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 Unfortunately, this exam has been reported to be both outdated and difficult to pass due to the lack of reliable and updated study materials.

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

= Textbook =

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.

= 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.