INSPECT AND TEST THE CONFIGURED COMPUTER NETWORK

Review for lesson 4

Let's Review! Answer this quiz:

Introductory Activity

Network Troubleshooting: Fix or Fail?

📝 Instructions: Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the action can help fix a network issue and FALSE if it will not.

1, Restarting the router and modem can sometimes fix network connection issues.

2, A damaged Ethernet cable can cause slow or no internet connection.

3, Wi-Fi will still work even if the router is unplugged.

4, If a website doesn’t load, the best solution is to immediately reset the entire network.

5, Checking if "Airplane Mode" is turned on can help solve connection problems on a laptop or mobile device.

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Objectives

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

Explain the functions of various network inspection tools and their role in troubleshooting network issues.
Appreciate the significance of accurate network testing and demonstrate a proactive attitude towards troubleshooting errors.
Perform hands-on inspection, testing, and troubleshooting of a configured network following proper procedures.

Outline of the Content

Tools for network inspection:

Wireshark

Wireshark is the world's foremost network protocol analyzer. It lets you see what's happening on your network at a microscopic level. It is the de facto (often de jure) standard across many industries and educational institutions.

PRTG Network Monitor

A comprehensive network monitoring solution that supports SNMP, NetFlow, and packet sniffing, allowing you to monitor network traffic and performance metrics.

Zabbix

An open-source network monitoring tool that provides real-time monitoring of network performance metrics, alerting capabilities, and advanced reporting features.

Procedures for network testing and configuration verification:

Troubleshooting common network errors and ensuring connectivity.

1. Check Physical Connections:

Inspect Cables:
Ensure all network cables (Ethernet, Wi-Fi) are securely plugged into the correct ports on your devices and router/modem.
Check Hardware:
Look for any signs of damage or loose connections on your router, modem, or network devices.
Restart Devices:
Power cycle your router and modem by unplugging them, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging them back in.

2. Use Network Diagnostic Tools:

- Ping:Use the ping command to test connectivity to a specific IP address or website.
- How to: Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type ping <IP address or website>.
- Interpretation: A successful ping means you can reach the target, while a failed ping indicates a connectivity problem.
- Traceroute:
  Use the traceroute command to trace the path of network packets and identify potential bottlenecks or issues along the way.
- How to: Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type traceroute <IP address or website>.
- Interpretation: Traceroute shows the hops a packet takes, and any dropped packets or delays can indicate network issues.
- Netstat:
  Use the netstat command to view network connections, listening ports, and routing tables.
- How to: Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type netstat.
- Interpretation: Netstat can help identify unusual connections or potential security issues.
- 3. Verify DNS Settings:

DNS (Domain Name System) Issues:
DNS translates domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses, so problems with DNS can prevent you from accessing websites.
Check DNS Settings:
Ensure your devices are using the correct DNS servers (e.g., Google's 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
Flush DNS Cache:
Clear your DNS cache to remove outdated information.
- How to: Open Command Prompt (Windows) and type ipconfig /flushdns.
- 4. Update Firmware and Drivers:

Outdated Firmware: Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues and network problems.
Update Firmware: Check your router and modem manufacturer's website for the latest firmware updates and install them.
Outdated Network Drivers: Outdated network drivers can also cause connectivity issues.
Update Drivers: Check your device manufacturer's website for the latest network drivers and install them.

5. Check for ISP Issues:

Contact ISP:
If you've exhausted all troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check for outages or problems on their end.
ISP Issues:
Problems with your ISP can result in complete outages or inconsistent internet access.
Document Findings:
Keep a record of the steps you've taken and the results of each test, as this information can be helpful when contacting your ISP.

Practice Exercise

Directions: Write FACT if the stated common threats of the computer networks are

true and BLUFF if it is false. Write your answer in your answer sheet.

1. _______ Development of the architecture of the system, development of data

processing technology, development of applications, with the possibilities of danger

to the system and safety of the information

2. _______ Disclosure, transmission, or loss of access information (passwords,

encryption keys, identification cards, digital certificates)

3. _______ Ignorance of the company9s/ industry9s limitations.

4. _______ Legal implantation and usage of the off-the-books programs with

subsequent unreasonable expending of resources.

5. _______ Competent usage, customization, or disconnecting of protection system by

security staff.

6. _______ Correct data input.

7. _______ Infection of the computer viruses.

8. _______ Loading of the extraneous operating system from irreplaceable storage

devices.

9. _______ The careless operations leading to share and disclosure of confidential

information.

10. _______ The system software which is capable of incompetent usage to call system

failure or carrying out irreversible changes in the system.

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Performance Task

Scenario: You are a network technician tasked with inspecting and testing a newly configured computer network for a small office. The network includes several computers, a router, a switch, and a printer. The network should allow for file sharing, internet access, and printing.

Task:

Inspection: Carefully inspect the physical network setup. This includes examining cable connections, device configurations (router, switch), and the overall network topology. Document your findings, including any irregularities or potential problems. Take photos or diagrams as needed.
Testing: Perform a series of tests to verify network functionality:
- Connectivity: Verify that all devices can communicate with each other and the internet. Use ping and traceroute commands to check connectivity.
- File Sharing: Test file sharing capabilities between computers.
- Printing: Test the network printer functionality.
- Network Speed: Measure network speed using appropriate tools.
- Security: Assess basic network security by checking for vulnerabilities (e.g., open ports).
Troubleshooting: Based on your inspection and testing, identify any issues or problems with the network. Propose solutions to resolve these issues. Document your troubleshooting steps and the results.
Report: Prepare a comprehensive report detailing your inspection, testing, and troubleshooting findings. The report should include:
- A description of the network topology.
- A list of the devices used in the network.
- Detailed results of your tests.
- A clear identification of any problems encountered.
- Proposed solutions for identified problems.
- Screenshots or diagrams to support your findings.

RUBRICS

Rubrics:

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Assessment

Generalization

Reflection: Students discuss the importance of proper network testing and troubleshooting.

Essay: “Lessons learned from troubleshooting network errors.”

– Guide Questions: “What would you do differently to prevent configuration errors?”

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