C172: Network and Security - Foundations (ITM)

Network and Security - Foundations gives IT Management students their first grounding in networking components and protocols — the business-facing counterpart to the deeper technical version taken by Cloud/Cybersecurity majors.

What C172 covers

The course introduces the components of a computer network and the concept and role of communication protocols, covering categorical classifications of networks (LAN, MAN, WAN, WLAN, PAN, SAN, CAN, VPN), network topologies, physical devices, and layered abstraction.

The course also introduces basic security concepts: network vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques, physical media security, and security policies/procedures.

The C172 performance assessment

Expect a performance assessment requiring you to classify a given network scenario and identify vulnerabilities with appropriate mitigation techniques.

Key topics in C172

• Network classifications (LAN, WAN, VPN, etc.)
• Network topologies and physical devices
• Network vulnerabilities and mitigation
• Security policies and procedures

Writing tips for C172

Follow the task instructions and rubric line by line

WGU performance assessments for C172 are graded against a fixed rubric — every rubric line has to be visibly addressed, usually with a labeled heading that mirrors the rubric language. Skipping a rubric point because it seems minor is the single most common reason a competent submission comes back "Not Yet Competent" for revision.

Ground your answer in a specific organization or system, not generalities

WGU evaluators are trained to distinguish genuine IT analysis from a paraphrased summary. Anchor your submission in the specific organization, network, or system the task provides, and show the reasoning connecting your recommendation to that real configuration.

Because WGU is self-paced, don't let "no deadline pressure" become no submission

There's no weekly due date forcing progress, which means procrastination costs more at WGU than at a traditional term-based school — a stalled task can quietly eat weeks of a term. Treat your own target date for each C172 assessment as a real deadline.

Why students seek help with C172

Students sometimes describe network types without connecting them to the specific security vulnerabilities and mitigations relevant to that network type — the course wants that connection made explicit.

How GradeEssays helps with C172

Share your network scenario and rubric, and your writer will correctly classify the network and connect it to relevant vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques.

Prerequisites and program context

C172 has no prerequisites and is specific to the Information Technology Management bachelor's degree.

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