Digital Home Technology Integration (DHTI+) Certification

Online - 280 Hours

 

The Home Electronics curriculum is designed to fulfill the growing requirement of trained professionals in the area of Home Technology Automation.  In fact, home technology integrators anticipate seeing nearly 15 percent growth in their business in 2007, according to a January survey by CE Pro magazine. That follows a year (2006) in which integrators said they experienced revenue growth of 35 percent.  But home technology integration firms face a challenge in finding individuals with the right skills.

 

"The worlds of consumer electronics and information technology (IT) are converging in the connected home of the 21st century," said Todd Thibodeaux, CEA's senior vice president, industry relations. "Technicians must have skills in both worlds to provide the product installation, integration, service and support that consumers need to fully enjoy a connected home lifestyle.

 

The Home Technology Integration self-paced curriculum is designed to fulfill the growing requirement for trained professionals in the area of Home Technology. The program will address the core competencies required to install, integrate, and troubleshoot interconnected home subsystems, including entertainment, telecommunication, lighting, HVAC, water management, security, and access control systems. The curriculum explores the design approach, working principles, processes, and standards that apply to the Home Technology industry. 

 

Courses include:

 

Home Network Design and Configuration

 

The Home Network Design and Configuration course provides students the knowledge and skills required for designing, implementing, and maintaining a home network. Students learn about components of a home network, their functions, and procedures for installing these components. They learn about networking protocols, network operating systems, network addressing, and security issues to be managed when setting up a home network. Students also learn to troubleshoot and manage a home network.

 

PREREQUISITES:  Recommended that you have basic computer and networking fundamentals.

 

COURSE COMPETENCIES: 

 

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

  1. Describe a home network and its functions.
  2. Describe information distribution requirements in a home network.
  3. Discuss the major components of a home network and their functions.
  4. Discuss various network topologies and their advantages and disadvantages.
  5. Discuss the advantages of wired and wireless networks.
  6. Discuss network protocols.
  7. Discuss various services of TCP/IP.
  8. Describe wired and wireless network types.
  9. Discuss various types of wireless protocols that can be used in home LANs.
  10. Describe the network architecture and data control mechanisms in various types of networks. 
  11. Describe the OSI model and its layers.
  12. Use the OSI model and understand Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, and wireless networks.
  13. Discuss network addressing mechanisms.
  14. Define the steps in the home network design process.
  15. Explain the difference between various types of Internet connectivity.
  16. Plan a home network.
  17. Install and configure a home network.
  18. Implement relevant aspects of network security.
  19. Apply disaster recovery principles in a home network.
  20. Implement network troubleshooting procedures for a home network.
  21. Describe the basics of the network operating systems in use today.
  22. Install and configure a network operating system.
  23. Troubleshoot a home network for common problems.

 

MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS:

 

Section I: Home Network Basics

 

 

Section II: Network Protocols

 

 

Section III: Network Addressing

 


Section IV: Installation and Configuration of a Home Network

 

 

Section V: Network Operating Systems

 

 

Section VI: Network Services

 

 

Section VII: Network Security

 

 

Section VIII: Network Troubleshooting

 

 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

 

As part of the course, students will perform the following activities:
 

 

 

Home Technology Tools, Products, and Services

 

The Home Technology: Tools, Products, and Services course presents the major commercial participants, common practices, and prevalent consumer perception of HTI benefits. The course discusses the concept of an Integrated Home Network (IHN) and the tools, equipment, and expertise required to build it. The course also describes the historical events that have led the industry to its current state as well as the working principles, design approach, and technical and marketing concepts.

Students learn how to use industry information to better qualify sales prospects for HTI products, systems, and services and to better support customers. They develop a broad understanding of the various products and systems for meeting customer requirements.

 

PREREQUISITES:  None

 

 

COURSE COMPETENCIES: 

 

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

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the HTI field, including industry participants and participant associations, occupational opportunities, and certification programs.
  2. Identify methods that are common across HTI industry products and solutions, including structured wiring and centralized control/distributed access architectures for home computing, home theater, lighting, security, and HVAC and water.
  3. Define an IHN.
  4. Define technical terminology, including acronyms, for the HTI industry.
  5. Identify the phases in HTI projects.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of HTI projects.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to present HTI products, systems, and services to residential customers, sales prospects, and other members of project teams.
  8. Describe the various subsystems that make up an IHN.
  9. Identify the prospects for HTI products, systems, and services that can be met with the technology available today.
  10. Identify the tools required to build an IHN.
  11. Identify the roles in an IHN construction project team.
  12. Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of structured wiring and centralized control/distributed access.

 

MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS:

 

Section I: HTI and the IHN

 

 

Section II: HTI Industry Participants

 

 

Section III: The HTI Consumer Market

 

 

Section IV: HTI Technical Terms and Concepts

 

 

Home Entertainment Systems

The Home Entertainment Systems course discusses the implementation of distributed audio and video systems in a residential location. The course introduces basic concepts of audio and video signals and discusses the devices and components that constitute home entertainment systems. It also discusses the current industry standards, rules, and regulations that govern home audio-video system installation and implementation. Students learn how to plan, design, install, and troubleshoot entertainment systems installed in a household, based on client requirements and other technical considerations. The installation of entertainment systems is discussed for both new and retrofit constructions.

