IT Report
IT Report
IT Report
REPORT
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the
Requirements for the award of the degree of
I also take this opportunity to express a deep sense of gratitude to HOD Sir &
All Faculty Members of Department of Software Development, B.Voc for their
cordial support, valuable information and guidance, which helped me in completing
this task through various stages.
What is Network?
What is Topology?
Categories of Network
Network Architectures
Protocols
Transmission Media
Ethernet Products
IP Addressing
Examining your Network with Commands
What is a Network?
A network is any collection of independent computers that communicate with one
another over a shared network medium. A computer network is a collection of two or
more connected computers. When these computers are joined in a network, people can
share files and peripherals such as modems, printers, tape backup drives, or CD-ROM
drives. When networks at multiple locations are connected using services available
from phone companies, people can send e-mail, share links to the global Internet, or
conduct video conferences in real time with other remote users. As companies rely on
applications like electronic mail and database management for core business
operations, computer networking becomes increasingly more important.
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively small area.
It is generally limited to a geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or building.
Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect networks in larger geographic areas, such as
Florida, the United States, or the world. Dedicated transoceanic cabling or satellite
uplinks may be used to connect this type of global network.
Using a WAN, schools in Florida can communicate with places like Tokyo in a matter
of seconds, without paying enormous phone bills. Two users a half-world apart with
workstations equipped with microphones and a webcams might teleconference in real
time. A WAN is complicated. It uses multiplexers, bridges, and routers to connect
local and metropolitan networks to global communications networks like the Internet.
To users, however, a WAN will not appear to be much different than a LAN.
VPN uses a technique known as tunneling to transfer data securely on the Internet to a
remote access server on your workplace network. Using a VPN helps you save money
by using the public Internet instead of making long–distance phone calls to connect
securely with your private network.
What is a Topology?
The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers,
and other peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology
which is the method used to pass information between workstations. Logical topology
was discussed in the Protocol chapter.
2. Ring Topology
Alternatively referred to as a ring network, the ring topology is a computer network
configuration where each network computer and devices are connected to each other
forming a large circle (or similar shape). Each packet is sent around the ring until it
reaches its final destination. Today, the ring topology is seldom used. Below is a
visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using a ring topology.
This type of network topology is very organized. Each node gets to send the
data when it receives an empty token. This helps to reduces chances of
collision. Also in ring topology all the traffic flows in only one direction at
very high speed.
Even when the load on the network increases, its performance is better than
that of Bus topology.
There is no need for network server to control the connectivity between
workstations.
Additional components do not affect the performance of network.
Each computer has equal access to resources.
Each packet of data must pass through all the computers between source and
destination. This makes it slower than Star topology.
If one workstation or port goes down, the entire network gets affected.
Network is highly dependent on the wire which connects different components.
MAU’s and network cards are expensive as compared to Ethernet cards and hubs.
3. Star Topology
A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals)
connected directly to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator. Data on a star
network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator before continuing to its
destination. The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls all functions of the
network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. This configuration is common
with twisted pair cable; however, it can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic
cable.
4. Mesh Topology
A network setup where each computer and network device is interconnected with one
another, allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the
connections goes down. This topology is not commonly used for most computer
networks as it is difficult and expensive to have redundant connection to every
computer. However, this topology is commonly used for wireless networks. Below is
a visual example of a simple computer setup on a network using a mesh topology.
Advantages of Mesh topology
A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists
of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable.
Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to
configure a network to meet their needs.
For example, if there exists a ring topology in one office department while a bus
topology in another department, connecting these two will result in Hybrid topology.
Remember connecting two similar topologies cannot be termed as Hybrid topology.
Star-Ring and Star- Bus networks are most common examples of hybrid network.
Summary Chart
Physical Common Cable Common
Topology Protocol
Linear Bus Twisted Pair or Coaxial Fiber Ethernet
Star Twisted Pair or Fiber Ethernet
Tree Twisted Pair or Coaxial Fiber Ethernet
Collisions
Ethernet is a shared media, so there are rules for sending packets of data to avoid
conflicts and protect data integrity. Nodes determine when the network is available for
sending packets. It is possible that two nodes at different locations attempt to send
data at the same time. When both PCs are transferring a packet to the network at the
same time, a collision will result.
Categories of Network
Network can be divided in to two main categories:
1. Peer-to-peer.
2. Server – based.
Peer-to-peer networks are good choices for needs of small organizations where the
users are allocated in the same general area, security is not an issue and the
organization and the network will have limited growth within the foreseeable future.
The term Client/server refers to the concept of sharing the work involved in
processing data between the client computer and the most powerful server computer.
Client/server application design also lets the application provider mask the actual
location of application function. The user often does not know where a specific
operation is executing. The entire function may execute in either the PC or server, or
the function may be split between them. This masking of application function
locations enables system implementers to upgrade portions of a system over time with
a minimum disruption of application operations, while protecting the investment in
existing hardware and software.
1. Physical Layer, is just that the physical parts of the network such as wires,
cables, and there media along with the length. Also this layer takes note of the
electrical signals that transmit data throughout system.
2. Data Link Layer, this layer is where we actually assign meaning to the
electrical signals in the network. The layer also determines the size and format
of data sent to printers, and other devices. Also I don't want to forget that these
are also called nodes in the network.
3. Network Layer, this layer provides the definition for the connection of two
dissimilar networks.
4. Transport Layer, this layer allows data to be broken into smaller packages
for data to be distributed and addressed to other nodes (workstations).
5. Session Layer, this layer helps out with the task to carry information from one
node (workstation) to another node (workstation). A session has to be made
before we can transport information to another computer.
