CSIS 651 Network Architecture and Design

This course provides an in-depth analysis of network architecture models that are designed to support business strategies in a changing environment. It addresses optimization of network functionality including resilience, modularity, security, virtualization, management, and topology design.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


Network Architecture and Design is the final course in the network design and security cognate. Networks become challenging to manage as they grow in size and complexity. Focal to the course is advanced network design and management, including flexibility, scalability, availability, security, convergence, and optimization.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete three Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at least 500 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post two replies of at least 200 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. For each thread, the student must support his/her assertions with at least one scholarly citation in APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least one scholarly citation in APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include scholarly journals, the textbook, the Bible, etc. 

Networking Lab Assignments (3)

The student will complete skill integration challenges using Packet Tracer. A Packet Tracer simulation file and a Microsoft Word document with screenshots showing student progress will both need to be submitted for each lab.

Thesis Project Assignments (2)

There will be two phases of this assignment. In preparation for the capstone course, the student will begin the process of researching and writing his/her thesis. “Thesis Project: Problem, Research Questions, Literature Review Assignment” must contain at least 2,300 words and 19 citations. “Thesis Project: Final Draft With Corrections Assignment” must contain at least 3,400 words and 21 citations. Reference the grading rubrics for specific breakdown of criteria and points. Current APA format must be used.

Network Design Project Assignments (2)

There will be two phases of this assignment. Both phases of this project will align with the Cisco PPDIOO network lifecycle. The “Network Design Project: Prepare, Plan, Design Assignment” phase of the project will address the Prepare, Plan, and Design phases of PPDIOO, and must contain at least 3,500 words and 20 citations. The “Network Design Project: Implement, Operate, Optimize Assignment” phase of the project will address the Design, Implement, Operate, and Optimize phases of the Cisco PPDIOO network lifecycle, and must contain at least 2,000 words and 12 citations. The student must reference the grading rubrics for specific breakdown of criteria and points. Current APA format must be used.


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