Mastering WGU C172/D315 – Network and Security – Foundations

Seeking WGU C172 tips or how to pass WGU C172 (also known as D315)? This comprehensive guide, informed by WGU C172 Reddit discussions and student insights, provides everything you need to succeed in Network and Security – Foundations.

Course Description

WGU C172/D315 – Network and Security – Foundations introduces fundamental concepts of networking and cybersecurity, including network models (e.g., OSI, TCP/IP), basic security principles, and hardware components. This course is essential for IT students building a foundation for advanced networking and security studies, preparing you for roles in network administration or cybersecurity. For more details, visit the official WGU program guide.

Useful Resources & Tips

Boost your preparation with these student-recommended resources:

  • DocMerit: Offers guides on network models, security basics, and hardware components.
  • Stuvia: Provides notes, practice questions, and study guides for C172/D315.
  • Studocu: Access student-submitted notes and exam prep materials.
  • Quizlet: Flashcards on OSI model layers, TCP/IP protocols, and security concepts like CIA triad.
  • YouTube: Search “WGU C172 Network Foundations” for tutorials on network models and security principles.
  • WGU Cohorts: Join sessions for clarification of concepts like subnetting and encryption.
  • Reddit: Explore r/WGU_CompSci for tips on mastering the OA and avoiding common mistakes [Ref: web:23].

Pro tip: Use Cisco’s Packet Tracer for free practice with network configurations to reinforce concepts like IP addressing and routing.

Mode of Assessment

WGU C172/D315 is assessed through an Objective Assessment (OA), a proctored exam with multiple-choice questions testing foundational knowledge of networking (e.g., OSI model, IP addressing) and security (e.g., firewalls, encryption).

Common Challenges

Based on Reddit and WGU forum feedback, students face these challenges:

  • Technical Terminology: Memorizing network models and security concepts like the OSI model and CIA triad [Ref: web:23].
  • Subnetting: Understanding and calculating IP subnets accurately.
  • Application Questions: Applying concepts to real-world scenarios, such as network troubleshooting.
  • Time Pressure: Completing the OA within the allotted time.

How to Pass Easily

Follow these strategies to excel in WGU C172/D315:

  1. Memorize Key Concepts: Use Quizlet to master the OSI model, TCP/IP protocols, and security principles like confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
  2. Practice Subnetting: Solve subnetting problems daily using online calculators or Cisco Packet Tracer.
  3. Take Pre-Assessments: Use WGU’s pre-assessment to identify weak areas and focus your study.
  4. Watch YouTube Tutorials: Videos on subnetting and network models clarify complex topics.
  5. Join Cohorts: Attend WGU cohort sessions for instructor-led reviews of key concepts.
  6. Check Reddit: Search r/WGU_CompSci for tips on OA question types and study strategies [Ref: web:23].
  7. Supplement with Packet Tracer: Practice network configurations to apply theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion

WGU C172/D315 – Network and Security – Foundations is a foundational course that builds essential skills for IT professionals. By leveraging resources like Quizlet, YouTube, Packet Tracer, and Reddit, and adopting a disciplined study approach, you can pass the OA with confidence. Stay focused, practice consistently, and take pride in laying a strong foundation for your networking and security career.

FAQ

Is WGU C172/D315 hard?

Terminology and subnetting can be challenging, but practice and resources like Quizlet make it manageable [Ref: web:23].

How long does WGU C172/D315 take?

Typically 1-3 weeks with consistent study.

Is WGU C172/D315 an OA or PA?

It’s an Objective Assessment (OA).

What are the key topics on the exam?

OSI model, TCP/IP protocols, subnetting, security principles (CIA triad).

What’s the best way to study for WGU C172/D315?

Use Quizlet, practice subnetting with Packet Tracer, join cohorts, and check Reddit [Ref: web:23].

See all WGU course guides here.

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Question 1

There was a typo in my question. I apologize. The question should read: The manager of an operating department just received a cost report and he has made the following comment with respect to the costs allocated from one of the service departments: This charge to my division doesn?t seem right. The service center installed equipment with more capacity than our division requires. Most of the service department costs are fixed, but we seem to be allocated more costs in periods when other departments use less. We are paying for the excess capacity of other departments when other departments cut their usage levels. How could this manager's problem be solved?,There was a typo in my question. I apologize. The question should read: The manager of an operating department just received a cost report and he has made the following comment with respect to the costs allocated from one of the service departments: This charge to my division doesn?t seem right. The service center installed equipment with more capacity than our division requires. Most of the service department costs are fixed, but we seem to be allocated more costs in periods when other departments use less. We are paying for the excess capacity of other departments when other departments cut their usage levels. How could this manager's problem be solved?

