CNT Course Guide

About Computer Networking Technology

Courses in Computer and Network Technology provide comprehensive, in-depth knowledge and skills to design, manage, secure and troubleshoot network systems. Topics range from setting up a networked computer for an individual user to understanding how to securely manage a remote server located in another part of the world. Courses can be taken to enhance professional knowledge in a particular technology such as security, wireless or IP telephony as well as to prepare for a career in the field by completing a two-year degree. In addition, all course objectives are aligned with related industry certification exams. Courses are described below.

General CNT

CNT 1000 IT Career Success Skills and Strategies

2 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 0 lab hours/week Prepares information technology (IT) students to enter the IT job market or successfully transition into a new career in the IT field. Students will learn effective IT job search skills as well as strategies that will serve to enhance their IT careers once they have obtained employment.

CNT 2189 Internship Information Technology

2-4 credits; hours arranged Provides a supervised work experience utilizing and extending the skills learned in CNT networking and security courses. The experience is intended to result in new learning and increased capabilities for the intern and the completion of authentic work for the sponsoring organization. Internships may be arranged for 2, 3, or 4 credits upon the mutual agreement of the student, instructor and sponsoring organization. Placement depends on student qualifications and a successful interview for a particular position. Interns are required to abide by all policies governing employees and meet expectations of regular employment. Prereq: Permission of instructor, available position, and approval of sponsor.

CNT 2300 PC Hardware and Software (A+)

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance and safety issues. Students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. This course helps students prepare for CompTIA's A+ certification exam, which covers the knowledge and skills essential for becoming a successful computer technician.

Operating Systems

CNT 2311 Administering Linux Operating Systems

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Provides basic installation, operation, security, troubleshooting and basic Linux hardware services for the Linux operating system on workstations and servers. This course helps students prepare for CompTIA’s Linux+ certification exam, which covers the knowledge and skills essential for becoming a successful Linux administrator.

CNT 2451 Windows Operating Systems

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Covers the features and procedures to deploy, support and troubleshoot the current dominant version of MS Windows desktop operating system in a variety of stand‐alone and network operating system environments. Students will develop awareness of the issues and specifications needed to effectively plan, implement and manage deployment of the current operating system.

CNT 2452 Windows OS and Application Support

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Provides in‐depth study of Installing Windows; Customizing and Configuring Windows; Installing, Configuring, and  Troubleshooting Devices; Configuring Windows Security; Configuring Networking; Troubleshooting and Repairing  Networking; Troubleshooting and Repairing Windows; all the functions and features of installing, configuring, and  maintaining Microsoft Office on the Windows operating system such as configuring Internet Explorer and Outlook;  resolving issues related to customizing and personalizing Office Applications; identifying and troubleshooting  network problems; configuring Office security settings; and monitoring security vulnerabilities and updates. This  course provides detailed activities that let you experience firsthand the processes involved in desktop support.  Prereq: CNT 2300, CNT 2451.

CNT 2453 Windows Server Network Infrastructure

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Explores Windows Server networking and helps the student prepare for the MCTS/MCITP Exam for Windows  Server Network Infrastructure. The course focuses on configuring, managing, and troubleshooting networking  features and services in a Windows Server environment. Prereq: CNT 2300, CNT 2451, CNT 2510.

CNT 2454 Windows Server Directory Services

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Prepares student to develop the skills needed to manage a Windows Server system and to prepare to pass the  MCTS certification exam. While the focus of topics is on the configuration of Active Directory and related services,  coverage of Windows foundational topics such as the file system and networking are also included. Extensive  coverage begins with an introduction to Windows Server and goes on to active directory design, account  management, group policy management and configuration, certificate services, AD LDS, AD RMS, AD FS, server  core, Windows Hyper‐V virtualization, and server management. Prereq: CNT 2300, CNT 2451, CNT 2510.

CNT 2455 Windows Server Administration

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Prepares the student to design, deploy and manage the infrastructure, Web, and IT application servers. As a Server  Administrator, you will understand how to manage the server operating system, file and directory services,  distribute software, patches, and updates, profile and monitor assigned servers, and troubleshoot. Prereq: CNT  2300, CNT 2451, CNT 2510.

Networking

CNT 2510 Networking Essentials

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Introduces students to the overall technology and design of networks. The course focuses on network terminology and protocols, local-area networks (LANs), wide-area networks (WANs), Open System Interconnection (OSI) models, cabling, cabling tools, routers, router programming, Ethernet, Internet Protocol (IP) addressing, and network standards. Networking Essentials is the first of the four courses leading to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation. This course is equivalent to CS 1104, and either, but not both courses will apply toward degree requirements at Inver Hills. Prereq: Experience with computer operating system and Internet browser.

CNT 2520 Network Routers and Routing Fundamentals

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Focuses on initial router configuration, Cisco IOS Software management, routing protocol configuration, TCP/IP, and access control lists (ACLs). Students will develop skills on how to configure a router, managing Cisco IOS Software, configuring routing protocol on routers, and set the access lists to control the access to routers. Network Routers and Routing Fundamentals is the second of four CCNA courses leading to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation. Prereq: CNT 2510 or CS 1104, or equivalent experience in networking.

CNT 2530 Switching Fundamentals and Intermediate Routing

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Covers concepts and skills in advanced IP addressing techniques (Variable Length Subnet Masking [VLSM]), intermediate routing protocols (RIP v2, single-area OSPF, EIGRP), command-line interface configuration of switches, Ethernet switching, Virtual LANs (VLANs), Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP). Particular emphasis is given to students being able to demonstrate the ability to apply competencies from CCNA 1 and 2 to a network and be able to explain how and why a particular strategy is employed. Switching Fundamentals and Intermediate Routing is the third of four courses leading to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation. Prereq: CNT 2520.

