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Data Communications and Network Management

ISQS 6341, Summer II, 2001Instructor: Zhangxi Lin

Office: BA 708 Phone: 742-1926 E-mail: zlin@ba.ttu.edu Homepage: http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu

Class meetings: M-F 2:00-3:50p, BA 266 Office hours: M-F 1-2p, BA 708

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About me PhD, IS, UT Austin, 1999 MS, Economics, UT Austin, 1996 MEng, CS, Tsinghua University,

Beijing, 1982 EE, Tongji University, Shanghai,

1978-1979 Hometown: Fuzhou, China

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My hometown

Fuzhou

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Prerequisite of computing skills Skillfully use at least one email client software and a

good emailing style (e.g. checking email at least once a day, responding emails in time, etc.);

Web browser applications, such as web-based search engine;

ftp; Basic HTML scripting; Microsoft Word; Microsoft PowerPoint (know how to prepare and

present PowerPoint slides.)

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Course Content

The course introduces the fundamentals of data communications and computer networks

For the study of data communications using the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layered architecture model;

To explore leading edge distributed applications, products, or services that are being used in today's business and home environments.

Both technical and managerial aspects of data

communications and networks will be covered.

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Course Goals

Students should, after taking the course,

have a good understanding of data communications technology

know how to fulfill data communication application needs

have the fundamental knowledge to carry out the research

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Textbook Required Textbook:

Business Data Communications and Networking

7th editionJerry Fitzgerald and Alan Dennis John Wiley & Sons 2002. ISBN 0-471-39100-X; © 2002

Optional Textbook:Business Data Communications, 4/e

William Stallings Copyright 2001, 558 pp.ISBN 0-13-088263-1

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Grading Policy Three exams are equally weighted, total 240 points. Group projects for non-PhD students, 100 points

Two short projects, each 20 points One major project, 50 points Group website 10 points

Projects for PhD students, 100 points Term paper, 90 points Personal website 10 points

In-class exercises 30 points Total 370 points Extra bonus credit up to 20 points

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Make-up Test Make-up test may only be available for

exams in the case that you could not take the test at the specific time due to medical emergencies or unexpected travel plans. If you need to reschedule a test, you must contact the instructor before the scheduled test

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Homework Assignments Homework assignments are based on the

questions at the end of the chapters and the supplemental materials. Submission is not mandatory, but absolutely relevant to the exams. Answer keys can be found from supplemental materials

8-10 in-class exercises will be conducted. They are open-book and open-notes. Missing two in-class exercises will not affect your credit, but skipping each extra exercise will cost you 3 points. If you complete all in-class exercises you will earn a bonus of 3 points.

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Group Projects Non-PhD students

Groups of 2-3 students work on two short projects and one major project.

PhD students need to submit a term paper by the end of

the semester. The size of the term paper is 2500-5000 words.

do not need to have a project group. However, participating in the discussion of any project group or forming a study group is encouraged.

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Project Deliveries Non-PhD students

A short report (3-8 pages), deliveries include: A hardcopy of the report A electronic copy uploaded to a designated site

Presentation & class discussion if scheduled A electronic copy of slides uploaded to a designated site

Posted onto the web All files must be uploaded to the ftp server

(129.118.49.94) PhD students

Need to submit a term paper proposal at the same time as the first project due time for non-PhD students.

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Extra Bonus Credits In the following cases you may earn

extra credits: Presenting a topic in mini-presentations,

one credit each time. Available to those experienced students.

Active involvement in class discussions Any recognized contribution to improving

teaching and researching for this course.

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Contact Before or after class in the classroom. Drop by during office hours. Email me at zlin@ba.ttu.edu. Call 742-1926 during business hours

(9:00a-5:00p). All important announcements will be

made via e-mail also. You are responsible for checking your e-mail everyday for any communication from the instructor.

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Civility in the Classroom Students are expected to assist in maintaining a

classroom environment which is conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have an opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from using cellular phones or beepers, eating or drinking in class, making offensive remarks, reading newspapers, sleeping or engaging in any other form of distraction. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall result in, minimally, a request to leave class.

-- Dean of CoBA

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Disabling Conditions Any student who, because of a disabling

condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations. Students should present appropriate verification from the Disabled Students Services, Dean of Students Office. No requirements exist that accommodations be made prior to completion of this approved University process

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After this class Sign up to the class web site:

http://zlin.ba.ttu.edu/6341/signup6341.html

Form a project group by July 12 (Friday)

Choose a topic for the first project and set up a web site for your project (due on July 18).