AIM :- Understanding The Layout Of Computer Network
Objective:
To create a basic LAN using multiple devices, understand network topology, configure IP addresses, and test connectivity.
Materials Needed:
Devices:
- At least two computers (can be laptops or desktops)
- A router or switch
- Ethernet cables (Cat5e or Cat6)
- Optional: Wireless access point (if using Wi-Fi)
Software:
- Operating systems (Windows, Linux, or macOS)
- Network monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark, Ping, Traceroute)
Steps:
Step 1: Set Up the Physical Network
- Choose a Topology: Decide on a topology for your network. For simplicity, use a star topology.
- Connect Devices:
- Connect each computer to the router or switch using Ethernet cables.
- If using Wi-Fi, connect one computer via Ethernet and the others wirelessly.
Step 2: Configure IP Addresses
Automatic Configuration:
- Ensure the router has DHCP enabled (most routers do this by default).
- Connect each device to the network and check if they receive an IP address automatically.
- On Windows, use
ipconfigin Command Prompt; on Linux/macOS, useifconfigorip ain the terminal.
Manual Configuration (Optional):
- Assign static IP addresses to each device. For example:
- Computer 1: 192.168.1.2
- Computer 2: 192.168.1.3
- Set the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 and the default gateway to the router's IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
- Assign static IP addresses to each device. For example:
Step 3: Test Connectivity
Ping Test:
- Open a command prompt or terminal on one computer.
- Use the
pingcommand to test connectivity to another device. For example,ping 192.168.1.3. - Observe the results. Successful replies indicate a working connection.
Network Discovery:
- On Windows, enable network discovery and see if you can find other devices on the network.
- On Linux, use tools like
nmapto scan the network for active devices.
Step 4: Monitor Network Traffic
- Install Wireshark:
- Download and install Wireshark on one of the computers.
- Start capturing packets on the network interface connected to the LAN.
- Analyze the captured packets to understand the types of traffic (e.g., ARP requests, HTTP requests).
Step 5: Explore Network Services
File Sharing:
- Set up file sharing on one of the computers and try to access shared files from another computer.
- On Windows, you can share a folder by right-clicking it and selecting "Share."
Web Server (Optional):
- Install a simple web server (like Apache or Nginx) on one computer.
- Access the web server from another computer using the IP address (e.g.,
http://192.168.1.2).
Step 6: Troubleshooting
Simulate Issues:
- Disconnect a cable or disable Wi-Fi on one device and observe the effects.
- Use the
tracertcommand to see the path taken by packets to reach another device.
Check Configuration:
- Verify IP configurations and ensure devices are on the same subnet.
- Check firewall settings that may block communication.
Conclusion
This experiment provides hands-on experience with setting up a basic computer network. You will learn about network topology, IP addressing, connectivity testing, and basic network services. By experimenting with different configurations and troubleshooting methods, you will gain a deeper understanding of how computer networks operate.
