Integration of Technology Theory and Business Analysis: A Pedagogical Framework for the Undergraduate MIS Course in Data Communications and Networking, The

Journal of Information Systems Education, Winter 2003 by Gendron, Michael, Jarmoszko, A T

Business Analysis: Students are given handouts that discuss NAAD nomenclature and design techniques, including symbolic techniques to represent network components and structured cabling plan development. Both diagramming and nomenclature are presented in class and are used for this module's in-class activity, This activity (LAN/MAN Design) spans 2 modules and includes the creation of a nomenclature and design for the LANs during the first module and a WAN to interconnect the LANS during the second module. Questions for the second bidders' conference are due; this conference focuses on the technical needs of TSI.

4.7 Module 5 - Large, Multi-Switch LANs

Technical: The goal of this module is to take the concepts learned thus far and extend them to a multiswitch environment. Ethernet, wireless, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and legacy LANs are presented. Wide-area networking is also introduced. Techniques are presented for calculating bandwidth requirements. The discussion of the semester project continues with the Design and Cost sections.

Business Analysis: We continue with NAAD design techniques and hold the second bidders' conference discussing technical needs and issues. The in-class activity continues from the last module and is to design a WAN. Students use the design and nomenclature techniques presented earlier. The bidders' conference is held, giving students a chance to inquire about technical issues. Students must also submit NAAD working documents for review and comment.

4.8 Module 6 - Telephony and WANs

Technical: This module reinforces the idea that most wide-area networking is based on telephone carriers as well as the integration of voice and data carriers. Public switched telephone networking is discussed and how it affects our ability to create WANs and LANs.

Business Analysis: Students must submit a draft network design for the TSI project. This is the first attempt at NAAD design documentation. This assignment is reviewed and quickly returned so comments can be incorporated into the final report. The draft must include the following:

1. A network hierarchy.

2. The nomenclature used in diagrams.

3. A structured wiring plan.

4. Selection of topologies used for WANs and LANs.

5. Preliminary design diagrams using the hierarchy.

6. Selection of hardware/software.

4.9 Module 7 - WANs and VPNs

Technical: Wide-area networking is continued, and the ability to build a private network versus using carrier-leased lines and the Internet is presented. VPNs are also discussed. The assignment for this module is to submit a preliminary hardware and cost list.

Business Analysis: A draft implementation plan is submitted for this assignment. It includes a cabling list. While this is not normally included in a response to an RFP, it is used in the DCN class to make sure students know how the telecommunications equipment interconnects.

4.10 Module 8 - Internetworking

Technical: Routers tie together networks. In this module, routing is introduced, along with forwarding table creation, TCP/IP standards used in routing, and TCP handshaking. Additionally, Layer 3 and Layer 3 Ethernet switches are discussed. All of this material is held to the end since it is not necessarily needed for the semester project.