Experiment -54 :- Understanding The Layout Of Computer Network

 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:

1. 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)

2. Software:

   • Operating systems (Windows, Linux, or macOS)
   • Network monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark, Ping, Traceroute)

Steps:

Step 1: Set Up the Physical Network

1. Choose a Topology: Decide on a topology for your network. For simplicity, use a star topology.
2. 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

1. 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 ipconfig in Command Prompt; on Linux/macOS, use ifconfig or ip a in the terminal.

2. 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).

Step 3: Test Connectivity

1. Ping Test:

   • Open a command prompt or terminal on one computer.
   • Use the ping command to test connectivity to another device. For example, ping 192.168.1.3.
   • Observe the results. Successful replies indicate a working connection.

2. Network Discovery:

   • On Windows, enable network discovery and see if you can find other devices on the network.
   • On Linux, use tools like nmap to scan the network for active devices.

Step 4: Monitor Network Traffic

1. 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

1. 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."

2. 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

1. Simulate Issues:

   • Disconnect a cable or disable Wi-Fi on one device and observe the effects.
   • Use the tracert command to see the path taken by packets to reach another device.

2. 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.