CIST 1401 - Computer Networking Fundamentals

Corequisite: CIST 1001
This course provides an in‑depth introduction to modern networking technologies and prepares students for CompTIA’s vendor‑neutral Network+ certification. Students gain hands‑on experience with wired and wireless networks, cloud and hybrid infrastructures, and foundational cybersecurity practices essential in today’s IT environments. Course topics include network topologies, IPv4/IPv6 addressing and subnetting, routing and switching concepts, virtualization and container networking, DNS/DHCP services, remote access technologies, and networked device configuration. Students will work with contemporary network hardware, including switches, routers, wireless access points, and next‑generation firewalls. The course emphasizes structured cabling standards, copper and fiber media, network installation procedures, documentation, and the use of industry-standard tools for testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting network connectivity. Network security concepts-such as authentication, encryption, zero‑trust principles, and threat mitigation-are integrated throughout all modules. Students are introduced to professional‑grade network simulation and analysis applications, including Cisco Packet Tracer for network design and device configuration and Wireshark for packet capture and traffic analysis. These tools are used to build foundational skills that will be expanded in more advanced networking courses. By the end of the course, students will be able to design small network environments, configure and secure network devices, diagnose performance issues, and apply best practices for network management and maintenance. This course aligns with current CompTIA Network+ objectives and prepares students for entry‑level networking roles across on‑premises and cloud‑based infrastructures. Note: Students enrolled in this course will be assessed a $116.88 cost recovery fee in addition to tuition and fees. Fees can change at the end of the semester. Contact hours: Class - 2, Lab - 4. Credit hours: 4 (E)