Computer Networks

Identify  some  contributors  to  networks  and  relate  their  achievements  to  the knowledge area; identify some components of a network; name some network devices and describe their purpose; describe advantages of a star topology over a ring  topology;  describe  advantages  of a ring  topology  over  a star  topology; define  the  meaning  of  a  protocol;  explain  the  importance  of  security  when dealing with networks; and describe how computer engineering uses or benefits from networks.·        Understand   fundamental   concepts   of  networks   and   their   topologies;   and understand the concept of network architecture and its hardware components.·        Demonstrate  understanding  of the elements  of a protocol,  and the concept  of layering; recognize the importance of networking standards, and their regulatory committees; describe the seven layers of the OSI model; compare and contrast the OSI model with the TCP/IP model; and demonstrate understanding of the differences between circuit switching and packet switching.·         Understand the basic concepts of LAN and WAN technologies and topologies; demonstrate understanding of different components and requirements of network protocols; demonstrate understanding of basic concepts of error detection and correction  at  the  data  link  layer  and  below;  and  design  and  build  a  simple network  by  implementing   (and  designing)  a  simple  network  protocol  that operates at the physical and data link layers of the OSI model.