Advances in data communications are having a fundamental impact on business processes, organizational structure, and the way people accomplish work. The goal of this course is to introduce the technology concepts that are critical to understanding the role of data communications and computer networks in a rapidly changing business and social environment. Given the rapidly changing nature of this field, the purpose of the technical emphasis is to provide you with an understanding of basic technical concepts, essential terms and the sources of additional information. The main purpose is to provide a basis for further learning and professional development.

The course has three sections. In the first one, fundamental technologies in data communication and computer network will be addressed. We will investigate issues such as how electronic signals are transferred, learn about LAN and WAN technology, and how Internet actually works. In this section, you will attend one or more lab sessions in which you can setup a Windows 2000 network, and experiment with wireless networks. The second section concerns how to manage and administer networks. This section will compare and contrast Unix with MS systems. . In this section, you will attend one or more lab sessions in which you can setup a Windows 2000 network, and experiment with wireless networks. In the final section you are expected to present to present your group projects to the class. In general, the group projects build on the materials covered in the first two sections and reflect your in-depth research in an area that you are interested in.

After completing IS 467, you will be able to itemize and describe the components of data communications systems, compare and contrast various network implementations, and summarize the history and current status of the field of telecommunications. You will be able to participate in and manage systems development projects that have integral data communications components. You will be able to critique both legacy and modern communications systems from a technical and business point of view. You will understand how to think like a network expert and how to relate this information to a business context.

Required Textbook: Business Data Communications and Networking, Raymond, Panko

Other recommended materials: will be posted in class website when available.

Your course grade will be based on the following items:

Class Participation, labs and project presentation 20%

Project product 30%

Midterms 25% each

Total 100%

Class participation will be rated on quality and quantity with emphasis on the former. There will be two midterms. More details on midtermss will be provided once they are available. The final letter grade will be assigned according to your total grade. The cutoffs are not known at this point, but I will make adjustments if the results of the course warrant it.

The Boston University School of Management defines academic misconduct as "conduct by which a student misrepresents his or her academic accomplishments or impedes other students' chances of being judged fairly for their academic work." This includes, but is not limited to, cheating on assignments or examinations, plagiarizing, i.e. misrepresenting as one's own work any work done by another, submitting the same paper, or substantially similar papers, to meet the requirements of more than one course without the approval and consent of the instructors concerned, or sabotaging another's work. Students found guilty of academic misconduct face penalties ranging from lowering of the course grade to suspension from the University.

Schedule is subject to minor future modification. Check the course website for up-to-date information. I will try my best to post the slides to the website at least two days before class meeting.