Network Engineering Technology

This course will place an emphasis on developing professional communication skills to enable students to be successful members of a team in a work environment. The course concentrates on skills in writing, reading, speaking, researching, and critical thinking, within the context of technical communications in the workplace.

Modern computers are rarely deployed in isolation, but typically have network connectivity. Students will work with the underlying hardware components of servers and workstations. Students will also learn how to configure client and server operating systems in a network environment.

The Linux operating system is a secure and robust platform for providing application and network services. Students will configure and manage virtualized Linux systems and resources in a network environment.

Networks rely on a number of devices, reference models and rules to communicate. Students will investigate both the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) models. Theoretical concepts will be reinforced through the basic configuration and management of typical network devices.

The reliability and speed demands on computer networks require a physical plant that meets or exceeds industry standards. This course will introduce the student to Structured Cabling standards and practices including experience in installation, testing, and documentation of the physical layer of networking.

Fundamental skills in programming are critical to many of the tasks IT professionals perform. Students will create modular programs and scripts that use iteration, decision-making, and information processing. Students will implement algorithms and analyze, debug, and troubleshoot programs.

The modern enterprise requires stable, secure and efficient access to networked infrastructure and services. Students will configure and administer collaboration, deployment and directory services, as well as system management tools.

Virtualization is a technology that allows businesses to optimize available computing resources. The rationale for deploying virtualization will be examined. Students will install and configure virtual hosts and networks with current technologies

Managing end-user requests is important in an IT environment. Students will be introduced to the processes and tools that will make them more effective while providing technical support to their clients. Topics covered include: information gathering techniques, troubleshooting and incident documentation.

Today’s IT worker needs solid foundation in cybersecurity principles. Students will investigate hands-on, real-world scenarios and issues that professionals encounter daily. Students will engage in a mix of theory, hands-on labs, and case studies to develop the essential skills required for success in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. This course lays the groundwork for further studies in cybersecurity and the best practices that they will be applying in other coursework in this program.

The configuration and implementation of Local Area Networks are core skills for our students. Students will, individually and in teams, construct, configure, manage and maintain local area networks using simulation software and classroom hardware.

Building something as complex as a computer network relies on the timely completion of interdependent smaller components. Under supervision, students will build a network based on a given scenario while demonstrating teamwork, technical skills, research abilities, and professionalism.

Cloud technologies are a driving force in IT. Virtualization is a technology that allows businesses to optimize available computing resources. The business rationale for deploying virtualization will be examined. Students will plan, install, and configure virtual hosts and networks with current on premises and cloud technologies.

Information Technology professionals need a fundamental understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT) and how this technology impact today’s evolving networked environments. Students will investigate elements of IoT technology, protocols, and security theory and practice through labs, case studies, and projects, preparing them for a workplace where IoT may be integral to the networked environment. This course sets the stage for continued exploration of advanced IoT concepts and applications in further studies and future careers.

Wireless communication is fundamental to modern IT infrastructure. This requires the integration of wireless into a local area network. Students will implement wired and wireless networks to support enterprise solutions.

Voice and data networks have converged. This requires the integration of a variety of technologies including email, voice mail, QoS and video. Students will integrate these technologies into a unified communications solution.

Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) are not conducive for performing repetitive or complex administration tasks. Focusing on BASH and PowerShell the students will automate system administration in Windows and Linux, on premises and in the cloud. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use an operating system’s command line shell environment to perform computer administrative tasks.

Pervasive security is essential. Protecting digital information and networks requires the integration of a variety of security technologies, devices and practices. Students will implement solutions to protect data, devices and users.

Managing a heterogeneous network is a complex undertaking. In this course students will learn how to install and manage enterprise collaboration services and provide a secure resilient network.

Enterprise network administrators need to know how resources in their complex networks are being used. There are a number of tools which can be used to monitor and manage resources. Students will gain experience with a variety of network management applications.

Modern enterprises require highly available networks. Integrating IPv6 into the enterprise network is a now a fundamental skill set. Students will implement a robust, dual-stack, highly available network.

IT projects in industry are extremely complex and require an understanding of the project management process and technology integration. This course will introduce formal project management and professional practice in implementing an IT solution for an enterprise business. The technical project provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding through further research of these technologies and their integration in a team environment.

In order to protect systems and data in today's networks, security has to be considered at all levels of the OSI model. Students will gain the fundamental skills required to assess risk, as well as implement policies and technologies to mitigate those risks.