September 18, 2007 -- Last week's 2007 BICSI Fall Conference in Las Vegas saw the debut of BICSI's online interactive learning network, dubbed BICSI Connect.
According to BICSI, geared to help information transport systems (ITS) professionals earn continuing education credits (CECs) through online courses, the learning network offers students the flexibility of 24/7 Web-based training at their own pace, without incurring travel expenses, and at a reduced cost compared to traditional classes.
BICSI Connect will offer eight courses to increase ITS knowledge and prepare participants for the BICSI RCDD/NTS Specialist credential exam. Seven of the eight courses offered will provide CECs to participants if they qualify. Course topics include Local Area Networks, Remote Access, Network Storage, Ethernet, Network Management, Internet Protocol and Firestopping.
Initial course descriptions, cost and CEC information are listed below, per a press release. All prices are at an introductory rate only good through December 31, 2007.
Local Area Networks (LANs): This course examines the fundamentals and basic hardware components that can be used when designing LANs. Additionally, an overview is presented by looking at some of the different operational arrangements that can be created using those different components, as well as LAN standards that should be considered by every designer. ($224, 8 CECs for RCDD, NTS Specialty, Level 2 Installers and Technicians.)
Remote Access: From a vendor neutral standpoint, students learn about the software, hardware and methodologies that are used to seamlessly get the remote user onto an organization's LAN. This course will also introduce the basic definitions and terms of remote access technologies as well as relevant standards. ($224, 8 CECs for RCDD, NTS Specialty, Level 2 Installers and Technicians.)
Network Storage: Topics covered include basic fundamentals, various drive interface, redundant arrays of independent disks (RAIDs), network attached storage (NAS), storage area networks (SANs) and data backup devices. Upon completion, students will be able to make better informed decisions regarding network storage solutions. ($224, 8 CECs for RCDD, NTS Specialty, Level 2 Installers and Technicians.)
Ethernet: Ethernet is now suitable for connections over extended distance and wide area network environments thanks to 10 GbE. This course examines the evolution, applicability, standards, and usage of Ethernet technologies from the original standard to the high-performance systems. ($166, 6 CECs for RCDD, NTS Specialty, Level 2 Installers and Technicians.)
Network Management: Network management has a broad scope, spanning all phases of the network life cycle. This program examines a variety of topics to understand how a combination of planning, procedures, hardware, software, and personnel is needed to maintain network operations at maximum efficiency at all times. ($112, 4 CECs for RCDD, NTS Specialty, WD Specialty, Level 2 Installers and Technicians.)
Internet Protocol (IP): A single vendor-independent infrastructure collectively referred to as Internet Protocol (IP) enables communications between all types of networks. This module describes and illustrates how an IP-based infrastructure within an organization can serve as the common link between internal local area networks, remote users, and Internet-based resources. ($112, 4 CECs for RCDD, NTS Specialty, WD Specialty, Level 2 Installers and Technicians.)
Firestopping: In today's rapidly changing world, voice data network cables are installed, changed, upgraded and removed more frequently than ever before which is creating an ongoing problem of maintaining the performance of fire rated walls and floors. This course offers an insight into the importance of firestopping, and the products, systems and tests used. ($224, 8 CECs for RCDD, OSP Specialty, NTS Specialty, WD Specialty, Level 2 Installers and Technicians.)
Interactive Test Prep (ITP) - NTS: The ITP-NTS is based on the Network Design Reference Manual (NDRM) 6th edition and is available for purchase in either a 30-day use option at $89, or 90-day use option for $179 until the end of year. Drawing from a bank of hundreds of questions, students can check their knowledge on either chapter specific tests or simulated complete tests. Feedback is provided to highlight areas of strength and weakness. Although the test prep does not award CECs, it is highly recommended in preparation for BICSI's RCDD/NTS Specialty exam.