Data Communications Analyst

Course Description

EEV0317 – Data Communications Analyst is a 150-contact-hour vocational course in the Engineering Technologies > Electronics Vocational taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). This course offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in general, communication, and infrastructure security as it relates to LAN and WAN networks. It is delivered as part of the Network Support Services Career Certificate program (CIP 8206010), a planned sequence of instruction offered at Florida postsecondary adult career and technical education institutions.

The course provides competency-based, applied learning aligned with the Information Technology career cluster, emphasizing technical skill proficiency, higher-order problem-solving, and occupation-specific knowledge required for employment as a Data Communications Technician or Analyst.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Demonstrate knowledge of general security concepts, including threats, vulnerabilities, and attack types relevant to data communications environments.
• Develop awareness of communication security concepts, including securing data in transit across LAN and WAN infrastructures.
• Develop awareness of network infrastructure security, including securing routers, switches, firewalls, and related devices.
• Understand cryptography and its application to securing data communications networks.
• Incorporate organizational and operational security practices in an appropriate and effective manner.
• Define and explain network topologies, devices, and connections used in LAN and WAN environments.
• Explain the OSI and TCP/IP models and how protocols operate across network layers.
• Define Ethernet fundamentals and operations, including the functions of bridges and switches.
• Explain the difference between routed and routing protocols.
• Demonstrate understanding of internet connections and connectivity fundamentals.
• Incorporate appropriate leadership, customer service strategies, and professional ethics to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.
• Apply employability and entrepreneurship skills relevant to the information technology industry.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be addressed at institutional discretion based on program sequencing and student preparation:

• Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences related to network security and data communications analysis.
• Perform end-user support and assistance by troubleshooting and diagnosing network issues through verbal or written communication.
• Explain how to connect copper media, optical media, and wireless media in network installations.
• Perform tasks related to network cable testing and cable making.
• Identify basic wireless security protocols and configuration methods for WLANs.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of VPN technologies and remote access security concepts.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• General Security Concepts: Types of attacks (DoS, man-in-the-middle, spoofing), malware classifications, social engineering, security policies and procedures.
• Communication Security: Securing email, web, FTP, remote access; protocols including SSL/TLS, HTTPS, SSH, and IPSec fundamentals.
• Network Infrastructure Security: Hardening routers and switches, VLAN segmentation, firewall configuration concepts, DMZ architecture, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Cryptography: Symmetric and asymmetric encryption, public key infrastructure (PKI), digital signatures, hashing algorithms, and certificate management.
• Organizational and Operational Security: Physical security, incident response procedures, disaster recovery, security policies, risk assessment, change management.
• LAN and WAN Fundamentals: Network topologies, addressing (IPv4/IPv6), subnetting, routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP), switching concepts.
• OSI and TCP/IP Models: Layer functions, encapsulation, common protocols at each layer.
• Ethernet and Switching: CSMA/CD, MAC addressing, VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), bridge and switch operations.
• Professional and Workplace Skills: Customer service, technical communication, ethics, leadership, and teamwork in IT environments.

Optional Topics

• Wireless Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2/WPA3 protocols; WLAN threat mitigation; rogue access point detection.
• Network Cable Media: UTP/STP categories, fiber optic types, cable testing tools and procedures, cable installation standards (TIA/EIA-568).
• Remote Access and VPN: Dial-up vs. broadband, VPN tunneling protocols (PPTP, L2TP, IPSec), authentication methods.
• Simulated Work-Based Learning: Scenario-based labs, packet analysis using protocol analyzers (e.g., Wireshark), network simulation using tools such as Cisco Packet Tracer.
• Emerging Threats and Technologies: Cloud security concepts, IoT security considerations, zero-trust architecture awareness.

Resources & Tools

• Simulation Software: Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3 for network topology simulation and protocol analysis.
• Protocol Analyzer: Wireshark for capturing and inspecting live and simulated network traffic.
• Reference Texts: CompTIA Security+ Study Guide; CompTIA Network+ Study Guide (Mike Meyers or Darril Gibson editions commonly used in Florida CTE programs).
• Online Platforms: Cisco NetAcad (Networking Academy), Professor Messer's CompTIA courses, CBT Nuggets.
• Lab Equipment: Managed switches, routers (Cisco or equivalent), patch panels, cable testers, crimping tools, RJ-45 connectors, fiber patch cables.
• Florida Standards: Florida Department of Education Career and Technical Education frameworks; SCNS course profile for EEV0317.

Career Pathways

Successful completion of EEV0317 prepares students for entry-level and advancing roles in information technology and network security, including:

• Data Communications Technician
• Network Security Analyst
• Network Support Specialist / Help Desk Technician
• Wireless Network Technician
• IT Security Administrator

This course is a component of the Network Support Services Career Certificate program and articulates with college-level programs including the Networking Services Technology A.S., Computer Engineering Technology A.S., and Cybersecurity A.S. degrees at institutions such as St. Petersburg College and South Florida State College.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

EEV0317 aligns with content domains tested on nationally recognized industry certifications. Students who complete this course — especially in sequence within the full Network Support Services program — are well-positioned to pursue:

• CompTIA Security+ – Covers general security, cryptography, infrastructure security, and organizational security domains directly addressed in this course.
• CompTIA Network+ – Reinforced by LAN/WAN, OSI model, routing, switching, and cabling topics.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Entry-level Cisco credential supported by routing, switching, and infrastructure security content.

Basic Skills Requirements

In accordance with Florida Rule 6A-10.040 F.A.C., adult students enrolled in this program (450+ hours total) must meet minimum basic skills exit requirements: Mathematics – Grade Level 9 and Language/Reading – Grade Level 9, as assessed by a state-designated basic skills examination. Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for an exemption per Section 1004.02(7), Florida Statutes.

Program Sequence Context

EEV0317 is one of several occupational completion points within the Network Support Services program (CIP 8206010). It is typically taken after foundational networking courses (e.g., CTS0022 – Network Support Help Desk Assistant, CTS0023 – Network Support Administrator) and may be taken concurrently with or prior to CTS0029 – Wireless Network Administrator, which covers the configuration and security of wireless LANs.