the entire course. The Knowledge Checks found throughout the course are good vehicles for studying for the exams. Week 1 Forum: Post a message to the discussion forum introducing yourself and what you hope to get out of this class. Answer the forum questions. Be sure to include contact information. Week 2 Reading: Unit 1 Lessons 1-7 Forum: Answer Forum questions. Week 3 Protocol Analyzer: You should have access to a protocol analyzer and be able to take traces to and from a computer. You can access a free analyzer at www.ethereal.com. Week 4

Reading: Unit 2 Lessons 1-6 Protocol Analysis: Submit your trace of the Ethernet protocol and your analysis of the trace Week 5 Reading: Unit 3 Lessons 1-6 Protocol Analysis: Submit your trace of the IP protocol and your analysis of the trace Midterm Exam: Available from Thursday through Sunday. Complete the exam, open book, by midnight, Sunday. Week 6 Reading: Unit 4 Lessons 1-6 Protocol Analysis: Submit your trace of TCP and/or UDP protocols and your analysis of the trace Week 7 Reading: Unit 6 Protocol Analysis: Submit your trace of a client/server interaction and your analysis of the trace Week 8 Final Exam: Available from Thursday through Saturday. Complete the exam, open book, by midnight, Saturday. Complete the online course evaluation located at the bottom of the content in the Week by Week.