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Question 2

Please help me with my PERT project. I must review my WBS, Risk Assessment, and Risk Matrix and evaluate estimated time tables, or schedules for each. Apply these principals to your selected high five risk elements to develop an expected time value for each for inclusion in your RMP. I need to develop schedule scenarios for the 20 high priority risks. PERT is the acronym for Program Evaluation and Review. In PERT I need to use three different time estimates for each task in determining the PERT-based task activity time. A note here, in contrast, the Critical Path Method, CPM, uses a single estimate for each task duration or activity time and may include early and late start time schedules. PERT relies on only three estimates for activity durations instead of one. The three estimates are used to calculate the weighted average, which then becomes the final activity duration estimate, which is called the expected value. To further define these, Expected (Estimate) time: This estimate is exactly that, the expected time it should take to complete this activity. Optimistic (Estimate) time: This estimate is the ideal, the one that you're looking for. It assumes that everything that can go right, will, i.e., all goes according to plan, that no risks interfere with the activity, and that regarding this activity falls into place with no problems. Pessimistic (Estimate) time: The pessimistic estimate is the opposite of the optimistic estimate. It assumes that almost everything that can go wrong, will, problems will come up that are unforeseen or just will happen for the worst, and resources, as well as everything else, won't be available. This approach determines how long it will take to finish the activity with everything going wrong. Most Likely (Estimate) time: This estimate is a balance between the optimistic and the pessimistic estimates, the most likely duration of the activity. Now, with these three estimates, and the formula, let's put it in an easy read form: Expected Value = (Optimistic + Pessimistic + (4 x most likely) = 6. I have no clue how to begin and complete this assignment. Attached is my excel spreadsheet showing the work I have done (weeks 3, 4, 5) and the PERT information need to be added in week 6 drawing form the information in week 5. Please help if you can because I do not know how to figure out the PERT. The results of the PERT need to be added into week 6 in the spreadsheet.

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Question 3

On 12-1-03 Digger corp entered into a noncancelable agreement to lease mining equipment from dynamite company for 5 years. Under the terms of the agreement, Digger is to pay $1,023,000 to Dynamite Co each Dec 1, March 1, June 1, and Sept 1 of each year beginning 12-1-03. Dynamite will pay certain insurance costs and taxes on the equipment during the lease term. Those insurance and tax costs are expected to total about 23,000 per quarter and require payment at the end of each quarter. Digger has an option to renew the lease for another 5 years at the end of the original lease term. Also, Digger has an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the original 5 year lease term of an agreed upon price of $100,000. The residual value at the end of the original 5 year lease is expected to be apporximately $3,800,000. There are not any residual value gaurantees. The total economic life of the mining equipment being leased is approximately 10 years. Digger expects to use the equipment as long as possible. The Lessor's implicit reate of interest on the lease is 8% per year compounded quarterly. Digger's incremental borrowing rate is 10% compounded quarterly. Digger knows Dynomites implicit rate. The recorded value of the equipment on Dynamites books is $ 17,000,000. Dynamite incurred $130,000. of costs such as commission, attorneys fees, etc. to consumate the lease agreement with Digger. December 31 is the year end for both companies. A. How should Digger classify this lease? Show tests for all 4 lease criteria even if more than one is met. B. Explain the additional lease criteria that must be met for a lessor to treat a lease as other than operating Assume that these criteria are met in this lease agreement. How should Dynamite classify this lease? Explain why and show all supporting computations. C. Prepare all entries required for Digger to account for the lease in 03 and 04. Assume that all expected costs are incurred and paid in cash and that all amounts owed to Digger during these 4 years are paid per the lease agreement. Regardless of your findings in A assume that the lease is a capital lease. D. Prepare all entries required for Dynamite to account for the lease in 03 and 04. Assume that all expected costs are incurred and paid in cash and that all amounts due from Digger during these years are received per the lease agreement. Regardless of your findings in A assume that the lease is a capital lease.

