Computer Networking Systems (CNTS)

CNTS1102 | Introduction to Operating Systems | Lecture/Laboratory (2 Credits)

Examine concepts of computer operating systems found in the datacenter. Navigation and manipulating of the file systems using command line and GUI interfaces of current Linux and Windows operating systems to gain an understanding of how they work, their similarities and differences. Portions of this course help to prepare for the CompTia A+ exam.

CNTS1112 | Introduction to Systems and Networking | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Students will explore the core components of modern computing systems, including hardware architecture, operating systems, and network infrastructure. The course covers key concepts such as CPU architecture, memory management, storage systems, and input/output devices. Students will learn about different operating systems, their functions, and basic system administration tasks. The networking portion of the course introduces network topologies, protocols, and the OSI model, with a focus on TCP/IP. Topics include LAN/WAN technologies, IP addressing, subnetting, routing, and basic network security principles. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, and practical exercises, students will gain essential skills in configuring and troubleshooting basic computer systems and networks.

CNTS1123 | Introduction to Networking | Lecture/Laboratory (2 Credits)

Introduction to the concepts and terminology of data communications in a datacenter. Examine client-server networking, communication hardware, software, and security. Analyze services and models supporting data communications interoperability. Configure and troubleshoot network connections and the associated hardware/software.

CNTS1202 | Scripting | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Apply programming best practices to managing computer systems and networks. Topics include: development of real world scripts used to manage enterprise networks with a focus on Python and PowerShell.

CNTS1212 | Server Systems | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Install, configure, maintain, and manage the core services in current Linux and Windows server operating systems. Introduction to the sharing of system resources, remote administration, directory services security and backups. Portions of this course help to prepare for the Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator exam.

CNTS1213 | Server Systems & Automation | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Explore server systems management with automation techniques, focusing on the installation, configuration, and maintenance of server operating systems and their primary services. Students will learn to manage system resources, implement remote administration, and develop real-world scripts using Python and PowerShell. The curriculum emphasizes programming best practices for efficient management of enterprise computer systems and networks, preparing students for the challenges of modern IT environments.

CNTS1221 | Network Systems I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course delves deeper into the principles and terminology of business data communications, emphasizing their practical applications in modern business environments. It covers intermediate to advanced concepts of client-server networking, including networking hardware, addressing schemes, and essential services. Topics include logical addressing, IP routing, and key network protocols. Students will also gain hands-on experience in installing and configuring client-server networking systems, preparing them for real-world networking challenges.

CNTS1232 | Network Systems | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Expansion of concepts and terminology of business data communications and how they apply to the business environment. Intermediate to advanced client-server networking concepts, including its associated networking hardware, addressing and services; logical addressing, IP routing, and network protocols. Install and configure client-server networking systems. Portions of this course help to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam.

CNTS2103 | Enterprise Routing & Services I | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Examine concepts and application of bridging, switching, routing, and firewalls in an industry-standard networking environment. Install, configure, and manage networks, routers, switches, and firewalls to facilitate basic network communication architectures. Portions of this course help to prepare for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam.

CNTS2113 | Enterprise Linux Administration | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Install, configure, maintain, and manage a wide variety of Open Source Software (OSS) with an emphasis on common web, file and database servers found in industry; the history of the open source movement. Configure OSS operating systems to support common client-servers, Web hosting, and other services commonly found at the enterprise and ISP levels of industry. In-depth coverage of technologies related to hosting websites including programming language support, database support/connectivity, and remote access. Portions of this course help to prepare for the Red Hat Certified Engineer exam.

CNTS2114 | Advanced Server Systems & Automation | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This advanced course builds upon foundational knowledge to explore complex server systems and advanced automation techniques. Students will delve into enterprise-level server management, focusing on high availability, scalability, and performance optimization. The course covers advanced topics in both Windows and Linux environments, including clustering, load balancing, and disaster recovery strategies. Students will gain expertise in virtualization technologies, container orchestration with Kubernetes. Advanced automation is a key focus, with students learning to create sophisticated scripts and workflows using PowerShell, Python, and infrastructure-as-code tools. The course also covers configuration management at scale using Ansible. Security aspects of server administration are emphasized, including hardening techniques and compliance management. Through challenging projects and real-world scenarios, students will develop critical thinking skills for complex IT problem-solving.

CNTS2121 | Network Systems II | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course bridges foundational networking concepts with emerging technologies, emphasizing their practical applications in modern business environments. Students will explore advanced client-server networking principles, logical addressing, IP routing, and key network protocols. The course introduces Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and cloud networking fundamentals while developing hands-on skills in configuring networking hardware and essential services.

CNTS2131 | Virtualization | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Install, configure, maintain, and manage a variety of virtualization software; examine the underlying principles of virtualization; create a virtual IT infrastructure; advantages and disadvantages of moving to a virtualized environment; comparison of major virtualization software systems. Portions of this course help to prepare for the Professional VMware vSphere Exam.

CNTS2132 | Enterprise Identity & Account Management | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will explore the complexities of managing identities, access rights, and authentication across large-scale enterprise environments. The course covers key IAM concepts including identity lifecycle management, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and privileged access management (PAM). Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard IAM tools and technologies, learning to implement and manage directory services, federation protocols, and identity governance solutions. The course also addresses compliance requirements and best practices for identity security in hybrid cloud environments. Through practical labs and case studies, students will develop skills in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust IAM architectures. Topics include integration with cloud services, mobile device management, and emerging technologies like biometrics and adaptive authentication.

CNTS2140 | Securing Enterprise Server Environments | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Proactively secure enterprise and hybrid environments, implement and manage security and compliance solutions, respond to threats, and enforce data governance. Portions of this course help to prepare for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate exam.

CNTS2201 | Advanced Routing & Switching | Lecture/Laboratory (5 Credits)

Advanced concepts and application of bridging, switching, and routing in an industry-standard networking environment. Practice advanced business network communication architectures. This course helps to prepare for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam.

CNTS2203 | Enterprise Routing & Services II | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Advanced concepts and application of bridging, switching, routing, and firewalls in an industry-standard networking environment. Practice advanced business network communication architectures. This course helps to prepare for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam.

CNTS2214 | Advanced Server Infrastructure | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Evaluate, plan, migrate, deploy, and manage Microsoft 365 services. Portions of this course help to prepare for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert exam.

CNTS2215 | Enterprise Applications & Service Mgmt | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will explore the lifecycle of enterprise applications, from deployment to maintenance and optimization. The course covers key concepts in IT service management (ITSM) using frameworks like ITIL, emphasizing service strategy, design, transition, and operation. Students will gain hands-on experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and collaboration platforms. The curriculum includes application virtualization, containerization, and microservices architecture. Students will learn to implement and manage service-oriented architectures (SOA) and API management. The course also covers performance monitoring, capacity planning, and problem management. Through practical projects and case studies, students will develop skills in change management, service level agreement (SLA) management, and continuous service improvement.

CNTS2225 | Network Systems III | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

The capstone for networking studies, integrating and expanding upon concepts from previous Network Systems courses. Students will tackle complex networking challenges, focusing on enterprise-level network design, implementation, and troubleshooting. The curriculum covers advanced routing and switching protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and MPLS, as well as software-defined networking (SDN) and intent-based networking concepts. Students will gain expertise in network security, including intrusion detection and prevention systems, VPNs, and network access control. The course emphasizes network automation and programmability, introducing tools like Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs for network management. Students will explore hybrid cloud architectures connectivity solutions. Through hands-on labs and a comprehensive project, students will design and implement a complex network infrastructure, considering scalability, redundancy, and performance optimization.