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, and directory services security.

CNTS1213 | Server Systems I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course will provide students with essential skills to configure, manage, and automate enterprise server environments. Students will learn to create and maintain both Linux and Windows servers, including critical network services such as DHCP, DNS, and enterprise-level networking, while enforcing security through group policy, auditing, and permissions management. This course will also incorporate automation through scripting, where students will parse structured data, manipulate system objects, and automate OS and networking tasks. Additionally, the course will provide an understanding of systems at a low-level.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1112

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

This course provides students with hands-on experience in enterprise networking technologies, digital communications protocols, and security-focused network design methodologies. Students will develop foundational skills in switching, routing, and basic firewall technologies using industry-standard equipment and simulation environments. The course emphasizes secure network architecture principles, implementation of basic access controls, and integration of fundamental network security practices. Through hands-on laboratories and practical scenarios, students will design, configure, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructures that meet basic security requirements and prepare them for advanced networking coursework.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1112

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.

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

Develops advanced Linux administration skills through comprehensive deployment and management of Open Source Software (OSS) in enterprise environments. Students deploy web servers, database systems, file services, and automation tools commonly used at enterprise and ISP levels. Strong emphasis on infrastructure-as-code, configuration management and automation.

CNTS2114 | Server Systems II | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course builds on foundational Windows Server and scripting skills to explore advanced enterprise network administration. Students will configure multi-domain Active Directory environments, implement Group Policy for security and compliance, and audit file system and user activity. Also emphasized is securing Active Directory, deploying high-availability services like DFS, and integrating with Azure Active Directory for hybrid identity solutions. Learners will also manage DNS and DHCP, delegate administrative roles, and design backup and recovery strategies.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1213

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

This course builds upon foundational networking concepts to explore enterprise-grade network design, security architecture, and dynamic routing technologies in multi-site environments. Students will deploy dynamic routing protocols, implement sophisticated network security policies, and design resilient network infrastructures that support business continuity. The course emphasizes network troubleshooting methodologies, performance optimization techniques, and integration of wireless and wired networks in secure enterprise environments. Students will gain experience with network automation tools, monitoring systems, and advanced firewall configurations that prepare them for Network Systems III.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1221

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.

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 | Server Systems III | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course develops advanced Linux administration skills through comprehensive deployment and management of Open-Source Software (OSS) in enterprise environments. Students deploy web servers, database systems, file services, and automation tools commonly used at enterprise and ISP levels. Strong emphasis on infrastructure-as-code, configuration management, and automation.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1112

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

This advanced course serves as the culmination of the Network Systems track, focusing on enterprise-scale network architecture, advanced security implementations, and cutting-edge networking technologies. Students will master complex routing protocols, design comprehensive network security architectures, and implement advanced automation and orchestration solutions. The course emphasizes real-world problem-solving in large-scale enterprise environments, including integration of operational technology (OT) networks, advanced threat detection systems, and disaster recovery strategies. Students will develop expertise in network performance optimization, business continuity planning, and emerging networking technologies that prepare them for network engineering roles and industry certifications.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS2121