General Option

Telecommunications Option

11.0901

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)

 

The Networking Systems Technology program is certified as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Local Academy, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Local Academy, Fundamentals of Network Security (FNS) Local Academy and a CCNA Regional Academy.  The Networking Systems Technology program is accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT).  Both options include the Cisco certified course “Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling”.  The Telecommunications Option also includes The Fiber Optic Association (FOA) certified course “Fiber Optic Technology”.

The degree program offers two tracks, which include the CCNA track or CCNP track.  Entrance into a particular track is dependent upon previous training and certification.  The CCNA track is for those students who have not taken or did not successfully complete Cisco semesters 1 through 4.  Those students who have already achieved their CCNA or have successfully completed semesters 1 through 4 of the Cisco curriculum will be able to take the CCNP track.  A student is required to take 4 semesters of Cisco courses at Linn State Technical College for graduation.  This can be any combination of the CCNA & CCNP courses as long as prerequisites have been met. 

The degree program also has two options both of which include Cisco instruction as described above.  The first option is the General Option.  The curriculum of the General Option focuses on networking from an industry perspective.  The world continues to operate in the age of information technology.  The demands on current network infrastructures require a network savvy workforce -- a workforce that can design or redesign networks and deploy new technologies while maintaining system up time with data and network security.  A successful network technician must have a solid foundation of local area networking (LAN), wide area networking (WAN), computer hardware repair and installation, and computer software trouble shooting and installation skills in order to keep up with rapidly changing technologies.

The second option is the Telecommunications Option that prepares students for employment in the rapidly growing field of telecommunications.  The telecommunications technician’s role is to provide customers with voice and data services through a variety of delivery systems.  This includes telecommunication network switching; Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP); microwave, wireless, and satellite equipment installation and repair; fiber optics and customer premises wiring; and many other facets of this fast-paced industry. 

A graduate of the Networking Systems Technology program will have the skills to work in areas such as LAN/WAN network, System Administration or Telecommunications.

It is a graduation requirement of the Networking Systems Technology (NST) program for students to earn a grade of “C” or better in all “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirements” courses.  Students in both options are also required to pass one industry certification prior to graduation.  Exam choices are specific to the curriculum and must be approved by the chair.  The student is responsible for all certification exam fees.

Program Mission

The mission of the Networking Systems Technology program is to provide students with the technical and interpersonal skills needed to enter the field of computer networking or telecommunications. 

Program Goals

The goals of the program are to assure that the student:

• Has the opportunity to demonstrate oral and written communication skills.

• Has the opportunity to demonstrate analytical approaches to problem solving.

• Is provided an environment that allows the opportunity to demonstrate network administrator skills in business, government and/or in education.

• Is provided an environment that allows the opportunity to demonstrate project management skills.

• Is given the opportunity to demonstrate advanced network administrator skills or to plan, install and test the implementation and/or upgrade of telecommunications systems.

Program Assessments

• Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP)

• National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) (Telecommunications Technology Only)
   

NETWORKING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

11.0901

(One-Year Certificate)

NST  101  Network Fundamentals.  This is the first of four courses designed to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in networking-related degree programs and helps prepare the student for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.  The students develop the skills necessary to fulfill the job responsibilities of network technicians, administrators, and engineers.  This course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks.  It uses the Open Standards Industry (OSI) and Transport Control Protocol (TCP) layered models to examine the nature and roles of protocols and services at the application, network, data link, and physical layers.  The principles and structure of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the curriculum.  Labs use a “model Internet” to allow students to analyze real data without affecting production networks.  Packet Tracer (PT) activities help students analyze protocol and network operation and build small networks in a simulated environment.  At the end of the course, students build simple Local Area Network (LAN) topologies by applying basic principles of cabling; performing basic configurations of network devices, including routers and switches; and implementing IP addressing schemes.  Particular emphasis is given to the use of decision-making and problem-solving techniques in applying science, mathematics, communication and social studies concepts to solve networking problems.  In addition, instruction and training are provided in the proper care, maintenance and use of networking software, tools and equipment and local, state and federal safety, building and environmental codes and regulations.  3 credit hours.

NST 103  Fundamentals of Voice and Data Cabling.  This course, sponsored by Panduit, is designed for students interested in the physical aspects of voice and data network cabling and installation.  The course focuses on cabling issues related to data and voice connections and provides an understanding of the industry and its worldwide standards, types of media and cabling, physical and logical networks, as well as signal transmission.  Students will develop skills in reading network design documentation, part list set up and purchase, pulling and mounting cable, cable management, choosing wiring closets and patch panel installation and termination as well as installing jacks and cable testing.  This hands-on, lab-oriented course stresses documentation, design, and installation issues, as well as laboratory safety, on-the-job safety, and working effectively in group environments.  This course will help prepare students for the BICSI Registered Certified Installer, Level 1 exam.  3 credit hours.

NST 105