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Question 4

"40. (Points: 1) At the end of 20B, Storage Company reported outstanding common stock (par $20) of $300,000. Total liabilities were $440,000 and total assets were $860,000. The company had no preferred stock. The book value per share of common stock was a. $29.00. b. $13.90. c. $28.00. d. $14.00. e. None of the above is correct. Save Answer 41. (Points: 1) Bailey Corporation reported the following information for 20A Net income $10,000 Total assests $16,000 Total stockholders' equity $8,000 Morgan's debt/equity ratio was a. .33 or 33%. b. 1.25 or 125 %. c. 1.0 or 100%. d. 3.0 or 300%. e. None of the above is correct. Save Answer 42. (Points: 1) Shore Company reported income before extraordinary items of $25,000, total liabilities of $150,000, and total stockholders' equity of $100,000. The return on assets was a. 10%. b. 25%. c. 16.67%. d. Cannot be determined from the data given. e. None of the above is correct. Save Answer 43. (Points: 1) If the current (working capital) ratio is 2 to 1, the payment of a cash dividend, which was recorded as a liability on the date of declaration, will a. increase the current ratio. b. decrease the current ratio. c. have no effect on the current ratio. d. invalidate earnings per share. e. None of the above is correct. Save Answer 44. (Points: 1) The records of ZZZZ Better Corporation include the following: Average total assets $60,000 Average total liabilities $45,000 Total revenue $107,600 Total expense (including income tax) $104,000 The return on equity is (round to the nearest percent) a. 13%. b. 6%. c. 24%. d. 6%. e. None of the above is correct. Save Answer 45. (Points: 1) An important measure of the average movement of goods "on and off the shelf" of a company is the a. Profit margin. b. Price/earnings ratio. c. Inventory turnover ratio. d. Gross inventory ratio. e. None of the above is correct. Save Answer 46. (Points: 1) Book value per common share a. usually is a good indicator of the market value of the common stock. b. is a good measure of management performance. c. is usually greater than the market value per share. d. is a measure of liquidity. e. is not widely used in assessing the future dividend potential of the corporation. Save Answer 47. (Points: 1) Which of the following ratios is NOT a test of liquidity? a. Receivable turnover. b. Cash ratio. c. Current ratio. d. Quick ratio. e. All of the above are tests of liquidity. Save Answer 48. (Points: 1) Which of the following ratios is not a test of solvency? a. Debt to equity ratio. b. Owners' equity to total equity ratio. c. Creditors' equity to total equity ratio. d. Earnings per share ratio. e. All of the above are tests of solvency. Save Answer 49. (Points: 1) Which of the following ratios is not an indicator of a company's short-term financial strength? a. Price/earnings ratio. b. Receivable turnover. c. Working capital ratio. d. Quick ratio. e. All of the above are indicators of the current position. Save Answer 50. (Points: 1) Which of the following ratios usually is not considered to be a test of profitability? a. Current ratio. b. Profit margin. c. Return on assets. d. Earnings per share. e. None of the above is correct

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Question 5

Final Project All projects should be submitted in Excel or Word format. If you don't have access to either of these, then make use of Google Applications which is free by signing up with them. From there you can do all of the same work on as you can in an Excel Spreadsheet or a Word Document. You can also use Open Office or Libre/Open Office, but I do ask that you save it in .xls or .rtf rather than their native format. 1) Test equally likeliness of random numbers. a. Use Excel to generate 500 random digits per the instructions below. 1. Click on fx and from the Math&Trig category, choose RANDBETWEEN and click OK. 2. In the bottom of the dialog box enter 0 and in the top enter, then click OK. This tells Excel to generate digits between 0 and 9. 3. Highlight cells A1 through A500 so you get 500 digits generated. 4. You can record these results in a table such as you did previously for a histogram with the Excel "bin" feature. In column B enter the values 0-9 in the first 10 rows. How use Histogram in Data Analysis to generate a frequency table to better see the results. b. Use a significance level of 0.05 to test the claim that your sample of digits come from a population where all digits are equally likely. Report on whether or not Excel is properly generating random numbers. Make sure to show all our work in the submitted spreadsheet. 2) Test for the same mean. See at the attached Words.xls data file for this part of the project. a. Test the null hypothesis that the six samples of word counts for males (odd columns ending in M) are from a population with the same mean. b. Test the null hypothesis that the six samples of word counts for females (even columns) are from a population with the same mean. c. If we want to compare the number of words spoken by men to the number spoken by women, does it make sense to combine the six columns to word counts for males and the same for females before then comparing? d. Make a report that addresses each of parts a-c above and justify your answers. 3) Testing Random Numbers by nonparametic methods. a. Use the random numbers created in part 1) above and test for randomness using three of the methods in chapter 13. Again, show all work and report on the findings of each. 4) Quality control process testing. Again, use the RANDBETWEEN function in Excel. This time generate 200 random numbers between 1 and 100 and output it to one column. Then do the same for until you have 20 columns of which are 200 in length that all have values between 1 and 100. a. The above generated data is to simulate 20 days of a quality control process. Consider an outcome of 1-5 to be a defect and an outcome of 6-100 to be an acceptable result. Note that this corresponds to a 5% rate of defects. b. Construct a p chart for the proportion of defective calculators, and determine whether the process is within statistical control. The process is stable with p = 0.05 so a conclusion that it is not stable would be a type I error which means we would have a false positive signal causing use to think that the process should be adjusted when, in fact, it was fine. c. Simulate another 10 days of manufactoring calculators (as in part a), but modify these 10 so that the defect rate is 10% instead of 5%. d. Combine the data from parts a) an c) to represent a total of 30 days of results. Contruct a p chart for this combined sample. Is the process out of control or not? If we conclude it is not, we would make a type II error which means that we would believe the process was fine when it shoudl be adjusted to correct the 10% rate of defects. e. Again, make all your data presentable and report on your findings. Will pay $40 for assignment.