CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ITCC-1314-002 CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks

Prerequisites

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: CPMT 1351

Course Description

This course covers networking architecture, structure, and functions; introduces the principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentas of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations to provide a foundation for the curriculum. 

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sch; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Network+ Guide to Networks

by Jill West

10th Edition | Copyright 2025

Supplies

• Access to Windows 11 PC or Virtual Machine. Computers are available in the CIS Department at Amarillo College.
• Reliable Access to high-speed broadband internet.
• Note Taking Materials and Pen/Pencil
• CompTIA Network+ exam voucher. Optional. These can be purchased at a discounted rate using the instructions in your Blackboard course.

Student Performance

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Networking Fundamentals

• Compare and contrast the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model layers and encapsulation concepts
• Explain the characteristics of network topologies and network types
• Summarize the types of cables and connectors and explain which is the appropriate type for a solution
• Configure a subnet and use appropriate IP addressing schemes
• Compare and contrast the characteristics of network appliances, applications, and functions

2. Network Implementations

• Compare and contrast routing technologies and bandwidth management concepts
• Configure and deploy common Ethernet switching features
• Install and configure the appropriate wireless standards and technologies

3. Network Operations

• Use the appropriate statistics and sensors to ensure network availability
• Explain the network troubleshooting methodology
• Deploy the appropriate remote access methods
• Explain the importance of physical security

4. Network Security

• Compare and contrast security concepts and access control methods
• Compare and contrast network hardening techniques
• Explain common network vulnerabilities and threats
• Compare and contrast remote access methods and security implications
• Explain the importance of network segmentation

5. Network Troubleshooting

• Explain the network troubleshooting methodology and appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot common cable connectivity issues and select appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot common network service issues

About the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Exam:

The CompTIA Network+ N10-009 is the latest version of the industry-standard networking certification exam. This performance-based certification validates the knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot, configure, and manage common network devices; establish basic network connectivity; understand and maintain network documentation; identify network limitations and weaknesses; and implement network security, standards, and protocols.

Exam Details:

• Exam Code: N10-009
• Number of Questions: Maximum of 90 questions
• Types of Questions: Multiple choice and performance-based
• Length of Test: 90 minutes
• Passing Score: 720 (on a scale of 100-900)
• Recommended Experience: CompTIA A+ certification and/or 9-12 months of networking experience

Optional Certification Exam:
While the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 certification exam is not required for this course, students who successfully pass the exam at any time during the semester will receive full credit for the course. This demonstrates complete mastery of the networking concepts and skills covered in the curriculum. Students interested in taking the certification exam should consult with the instructor regarding exam vouchers and scheduling.

What's New in N10-009:

• Enhanced focus on cloud networking and hybrid environments
• Updated wireless networking standards and security protocols
• Expanded coverage of network automation and programmability
• Current industry best practices for network security and troubleshooting

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work. Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may receive a 0 on an assignment; may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College (see Student Rights and Responsibilities).

Students who give another student their files or allow another student to use their work are committing a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.  Students who engage in this unethical behavior risk being subject to disciplinary action in accordance with College policy.

The Faculty of the CIS Program reserve the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test or assignment by reproducing any specific section or the entire test/assignment in question.

Any action that compromises the computer systems at Amarillo College, including but not limited to hacking or cracking, can result in a grade of "F" in this course and possible further disciplinary action.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria / Grading Scale

Numeric Thresholds

A = 90 to 100, B = 80 to 89, C = 70 to 79, D = 60 to 69, F = Below 60

Grade Components (Total = 100%)

The final grade will be computed as follows:

Make-Up Policy

The opportunity to make up an exam and/or lab will be determined by the circumstances of each individual, permitted at the discretion of the instructor.

The time and place for a make-up test will be determined by the instructor.

Students who miss gradable coursework due to an absence will be given the opportunity to make up the missed work, with the exception of the final exam. The final exam may be taken early if prior arrangements have been made. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor as soon as possible after return to class to arrange to make up missed coursework.

Instructor’s Statement

As your instructor, I am always willing to discuss your grades with you and explain how your grade was determined. If a grading error has been made on my part, I am always willing to correct the error.

Certification Alignment

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to successfully pass the CompTIA Network+ certification – successfully taking this exam (N10-009) prior to the Final Exam can be used as a replacement grade for the Final Exam. Passing the exam will be considered sufficient demonstration of course concepts and mastery.

**This is an accelerated 8-week course and requires substantial work outside of class.

Attendance

Course Policies

• Email Communication: Check your email daily. The email address used by your instructor is the @amarillocollege.com email issued to each AC student.
• Assignments: Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time. For Cengage assignments, you will have five (5) days after the due date to complete work with a 10% grade deduction.
• Attendance:
  • For on-campus classes: Attendance will be taken during each class period.
  • For online classes: Attendance will be monitored by access log-in dates recorded in Blackboard and Cengage.
  • Excessive absence and lack of participation may result in failure of the course.
• Study Time: Students should plan on spending a minimum of 10–12 hours per week on this course, outside of class. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments and topic complexity. Please schedule your time so that you can devote the appropriate energy and effort to achieve success.
• Instructor Contact: Your instructor can be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. If Blackboard is not available, please email delane.mcune@actx.edu. In-person meetings or additional help are available if needed. Please contact by email to set up a convenient day/time.
• Email Response Time: Emails are typically answered within 24 hours. If you do not receive a response within that time-frame, please resend your message as a reminder.

Calendar

Additional Information

Important Dates & Student Support Resources

Important Dates to Remember

Spring 2026 Calendar

If you have questions about dates, refer to official college announcements or your course schedule.

Technology & Computing Issues

• The Underground: Student technology and collaboration lab located in the basement of the Ware Student Commons (Washington Street Campus).
  http://www.actx.edu/underground
• Computer Services Center: Located within the AC Bookstore. Provides computer diagnostics and repair services (fee-for-service). Laptop rentals available.
  https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/computer-service-center
• Student & Faculty Help Center: Located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons. Assistance with AC Connect, Blackboard, password resets, and general computing questions.
  http://www.actx.edu/ctl/hours-of-operation

Course Assistance

• DisAbility Services: Provides accommodations and support to ensure student access to all services and programs.
  https://www.actx.edu/disability/
• Blackboard Tutorials:
  Topic List: https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student
  Videos: http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm
• AC Connect Student Resources:
  https://www.actx.edu/ctl/ac-connect-student-resources

Personal Issues

• Advocacy & Resource Center: Located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons. Provides social services resources, food pantry, clothing closet, and adult student programs.
  http://www.actx.edu/arc/advocacy-and-resource-center
• Counseling Center: Free and confidential counseling services for students.
  https://www.actx.edu/counseling/index.php