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).
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At the end of the lesson student must be able to:
Define and explain basic network configuration concepts, including types of networks, topologies, and common network devices.
Demonstrate responsibility and attention to detail when configuring and documenting IP addressing and network settings.
Configure static and dynamic IP addresses on two networked devices.
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
I. INTRODUCING NETWORK CONFIGURATION
1.1 Network configuration
is the process of assigning network settings, policies, flows, and controls. In a virtual network, it’s easier to make network configuration changes because physical network devices and appliances are replaced by software, removing the need for extensive manual configuration.
Can also be automated and managed via a centralized configuration manager network configuration manager, further reducing manual IT workload and making it easier to:
-Maintain a network
-Make configuration changes
-Relaunch devices
-Track and report data
Some network configuration basics include switch/router configuration, host configuration, software and firewall configuration, and network topology which can be controlled through rest APIs.
Network configuration examples. (n.d.). https://www.signalogic.com/index.pl?page=networkconfig
II. NETWORK TOPOLOGY
2.1 Type of Network
- The type of network determines its scope and purpose.
LAN (Local Area Network): Connects devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or school.
WAN (Wide Area Network): Connects devices over a large geographical area, spanning cities, countries, or even continents.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): Creates a secure connection over a public network, like the internet, to access private resources.
2.2 Diagram of Network Layout
- The network layout visually represents the physical and logical connections between devices. Common network topologies include:
1. Star Topology
The most commonly applied topology.
Uses a central device (hub/switch) with cables extending in all directions.
Each device requires a single cable point-to-point connection between the device and hub.
2. Linear Bus Topology
Uses one long cable, referred to as the backbone, to which computers and other devices are attached.
A terminator is placed at each end of the backbone to keep the signals from bouncing back and being received again by the nodes in the network.
Systems connect to this backbone using T connectors or taps
Coaxial cablings (10Base-2, 10Base5) were popular options years ago
3. Ring Topology
It is consists of several computers joined together to form a circle.
Data moves from one computer to the next in one direction only.
Any data or messages will pass through adjacent nodes until it reaches the target node.
4. Hybrid Topology
A combination of different types of topology used in a network system to adapt to the different designs of floors or rooms in a building.
5. Mesh Topology
Each computer connects to every other
High level of redundancy.
Rarely used
Wiring is very complicated
Cabling cost is high
Active Directory Domain Services | Active Directory Domain Services diagram | Active Directory Diagrams | Active Directory Domain Services Diagram. (n.d.). https://www.conceptdraw.com. https://www.conceptdraw.com/examples/active-directory-domain-services-diagram
2.3 Description of Network Devices
- Network devices facilitate communication and data flow within a network. Common devices include:
Routers: Connect different networks and direct traffic between them.
Switches: Connect devices within a network, allowing them to communicate with each other.
Firewalls: Protect a network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Servers: Store and manage data and resources for the network.
Modems: Connect a network to the internet.
III. IP ADDRESSING
3.1 IP Addressing Schemes
-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
- is the first version of the Internet Protocol (IP) as a standalone specification. It is one of the core protocols of standards-based internetworking methods in the Internet and other packet-switched networks.
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
- Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol (IP), the communications protocol that provides an identification and location system for computers on networks and routes traffic across the Internet.
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:
3.2 Subnet Masks and Network Addresses
-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.
For example, a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 indicates that the first three octets of an IP address belong to the network, while the last octet is for the host. This allows for 256 unique host addresses within that subnet.
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.
3.3 IP Address Assignment to 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.
3.4 DHCP Server Configuration
-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.
IV. CONFIGURATION
4.1 DNS Configuration
DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phonebook, translating human-readable domain names (like google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses. This section explores DNS configuration, a critical aspect of network setup.
TabMind Solutions | DNS Configuration. (n.d.). https://www.tabmind.com/dns-configuration
4.2 Routing Configuration
Routing is the process of directing network traffic between different networks. This section explores common routing configurations.
Kumar, S. (2022, May 30). IP routing configuration. TechTutsOnline. https://www.techtutsonline.com/ip-routing-configuration/
4.3 Security Configuration
Refers to the predefined settings and permissions implemented in a computer system to ensure it is secure by default. It includes the services, user permissions, file sharing, and application settings that are standardized across all systems of the same type within an organization, ensuring strong security and facilitating administration and maintenance.
Sun, Yizhen. (2022). Training Method of Flute Breath Based on Big Data of Internet of Things. Scientific Programming. 2022. 1-10. 10.1155/2022/5211927. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Network-security-configuration-design_fig3_363685706
V. NETWORK MONITORING
-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.
5.1 Monitoring Tools
-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:
Icinga
- A free and open-source tool for monitoring networks, cloud services, and data centers. It offers a web-based interface with customizable dashboards and alerts
Nagios Core
- Another free and open-source tool that can monitor networks, applications, and servers. It provides a web interface with color-coded information and supports a wide range of community-created modules
Commercial Tools:
SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
- A comprehensive and user-friendly tool that offers detailed reporting, data-driven insights, and customizable alerts. It's suitable for networks of all sizes
ManageEngine OpManager
- An on-premises tool that monitors servers, switches, routers, and other devices. It provides a unified view of network performance and offers granular-level visibility for troubleshooting
Datadog
- A cloud-based tool that offers comprehensive network monitoring with customizable thresholds and detailed performance metrics. It integrates with various third-party services.
LogicMonitor
- A cloud-based infrastructure monitoring platform with core network monitoring capabilities. It provides real-time visibility and automated alerts.
5.2 Performance Metrics
-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
VI. TROUBLESHOOTING
6.1 Troubleshooting Techniques
-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:
Set up two computers or virtual machines on the same network.
Assign static IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.10 and 192.168.1.11) with subnet mask 255.255.255.0.
Use the ping command to test connectivity.
Document your steps and include screenshots or a short write-up.
RUBRICS
Instructions: Based on your performance task "Set Network Configuration," write a short reflection (about 200-300 words) explaining your approach to configuring the network. Justify your choice of network topology, addressing scheme, and security settings and Submit your answer to the button below and rename your file (Surname, Name).
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen configuration compared to other options. Describe the challenges you encountered during the activity and how you overcame them. Explain how your configuration choices affected network performance and security. Share what you learned from this task and how it helped you better understand network setup and management.