Experiment-72:- Sharing And Controlling Resources And Internet Connections Through A Network

 Objective: To set up a local area network (LAN) that allows multiple devices to share resources (files and printers) and control internet access.

Materials Needed:

• A router (wired or wireless)
• Multiple computers (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Network cables (if using a wired connection)
• A printer (optional)
• Internet connection
• Basic knowledge of network settings
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Step-by-Step Experiment

Step 1: Set Up the Network

1. Connect Devices:

   • Connect all computers to the router using Ethernet cables or connect them via Wi-Fi.
   • Ensure that all devices are powered on and connected to the same network.

2. Check Network Connectivity:

   • On each computer, check the network connection by opening a web browser and visiting a website (e.g., www.google.com).
   • Ensure that all devices can access the internet.

Step 2: Configure Network Settings

1. Assign IP Addresses:

   • Ensure that all devices are assigned IP addresses. This can be done automatically via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) or manually by setting static IP addresses.
   • To check the IP address on Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. On macOS, go to System Preferences > Network.

2. Enable File Sharing:

   • Windows:
     • Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
     • Turn on network discovery and file and printer sharing.
   • macOS:
     • Go to System Preferences > Sharing.
     • Check the box for "File Sharing" and add folders to share.

Step 3: Share Resources

1. Share a Folder:

   • Windows:
     • Right-click on a folder you want to share, select "Properties," go to the "Sharing" tab, and click "Share."
     • Choose users or set permissions (read/write).
   • macOS:
     • In the Sharing preferences, add the folder you want to share and set permissions for users.

2. Share a Printer (if applicable):

   • Windows:
     • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click on the printer, and select "Printer properties."
     • Go to the "Sharing" tab and enable sharing.
   • macOS:
     • In the Sharing preferences, check the box for "Printer Sharing" and select the printer.

Step 4: Control Internet Access

1. Access Router Settings:

   • Open a web browser and enter the router's IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
   • Log in with the admin credentials (check the router manual for default credentials).

2. Set Up Parental Controls (if available):

   • Look for a section in the router settings for "Parental Controls" or "Access Restrictions."
   • Set rules to block specific websites or limit internet access for certain devices.

3. Limit Bandwidth (optional):

   • Some routers allow you to set bandwidth limits for specific devices. Look for "Quality of Service" (QoS) settings in the router interface.

Step 5: Test Resource Sharing and Internet Control

1. Access Shared Resources:

   • On each computer, access the shared folder by navigating to \\[IP address of the computer sharing the folder] in Windows Explorer or Finder in macOS.
   • Verify that you can read/write files as per the permissions set.

2. Print from a Shared Printer:

   • Try printing a document from one computer to the shared printer to ensure it works correctly.

3. Test Internet Access Control:

   • Attempt to access a blocked website from a device that should have restricted access.
   • Verify that the restrictions are working as intended.

Step 6: Document Your Findings

1. Record Observations:

   • Note any issues encountered during the setup process and how they were resolved.
   • Document the steps taken to share resources and control internet access.

2. Evaluate Performance:

   • Assess the performance of the network, including file transfer speeds and internet access.

Conclusion

This experiment demonstrates how to set up a local area network that allows for resource sharing and internet control. By following these steps, you can effectively manage network resources and ensure that internet access is controlled according to your requirements. This experiment can be expanded by adding more devices, implementing security measures, or exploring advanced networking concepts.

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What is the purpose of the DHCP?

What is the purpose of the DHCP?

The purpose of the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is to automate the process of assigning IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. This allows devices to communicate on an IP network without the need for manual configuration. Here are the key functions and benefits of DHCP:

1. Automatic IP Address Assignment: DHCP dynamically assigns IP addresses to devices (clients) when they join the network, reducing the need for manual configuration.

2. Centralized Management: Network administrators can manage IP address allocation from a central DHCP server, making it easier to maintain and configure network settings.

3. Efficient IP Address Utilization: DHCP can manage a pool of IP addresses, ensuring that addresses are reused and minimizing the risk of address conflicts.

4. Configuration of Network Settings: In addition to IP addresses, DHCP can provide other configuration information, such as subnet masks, default gateways, DNS server addresses, and more.

5. Support for Mobile Devices: DHCP is particularly useful in environments with mobile devices that frequently connect and disconnect from the network, as it allows for seamless network access without manual intervention.

6. Lease Management: DHCP assigns IP addresses for a specific period (lease time), after which the address can be reclaimed and reassigned, optimizing the use of available IP addresses.

Overall, DHCP simplifies network management and enhances the user experience by ensuring that devices can connect to the network quickly and efficiently.

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