 

PREREQUISITES:  Basic Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals

 

 

COURSE COMPETENCIES: 

 

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

  1. Discuss the fundamental concepts and principles of audio-video systems.
  2. Identify and discuss different types of audio-video devices and components.
  3. Discuss current and emerging technologies in the field of home audio-video systems.
  4. Discuss industry standards and regulations that govern audio-video system installation and implementation.
  5. Plan and design an audio-video system for a residential location.
  6. Identify connectivity devices and methods used to install and implement audio-video systems.
  7. Install a distributed audio-video system in accordance with the design plan and recommended guidelines.
  8. Configure the settings of audio-video controls.
  9. Configure an audio-video system to receive and display internal and external programming.
  10. Configure an audio-video system to receive and display streamed programming.
  11. Test an audio-video system for optimal functionality.
  12. Identify the tools and techniques used to monitor an audio-video system.
  13. Perform preventive maintenance of an audio-video system.
  14. Diagnose and troubleshoot common problems.

 

 

MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS:

 

Section I: Whole House Audio Basics
 

 


Section II: Audio System: Devices and Components
 

 

Section III: Audio System: Design and Installation

 

 

Section IV: Audio System: Testing and Troubleshooting
 

 

Section V: Whole House Video Basics

 

 

Section VI: Video System: Devices and Components

 

Section VII: Video System: Design and Installation

 

 

Section VIII: Testing and Troubleshooting

 

 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

 

As part of the course, students will perform the following activities:
 

 

Telecommunication Systems

The Telecommunication Systems course introduces students to the fundamentals of the telecommunication system. Students are instructed on the design, installation, and configuration of home telecommunication systems, including advanced wired and wireless systems. They learn to install in-house services, such as voice mail, intercom, and call conferencing. Students also learn about testing and troubleshooting procedures.

 

PREREQUISITES:  Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals

 

 

COURSE COMPETENCIES: 

 

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

1.     Discuss the evolution of a communication system.

2.     Discuss the benefits of a home communication system.

3.     Discuss the types of home communication systems.

4.     Describe the characteristics of analog and digital telephone communication systems.

5.     Define the characteristics of a home telephone system.

6.     Determine proper low-voltage wiring for a home telecommunication system.

7.     Identify the components of a home telephone system and discuss their functions.

8.     Define external services for a home telephone system.

9.     Describe the telecommunications design considerations for a home network.

10.  Discuss environmental factors that must be considered when designing a home telecommunication system.

11.  Discuss the installation of wiring and other components for a home telephone system.

12.  Install and configure a wired telecommunication system.

13.  Install and configure a wireless home telecommunication system.

14.  Install a KSU telephone system.

15.  Plan and perform KSU programming.

16.  Install and configure in-house telecommunication services.

17.  Troubleshoot a home telecommunication system.

18.  Describe industry standards and practices for a home telecommunication system.

19.  Identify the physical telecommunications products that make up the core technology of the home network. 

20.  Identify the standard configuration and settings of a home telecommunication system.

21.  Identify the standard methods for device connectivity with telecommunication equipment in the core technology of the home network.  

22.  Identify installation plans and procedures for home telecommunication systems.

23.  Identify troubleshooting and maintenance plans and procedures for home telecommunication systems.

 

 

MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS:

 

Section I: Home Telecommunication Fundamentals

 

 

Section II: Design and Installation

 

 

Section III: In-house Telecommunication Services

 

 

Section IV: Testing and Troubleshooting

 

 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

 

As part of the course, students will perform the following activities:
 

 

Lighting, Temperature, and Water Control Systems

The Lighting, Temperature, and Water Control Systems course discusses effective management of three energy and utility-based systems — lighting, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), and water — through implementation of home technology. It introduces the basic concepts of the three systems and discusses the devices and components used to automate and manage lighting, HVAC, and water systems. The course also discusses the current industry standards, rules, and regulations pertaining to the three systems.

 

Students learn how to plan, design, install, and configure the three systems based on client requirements and other technical considerations. They also learn how to detect and troubleshoot common problems.

