In this course, students are asked to describe and evaluate networks as part of an organization's strategic and tactical plans. Business needs are evaluated and students offer feasible network solutions meeting these needs. Students analyze network opportunities, considering competitive forces, strategic advantages, strengths, and opportunities. Students evaluate network requirements and alternative solutions, selecting the most appropriate, given the current and projected business environment. Network management and security issues are reviewed and appropriate policies and procedures recommended.
Students also investigate the future of enterprise-wide networks.
In this course, students evaluate network topologies, protocols, network components, current technology standards, and interoperability issues. Students design a physical network solution that includes current physical environment, growth requirements, network solution requirements, and business constraints. Students design a logical network solution, which includes how the application will work across the physical network and how the data travels within and across networks. Distributed network models are also examined, looking at presentation, processing, and data placement within the network structure. Tools for network management are reviewed, documentation standards are defined, and network solutions provide production criteria for managing an implemented network solution.