Rationale  

This course has been included in the programme of study of the ICT Associate degree programme because it provides instruction that equips students with the basic skill set that they will need to perform the job of network technician, network administrator, and network engineer.  The content knowledge therein presents students with the skills necessary to succeed in Caribbean networking-related degree programs and helps them prepare for external certification. 

Course Description  

The course introduces students to data communication and computer networking. It provides opportunities to develop deeper understandings of network technologies, media, topologies and devices, than they would have encountered during CSEC. It focuses on basic network management tools, data communication and network security. 

Learning Outcomes  

On completion of this course students will be able to: 

1. Apply common networking terms.   
2. Determine reasons to create an onsite network for a company.   
3. Identify the layers and functions of the OSI model.   
4. Write cabling specifications for a given project.   
5. Name the various types of network topologies and the advantages and disadvantages of each.   
6. Identify telecommunications network components.   
7. Calculate bandwidth needs for wide area networks.   
8. Describe how information travels through the network.   
9. Design a wide area network using existing hardware components.   
10. Summarize common network protocols.   
11. Determine common applications that business users require in a networked office.   
12. Summarize remote access techniques.   
13. Justify a remote access solution.   
14. Analyze basic network security principles.   
15. Assess potential solutions for disaster recovery.   
16. Describe different backup and disaster recovery solutions.   
17. Prepare a backup and disaster recovery plan.   
18. Outline the pros and cons of various network design techniques.   
19. Prepare a comprehensive network design plan.