BCS 321: Connecting Networks

This course discusses the Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies and network services required by converged applications in a complex network. The course enables students to understand the selection criteria of network devices and WAN technologies to meet network requirements. Students learn how to configure and troubleshoot network devices and resolve common issues with data link protocols. Students will also develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement IPSec and virtual private network (VPN) operations in a complex network. Prerequisite(s): BCS 209 with a grade of C or higher
Course Offered: Fall, Spring
Credits: 3 (3,0)

Prerequisite

BCS 320 with a grade of C or higher

Course Objectives

Students who complete the Connecting Networks course will be able to perform the following functions:

• Understand and describe different WAN technologies and their benefits
• Understand and describe the operations and benefits of virtual private networks (VPNs) and tunneling
• Understand, configure, and troubleshoot serial connections
• Understand, configure, and troubleshoot broadband connections
• Understand, configure, and troubleshoot tunneling operations
• Understand, configure, and troubleshoot Network Address Translation (NAT) operations
• Monitor and troubleshoot network operations using syslog, SNMP, and NetFlow
• Understand and describe network architectures:

1. Borderless networks
2. Data centers and virtualization
3. Collaboration technology and solutions

Textbooks

Please contact your professor for the required text book for this class. The reading materials (Companion Guide as well as the Labs) are online through students' Cisco NetSpace accounts.
Recommended books:

• Connecting Networks Companion Guide By Cisco Networking Academy  Published May 2, 2014 by Cisco Press. ISBN-10: 1-58713-332-6  ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-332-9
• Connecting Networks Lab Manual  By Cisco Networking Academy  Published Dec 20, 2013 by Cisco Press.  ISBN-10: 1-58713-331-8  ISBN-13: 978-1-58713-331-2