 

PREREQUISITES:  Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals

 

 

COURSE COMPETENCIES: 

 

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

  1. Discuss the basic concepts of light and its characteristics.
  2. Identify devices and components used in a home lighting control system.
  3. Discuss industry standards and regulations that govern lighting system installation and implementation.
  4. Plan and design a lighting control system for a residential location.
  5. Identify connectivity devices and methods used to install and implement lighting control systems.
  6. Install the components of the lighting system in accordance with the design plan and recommended guidelines.
  7. Configure the settings of the lighting system for automated control.
  8. Test the lighting system for optimal functionality.
  9. Identify and troubleshoot common lighting problems.
  10. Identify different types of heating and air-conditioning systems used in residential location.
  11. Identify physical components and devices that constitute HVAC systems.
  12. Discuss industry standards and regulations that govern installation and implementation of HVAC systems.
  13. Plan and design an HVAC system for a residential environment.
  14. Identify connectivity devices and methods used to install and implement HVAC systems.
  15. Install HVAC system components in accordance with the design plan and recommended guidelines.
  16. Configure HVAC system settings for predetermined and/or automated control.
  17. Test HVAC system for optimal functionality.
  18. Diagnose and troubleshoot common HVAC problems.
  19. Identify components and devices used in home water control systems.
  20. Discuss industry standards and regulations that govern installation and implementation of water control systems.
  21. Plan and design a water control system for efficient management of water and energy.
  22. Identify connectivity devices and methods used to install and implement water control systems.
  23. Install components of the water control system in accordance with the design plan and recommended guidelines.
  24. Configure settings for predetermined and/or automated control.
  25. Test the water control system for optimal functioning.
  26. Identify and troubleshoot common problems.

 

 

MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS:

 

Section I: Lighting Fundamentals

 


Section II: Lighting System: Devices and Components

 

 

Section III: Lighting System: Design, Installation, and Troubleshooting

 

 

 Section IV: HVAC Systems: Devices and Components

 

 

Section V: HVAC Systems: Design, Installation, and Troubleshooting

 

 

Section VI: Water Control Systems: Devices and Components

 

 

Section VII: Water Control Systems: Design, Installation, and Troubleshooting

 

 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

 

As part of the course, students will perform the following activities:
 

 

Security, Surveillance, and Access Control Systems

The Security, Surveillance, and Access Control Systems course discusses the working principles, design, and installation of home security and access control systems. It describes wired and wireless security systems and explains gadgets, such as sensors, security panels, zone commanders, and CCTVs that are a part of security systems. It also discusses various access-restriction systems such as card readers and biometric access control systems. The course delves into different types of alarms and detectors.

 

Students learn how to plan, design, install, and configure home security and access control systems, based on client requirements and other technical considerations. They also learn how to identify and troubleshoot common problems.

 

PREREQUISITES:  Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals

 

 

COURSE COMPETENCIES: 

 

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

  1. Identify and discuss various security system devices and components used at residential locations.
  2. Discuss basic home security and fire alarm systems.
  3. Discuss industry standards and regulations that govern security system installation and implementation.
  4. Identify the devices that are used to create a core security and surveillance system for a residential location.
  5. Discuss the in-house services available with the home security and surveillance system.
  6. Identify the external services available with a home security and surveillance system.
  7. Plan and design a residential security system.
  8. Identify connectivity devices and methods used to install and implement security systems.
  9. Install security system components in accordance with the design plan and recommended guidelines.
  10. Configure settings for predetermined and/or automated control.
  11. Test the system for optimal functionality.
  12. Diagnose and troubleshoot common problems.

 

MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS:

 

Section I: Security System Fundamentals

 


Section II: Devices and Components

 

 

Section III: Design and Installation

 

 

Section IV: Testing and Troubleshooting

 

 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

 

As part of the course, students will perform the following activities:
 

 

 

Home System Automation and Integration

The Home System Automation and Integration course discusses how to bring all the home subsystems together and create a fully integrated home. The course describes the process of setting up and programming automation controllers for complete home automation. Students learn to troubleshoot and identify technical problems with system user interfaces or control processors. They also identify integration standards and learn about the organizations responsible for defining these standards.

 

PREREQUISITES: 

Home Entertainment Systems                                                   

Telecommunication Systems                                                     

Lighting, Temperature, and Water Control Systems                                

Security, Surveillance, and Access Control Systems

 

 

COURSE COMPETENCIES: 

 

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

1.     Discuss the process of integrating a home data network and create an integration plan for a networked home.

2.     Identify the types of user interfaces for home technology devices.

3.     Discuss the process of setting up a home system automation controller.

4.     Setup and program a home system automation controller.

5.     Build a home automation system using products such as HAI controller.

6.     Discuss the use of Controller-Attached Network (CAN) in integrating a computer network and home automation systems.

7.     Test and troubleshoot an automated home.

8.     Identify the standards and organization associated with defining integration standards.

 

 

MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS:

 

Section I: Introduction to Home System Automation and Integration

 

·         Discuss the process of integrating a home data network.

·         Identify considerations for a standard system integration design.

·         Identify equipment location considerations in system integration designs.

·         Identify core components in system integration designs.

·         Create an integration plan for a networked home.

 

Section II: User Interfaces

 

·         Identify the types of user interfaces for home technology devices.

·         Discuss handheld, wall-mount, tabletop, and remote control technologies.

·         Describe computer controls for home electronic devices.

·         Discuss the characteristics of hands-free controls.

·         Identify and discuss remote control technologies.

 

Section III: Automation Controllers

 

·         Discuss the features of home automation controllers.

·         Identify the communication technologies that a controller uses.

·         List the steps for setting up a home system controller.