Network Technology (CMP-354-TE)

= Information = Due to a lack of inexpensive UL credit for a Computer Science degree at TESU, the Network Technology TECEP may be required in order to be able to complete this degree. Unfortunately, this exam has been reported to be both outdated and difficult to pass due to the lack of reliable and updated study materials. You will need to fully understand the OSI model as well as be aware of a number of obscure networking terms, according to this thread on the forum.

Despite this limitation, there are a number of study materials that might be of use to students who wish to undertake this exam.

= TESU recommendations =

Both the course and the exam recommend/use the textbook Networking Basics by Ciccarelli, P., et al. However, students doing self-study have found it impossible to track down the instructor edition of the book that contains the answer key. The answer key can be vital to being able to check your understanding of the questions presented in the book. Students who use only the book may find it difficult to fully prepare for the exam.

There are a number of videos linked to the syllabus:
 * TCP/IP - An Animated discussion
 * The History of Ethernet
 * Warriors of The .Net
 * Mysteries of the Internet
 * The OSI Model - CompTIA Network+
 * Internet Infrastructure Overview
 * Topologies
 * Online Safety: Firewalls
 * Cloud Computing: What is Cloud Computing?
 * What is Virtualization?
 * Wireless Telecommunications Course: Cellular to LTE, WiFi and Satellite
 * 3G vs 4G Wireless - What is the Difference?

= Study.com = There are two offerings that might be of use to students in these circumstances:


 * TECEP Network Technology: Study Guide & Test Prep - This test prep course is relatively short and may not go into sufficient depth to be able to complete the Network Technology TECEP successfully. It is a good place to start but it should not be your only resource.
 * Computer Science 304: Network System Design - Unlike the above test prep course, this course is accepted for credit at TESU. However, it is only accepted as LL credit. Students will still need the TECEP if they want/need UL credits. This course does go slightly more in-depth with 118 quizzes to the test prep's 83 quizzes. While there is significant overlap between the two, they are not identical and students are advised to use both resources if they are studying with these options.

It is highly recommended that students use other resources in addition to any Study.com offerings.

= MOOCs/OCW options =

Coursera

 * Google IT Support Profesional Certificate - This certificate offers some basics of computer networking in the section The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking. Students may audit this section at no cost. Completing the entire certificate, which may be free with a valid .edu address, is valid for 3 credits at TESU. Due to the very basic overview of networking that is presented, this option is suggested only as a basic introduction and not a complete study option.
 * Fundamentals of Computer Network Security Specialization - This specialization appears to go more in-depth about networking and network security. It is presented by the University of Colorado and has not been analyzed for compatibility with the TECEP.

edX
Courses at edX are not necessarily recommended due to the strict time limits and the limited availability of the courses as imposed by the platform. This can be somewhat mitigated by paying for the certificates/courses in question but they are still not the best option. Nevertheless, there are some offerings that may be of some use:


 * Introduction to Networking - This course is provided by NYU and appears to provide a very brief introduction to networking. It has not been evaluated for compatibility with the TECEP.
 * Network Security Protocol - This course is provided by NYU covers various aspects of network security. It may go into more depth than is required by the TECEP. The course has not been evaluated for compatibility with the TECEP.
 * Network Security Foundations - This course is provided by WGU. Although it has not been evaluated for compatibility with the TECEP, the syllabus appears to align well with the basics required for the TECEP.

MIT

 * Networks - Undergraduate course from 2018
 * Data Communication Networks - Graduate course from 2002. Despite being graduate-level, it says it focuses on the fundamentals of data communication networks.
 * Computer Networks - Graduate course from 2002. May go into much more depth than the above course; possibly more than needed for the TECEP.
 * Network and Computer Security - Upper-level undergraduate/first-year graduate course from 2014.
 * All Computer Networking classes - Every graduate and undergraduate course that is even tangentially related to computer networking.

= Saylor Academy = Although Saylor has a number of courses that are available for college credit, their Computer Communications and Networks course is not currently one that is accepted by TESU. However, this is still a resource that students can use to study networking.

= CompTIA Network+ = There are a number of resources out there with the aim of studying for the CompTIA Network+ exam. This certification is highly prized in the tech industry, at least for persons who are just starting out, so being able to pass this exam may be considered a bonus for TESU students. CompTIA exams may also be accepted for credit at TESU and at other schools.


 * Professor Messer - The gold standard when it comes to studying for CompTIA exams. Engaging videos with high production values. Recommended by CompTIA itself. Other students have found his videos to be helpful for studying for the TECEP.
 * PowerCert channel - There is a nearly 4-hour video covering CompTIA Network+ certification.
 * Computer Networking Course - CompTIA Network+ exam prep video from freeCodeCamp.org. One enormous 9.5 hour long video. The description has timestamps to allow you to jump to specific topics within the video.

= Other miscellaneous resources =
 * Computer Networking: A Top Down Approach - A complete networking course online. As of February 2021, it is still in development. Site includes problem sets and labs for the textbook of the same name. Should align fairly well with the TECEP, though the textbooks are different.
 * 14-740 Fundamentals of Computer Networks - Uses the same textbook as above. A graduate-level course that assumes no pre-existing networking knowledge. This should make it roughly equivalent in scope to the TECEP, though this has not yet been reviewed.
 * Princeton University has a playlist on YouTube for their COS 461: Computer Networks class. It's not very exciting but it is a resource for studying networking. Assignments are available on GitHub.
 * TECEP CMP 354 playlist on YouTube - No idea who created this or how well it aligns with the exam, but it is available as an option.

Quizlet
There are several Quizlet flash card decks that have been created by other students. It has been suggested that students who use Quizlet should pay for a Quizlet subscription to access the Learn+ option in order to create your own test with the flashcards.
 * 154 flash cards
 * 138 flash cards
 * 347 flash cards