CNT 2540 Wide Area Network Technologies

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Develops knowledge and skills in the areas of advanced IP addressing techniques (Network Address Translation [NAT], Port Address Translation [PAT], and DHCP), WAN technology and terminology, PPP, ISDN, DDR, Frame Relay, network management, and introduction to optical networking. Particular emphasis is given to students being able to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge from CCNA 1, CCNA 2, and CCNA 3 to a network and to be able to explain how and why a particular strategy is employed. In addition, the student will prepare for taking the CCNA Exam. Wide Area Network Technologies is the last of four courses leading to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation. Prereq: CNT 2530.

CNT 2612 CCNP 1 Network Switching

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Develops advanced knowledge and skills in building enterprise level switched networks. This is the first of three  courses designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that correlate with the Cisco Certified Network  Professional examination. Prereq: CNT 2540 or CCNA Certification.

CNT 2622 CCNP 2 Network Routing

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Develops advanced knowledge and skills in building enterprise level routed networks and applications. This is the  second of three courses designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that correlate with the Cisco  Certified Network Professional examination. Prereq: CNT 2612.

CNT 2632 CCNP 3 Network Troubleshooting

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Prepares students to conduct advanced‐level network diagnosis and corrective action. Combines previous  knowledge and skills with proven troubleshooting methodology, tools and processes designed to quickly and  accurately determine performance issues and corresponding  remedies. Course also covers administrative and documentation issues related to network performance and  troubleshooting. This is the last of three courses designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that  correlate with the Cisco Certified Network Professional examination. Prereq: CNT 2622.

CNT 2710 Wireless LAN Technology

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Provides a comprehensive overview of the design, planning, implementation, operation and troubleshooting of Wireless LANs. Includes theoretical foundations of the technology as well as implementation of wireless technology in various application contexts. Special emphasis is given to security and best practices within an existing local area network. Prereq: CNT 2520 Router Configuration.

IP Telephony

CNT 2722 Building the Foundation to IP Telephony

3 credits; 3 classroom hours/week; 0 lab hours/week Applies the core principles of voice and data technology as they integrate with IP Telephony architecture. Topics included in this course will be modifying the LAN, MAN, and WAN to accommodate IP Telephony and translating the various layers in the OSI model. Quality of Service (QOS) will be described as well as cabling issues for IP Telephony in the enterprise. Prereq: CNT 2720.

CNT 2726 Cisco IP Telephony Integration (Part I)

3 credits; 3 classroom hours/week; 0 lab hours/week Introduces students to the building and configuration of CISCO IP Telephony infrastructure. Cisco Call Manager and Call Manager Express will be utilized and each of these voice exchange systems will be configured and time will be spent determining when to best utilize each system in different situations. Prereq: CNT 2725.

CNT 2728 Cisco IP Telephony Integration (Part II)

3 credits; 3 classroom hours/week; 0 lab hours/week Introduces more advanced features of Cisco’s Call Manager and Call Manager Express, integration of additional Cisco products such as Survivable Remote Site, Quality of Service configurations and resource allocations to support ad-hoc conferencing and transcoding resources. Prereq: CNT 2726.

CNT 2731 IP Telephony: Enterprise Planning and Design

3 credits; 3 classroom hours/week; 0 lab hours/week Analyzes and develops the business and technical requirements for an IP Telephony environment. In addition, the students will define basic and effective financial models, performing “Return on Investment” (ROI) and "Total Cost of Ownership" (TCO) calculations to support migrating to an IP Telephony architecture. Prereq: CNT 2728.

Security

CNT 2820 Information Systems Security Fundamentals

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Covers the broad framework and environment of information and computer security. The student will learn the strategies and techniques that are used to undermine the security of information and computer systems, and the multi-dimensional approach that is needed to protect computer systems from those vulnerabilities and threats. This is a broad-based course that combines a conceptual understanding of security with an introduction to some of the specific technology and tools that students will learn to use to counteract threats to their personal and work environments. This course does not cover deployment of specific network security technologies. Prereq: CNT 2520.

CNT 2825 Information Systems Security Advanced

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the various methods used for attacking networks and computer systems. Students will learn the concepts, principles and techniques, including applied exercises, for attacking and disabling a network. These methodologies are intended to provide insight into the use of detection strategies and countermeasures needed to properly secure network servers, hardware and clients. Prereq: CNT 2820; Student should be prepared to authorize permission for a basic criminal background check prior to beginning this course.

CNT 2830 Network Security Design

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week Integrates and provides extensive application of the knowledge and skills provided in previous security courses and serves as a capstone experience for the degree program. Students are presented with the opportunity and challenge of staging comprehensive attacks and designing networks that will withstand the varied attacks launched by others. The student must demonstrate the ability, in collaboration with others, to design and maintain a secure network in a hostile environment. When possible, groups will compete with college students from other states to enhance the realistic nature of this course. Prereq: CNT 2815 and CNT 2825.

CNT 2831 Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (CCNA Security)

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Prepares students to secure Cisco routers, switches and associated networks. Students will learn and practice the  skills required to install, configure, troubleshoot and monitor network devices with an emphasis on maintaining  the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data in the face of modern threats to network security. Prereq: CNT  2540 or CCNA Certification.

CNT 2832 Advanced Network Security

3 credits; 2 classroom hours/week; 2 lab hours/week   Expands the scope and depth of the skills and knowledge acquired in previous network security courses by  focusing on the advanced capabilities of network defense strategies including Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Host  Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS) and Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS). Students will learn the  evolution and current best practices of applying these technologies, which are universally deployed in networks of  all sizes. Prereq: CNT 2831 or CCNA Security Certification.