Telecommunications -- Course Descriptions

An introduction to the field of telecommunications. Interrelation of telecommunications, data processing, and data communications. Managing voice and data systems and discussions of current technologies.

TEL 201 Basic Voice Communications (4)

Overview of voice communications. Fundamental concepts and terminology, structure of the telecommunications industry, physical and pricing components of voice products and services, and an introduction to telecommunications engineering, and financial considerations in purchasing a telecommunications system. Prerequisite: TEL 100.

TEL 205 Basic Data Communications (4)

Provides an overview of data communications, including fundamental concepts such as coding schemes, modulation techniques, transmission impairments, and digital versus analog networking. Also explained are various types of networks and and their advantages and disadvantages. The lab will include hands-on experience with data communications concepts, processes and products. Prerequisite: TEL 100.

TEL 310 Telecommunications Transmission Technology (4)

Will familiarize students with various transmission technologies such as coaxial cables, microwave radio, fiber optics and satellite communications. The advantages and disadvantages of analog and digital technologies are compared as they pertain to long-range network planning. Voice and data integration will also be discussed. Includes an overview of the national wiring standards as presented by the telecommunications distribution methods manual. Prerequisites: TEL 100 and TEL 201.

TEL 316 Data Network Design (4)

Data network design issues and applications, point-to-point network design, multipoint network design, data collection and verification and an overview of protocols. Network design tools such as MIND, OPNET, and Comnet III are used for network design and simulation. Use of simulation results to design a private line or packet switched based data communications network. Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: TEL 205 and STA 100.

TEL 330 International Telecommunications (4)

An assessment of global telecommunications networks, business, trade in services and equipment, and regulation. Topics include voice and data services, technical standards, transborder data flow issues, network competition, and the role of telecommunications in economic development. Prerequisite: TEL 100.

TEL 340 Network Standards and Protocols (4)

An intermediate course surveying the field and covering details of important current network standards, architectures, and their associated protocols. General principles and a number of protocols will be reviewed in detail including: OSI, TCP/IP, SNA, and SS7, SDLC, Ethernet and Token Ring. Prerequisites: TEL 205.

TEL 381 Introduction to Information Assurance (4)

A fast paced introduction to the field of Information Assurance. The various kinds of threats that might be faced by an information system and the security techniques used to thwart them are covered. Hacker methods, viruses, worms, and system vulnerabilities are described with respect to the actions that must be taken by a Network Manager to combat them.

TEL 382 Information Assurance Policies and Disaster Recovery (4)

Development of information systems security policies for small and large organizations with specific regard to components such as email, web servers, web browsers, firewalls, personal applications, etc. The need for and development of disaster recovery plans and procedures are also covered. Course intended for Telecommunications majors or students with a networking background. Non-Telecommunications majors require permission of instructor.

TEL 383 Network Firewalls (4)

Teaches the student the basic design of firewalls and provides actual hands-on experience with a popular enterprise firewall. The need for firewalls is also covered. Builds upon the foundations of Information Assurance presented in TEL 381, Introduction to Information Assurance. Provides more detailed background and skills in the area of firewalls for those individuals who seek employment in the areas of network and data security. Prerequisites: TEL 205 and TEL 381.

TEL 384 Network Intrusion Detection (4)

The need for intrusion detection systems (IDS) is described. Several basic IDS design approaches and implementation methods are presented. Basic attack methods employed by network attackers and the resulting signatures are explained. The business case for justifying the acquisition of IDS is explored. Builds upon the foundations of Information Assurance covered in TEL 381. Provides additional background and skills in the area of network IDS for those students interested in the areas of network and data security. Prerequisites: TEL 205 and TEL 381.

TEL 400 Wireless Telecommunications (4)

Investigate of the technologies, networks, and services of wireless telecommunications systems. Areas examined include public cellular, microcellular and mobile satellite systems; as well as privately owned wireless LANS-WANS and PBXs. Domestic and international regulation of these networks and services, as well as infrastructure, supplier competition, and access technologies will be examined. Prerequisites: TEL 201 and TEL 205.

TEL 416 Digital and Internet Telephony (4)

Consists of both lecture and application oriented lab assignments. Emphasizes digital and internet telephony fundamentals including the convergence of voice, data and multimedia communications using the Internet Protocol. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory. Prerequisite: TEL 201.

TEL 420 Telecommunications Systems Analysis and Project Management (4)

A study of project management techniques and processes from a corporate user perspective. Topics include strategic planning, needs assessment, development of requests for proposals, security and disaster planning, financial evaluation techniques, negotiation with vendors, outsourcing, implementation and system changeover planning, and creation of validation and acceptance test procedures. Prerequisite: TEL 100. Cross listed with TEL 520.

TEL 425 Internetworking Telecommunications Systems (4)

Intended to introduce new content and extend previously learned networking skills which will empower students to enter the workforce and/ or further their education in the area of telecommunications networking. A task analysis of current industry standards and occupational analysis is used in the development of content standards. Instruction introduces and extends the student’s knowledge and practical experience with switches. Local Area Networks (LAN’s) and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN’s) design, configuration and maintenance. Students develop practical experience in skills related to configuring LAN’s, WAN’s, routing protocols and network troubleshooting. Prerequisite: TEL 205.

TEL 430 Local Area Networks (4)

Survey and evaluation of local area network media, access methods, and topologies. Design, configuration, operation, and configuration of local area networks. Hands-on Microsoft Network System Administration. Prerequisite: TEL 205.

TEL 493 Special Topics in Telecommunications (Variable 1-4)

An in-depth study of selected topics based on: new developments in the field, more in-depth treatment of topics than covered in regular courses, or topics not normally covered in an undergraduate program in telecommunications. Topics may include: Computer Telephony Integration, Software Defined Radio, Building Wiring Standards, and others. Prerequisites: TEL 100 and others depending on topic, or permission of instructor.

TEL 494 Telecommunications Internship/Co-op (2 or 4)

Part-time supervised experience in a professional atmosphere which supplements classroom instruction. Two written reports on the work experience, two supervisor’s evaluations and one site interview required. Required contact hours min. 150. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.