SET NETWORK CONFIGURATION

Let's Review!

Networking Cables & Cable Management. This lesson covers various types of networking cables, including fiber optic, twisted pair, coaxial, and Ethernet cables, detailing their applications and advantages. Proper cable selection is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, preventing overheating, and avoiding system failures.

Additionally, the lesson highlights the importance of effective cable management, emphasizing safety, aesthetics, and performance improvements. Best practices such as bundling, labeling, and using cable trays or raceways help maintain an organized system. Safety regulations, including PPE use and adherence to electrical codes, ensure compliance and accident prevention.

This lesson also introduces the 110 punch-down block, a vital tool for structured cabling, and provides step-by-step guidance on cable termination using a punch-down tool. Finally, testing connections with a cable tester ensures proper functionality.

Review Quiz!

Instructions: Answer the following question. Submit your answer to the button below and rename your file (Surname, Name)

1. Which type of cable is best suited for long-distance, high-speed data transmission?

a) Twisted pair cable

b) Coaxial cable

c) Fiber optic cable

d) Cat5 Ethernet cable

2. What is the main purpose of proper cable management?

a) To make cables look neat

b) To reduce safety hazards and improve performance

c) To increase the cost of networking

d) To make installation harder

3. Which cable management technique involves enclosing cables within a protective channel?

a) Cable ties

b) Labeling

c) Overmolding

d) Cable raceways

4. What tool is used to securely connect wires into a 110 punch-down block?

a) Wire cutter

b) Crimping tool

c) Punch-down tool

d) Screwdriver

5. Why is it important to test cables after using a punch-down tool?

a) To ensure continuity and correct wiring

b) To make the installation process longer

c) To check if the cable looks good

d) To reduce network speed  

Directions: Identify the type of topology by arranging the scrambled letters to get the correct type of topology and Submit your answer to the button below and rename your file (Surname, Name).

At the end of the lesson student must be able to:   

1. Define and explain basic network configuration concepts, including types of networks, topologies, and common network devices.

2. Demonstrate responsibility and attention to detail when configuring and documenting IP addressing and network settings.  

3. Configure static and dynamic IP addresses on two networked devices.      

CONTENT

Introducing Network Configuration

1.1 Network Configuration

Network Topology 

2.1 Type of Network 

2.2 Diagram of Network Layout

2.3 Description of Network Devices

Cabling Standards and Best Practices

3.1 IP Addressing Schemes

3.2 Subnet Maks and Network Address

3.3 IP Address Assignment to Devices

3.4 DCHP Server Configuration

Configuration

4.1 DNS Configuration

4.2 Routing Configuration

4.3 Security Configuration

Network Monitoring

5.1 Monitoring Tools

5.2 Performance Metrics

Troubleshooting

6.1 Troubleshooting Techniques

- The type of network determines its scope and purpose.

-This section delves into the crucial concept of IP (Internet Protocol) addressing, a foundational element of network communication. IP addresses act as unique identifiers for devices on a network, enabling them to communicate with each other.

IPv4 uses a 32-bit address space which provides 4,294,967,296 (232) unique addresses, but large blocks are reserved for special networking purposes.

IPv6 addresses have 128 bits. The design of the IPv6 address space implements a different design philosophy than in IPv4, in which subnetting was used to improve the efficiency of utilization of the small address space. In IPv6, the address space is deemed large enough for the foreseeable future, and a local area subnet always uses 64 bits for the host portion of the address, designated as the interface identifier, while the most-significant 64 bits are used as the routing prefix.

Five Classes of IP Address:

-Subnet masks are used in conjunction with IP addresses to divide a network into smaller, more manageable segments called subnets. A subnet mask is a 32-bit number that identifies which part of an IP address represents the network portion and which part represents the host portion.

Network addresses are specific IP addresses within a subnet that represent the subnet itself. They are typically the first address in the subnet range and are not assigned to individual devices.

IP addresses can be assigned to devices in two ways:

- Static IP addressing: an IP address that is assigned to a device and remains constant, as opposed to a dynamic IP address that changes each time the device connects to the internet. Users assign them to individual devices or resources. The address then applies for as long as users desire. 

- Dynapmic IP addressing: an IP address that an ISP lets you use temporarily. If a dynamic address is not in use, it can be automatically assigned to a different device. Dynamic IP addresses are assigned using either DHCP or PPPoE. 

-DHCP servers play a crucial role in dynamic IP address assignment. They are typically configured with the following information:

•  IP address range: The range of IP addresses that the DHCP server can assign to devices.

•  Subnet mask: The subnet mask for the network.

•  Default gateway: The IP address of the router that connects the network to the internet.

•  DNS server addresses: The IP addresses of the Domain Name System (DNS) servers that translate domain names into IP addresses.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is an Internet protocol that computers on a network use to get IP addresses and other information such as the default gateway. When you connect to the Internet, a computer configured as a DHCP server at the ISP automatically assigns you an IP address. It could be the same IP address you had before, or it could be a new one. When you close an Internet connection that uses a dynamic IP address, the ISP can assign that IP address to a different customer. 

-Network monitoring is essential for ensuring the smooth operation and security of any network. It involves continuously tracking the health, performance, and security of network devices and traffic.

-A wide range of network monitoring tools are available, both free and paid, catering to various network sizes and needs. Here are some popular options:

Open-Source Tools:

Commercial Tools:

  -Network monitoring tools track various performance metrics to assess the health and performance of a network. Some of the most important metrics include:

• • •  Availability

    •  CPU Usage and Memory

    •  Bandwidth and Throughput

    •  Latency

    •  Packet Errors

    •  Configurations

    •  Syslogs

-Effective network troubleshooting involves a systematic approach:

• Identify Symptoms: Understand the problem's nature: slow speed, connectivity issues, security concerns, etc.

• Check Common Causes: Start with simple checks like router issues, cable faults, or external service disruptions.

• Use Diagnostic Tools: Network analyzers, speed tests, and monitoring software help pinpoint problems.

• Evaluate Results: Determine if the issue is internal, external, or hardware-related.

Troubleshooting Tools:

•  Ping: Tests connectivity between devices, verifying if data packets reach their destination.

•  Traceroute: Shows the path data packets take, identifying potential bottlenecks or points of failure.

•  Nslookup: Checks DNS resolution, verifying if domain names translate correctly into IP addresses].

•  Ipconfig: Displays network configuration details, including IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.

•  Network Scanners: Identify devices on the network, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and map network topology.

•  Packet Sniffers: Capture and analyze network traffic, identifying potential problems like packet loss or security threats.

•  Monitoring Tools: Provide real-time insights into network performance, alerting administrators to potential issues.

"Basic IP Address Configuration Between Two Devices"

Goal: Apply your knowledge of IP addressing by configuring two networked devices with IP addresses and testing their connectivity.

Instructions: 

1. Set up two computers or virtual machines on the same network. 

2. Assign static IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.10 and 192.168.1.11) with subnet mask 255.255.255.0. 

3. Use the ping command to test connectivity. 

4. Document your steps and include screenshots or a short write-up.