6. Presentation Layer, this layer is responsible to code and decode data sent to
the node.
7. Application Layer, this layer allows you to use an application that will
communicate with say the operation system of a server. A good example
would be using your web browser to interact with the operating system on a
server such as Windows NT, which in turn gets the data you requested.
Network Architectures
1. Ethernet
Ethernet is the most popular physical layer LAN technology in use today. Other LAN
types include Token Ring, Fast Ethernet, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI),
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and LocalTalk. Ethernet is popular because it
strikes a good balance between speed, cost and ease of installation. These benefits,
combined with wide acceptance in the computer marketplace and the ability to
support virtually all popular network protocols, make Ethernet an ideal networking
technology for most computer users today. The Institute for Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE) defines the Ethernet standard as IEEE Standard 802.3. This
standard defines rules for configuring an Ethernet network as well as specifying how
elements in an Ethernet network interact with one another. By adhering to the IEEE
standard, network equipment and network protocols can communicate efficiently.
2. Fast Ethernet
For Ethernet networks that need higher transmission speeds, the Fast Ethernet
standard (IEEE 802.3u) has been established. This standard raises the Ethernet speed
limit from 10 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 100 Mbps with only minimal changes to
the existing cable structure. There are three types of Fast Ethernet: 100BASE-TX for
use with level 5 UTP cable, 100BASE-FX for use with fiber-optic cable, and
100BASE-T4 which utilizes an extra two wires for use with level 3 UTP cable. The
100BASE-TX standard has become the most popular due to its close compatibility
with the 10BASE-T Ethernet standard. For the network manager, the incorporation of
Fast Ethernet into an existing configuration presents a host of decisions. Managers
must determine the number of users in each site on the network that need the higher
throughput, decide which segments of the backbone need to be reconfigured
specifically for 100BASE-T and then choose the necessary hardware to connect the
100BASE-T segments with existing 10BASE-T segments. Gigabit Ethernet is a future
technology that promises a migration path beyond Fast Ethernet so the next generation
of networks will support even higher data transfer speeds.
3. Token Ring
Token Ring is another form of network configuration which differs from Ethernet in
that all messages are transferred in a unidirectional manner along the ring at all times.
Data is transmitted in tokens, which are passed along the ring and viewed by each
device. When a device sees a message addressed to it, that device copies the message
and then marks that message as being read. As the message makes its way along the
ring, it eventually gets back to the sender who now notes that the message was
received by the intended device. The sender can then remove the message and free
that token for use by others.
Various PC vendors have been proponents of Token Ring networks at different times
and thus these types of networks have been implemented in many organizations.
4. FDDI
Although each network protocol is different, they all share the same physical cabling.
This common method of accessing the physical network allows multiple protocols to
peacefully coexist over the network media, and allows the builder of a network to use
common hardware for a variety of protocols. This concept is known as "protocol
independence,"
What Is TCP/IP?
TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol and IP stands for Internet Protocol. The
term TCP/IP is not limited just to these two protocols, however. Frequently, the term
TCP/IP is used to refer to a group of protocols related to the TCP and IP protocols
such as the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Terminal
Emulation Protocol (TELNET), and so on.
1. Wired
2. Wireless
1. Wired Transmission
Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network
device to another. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with
LANs. In some cases, a network will utilize only one type of cable, other networks
will use a variety of cable types. The type of cable chosen for a network is related to
the network's topology, protocol, and size. Understanding the characteristics of
different types of cable and how they relate to other aspects of a network is necessary
for the development of a successful network.
Twisted pair cabling comes in two varieties: shielded and unshielded. Unshielded
twisted pair (UTP) is the most popular and is generally the best option for school
networks.
The quality of UTP may vary from telephone-grade wire to extremely high-speed
cable. The cable has four pairs of wires inside the jacket. Each pair is twisted with a
different number of twists per inch to help eliminate interference from adjacent pairs
and other electrical devices. The tighter the twisting, the higher the supported
transmission rate and the greater the cost per foot. The EIA/TIA (Electronic Industry
Association/Telecommunication Industry Association) has established standards of
UTP and rated six categories of wire (additional categories are emerging).
RJ-45 connector
There is a shield around each individual pair, as well as around the entire group of
wires (referred to as double shield twisted pair).
3. Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cabling has a single copper conductor at its center. A plastic layer provides
insulation between the center conductor and a braided metal shield. The metal shield
helps to block any outside interference from fluorescent lights, motors, and other
computers.
Thin coaxial cable is also referred to as thinnet. 10Base2 refers to the specifications
for thin coaxial cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 2 refers to the approximate
maximum segment length being 200 meters. In actual fact the maximum segment
length is 185 meters. Thin coaxial cable has been popular in school networks,
especially linear bus networks.
The most common type of connector used with coaxial cables is the Bayone-Neill-
Concelman (BNC) connector. Different types of adapters are available for BNC
connectors, including a T-connector, barrel connector, and terminator. Connectors on
the cable are the weakest points in any network. To help avoid problems with your
network, always use the BNC connectors that crimp, rather screw, onto the cable.
BNC connector
There are two common types of fiber cables -- single mode and multimode.
Multimode cable has a larger diameter; however, both cables provide high bandwidth
at high speeds. Single mode can provide more distance, but it is more expensive.
1. Always use more cable than you need. Leave plenty of slack.
2. Test every part of a network as you install it. Even if it is brand new, it may
have problems that will be difficult to isolate later.
3. Stay at least 3 feet away from fluorescent light boxes and other sources of
electrical interference.
4. If it is necessary to run cable across the floor, cover the cable with cable protectors.
5. Label both ends of each cable.
6. Use cable ties (not tape) to keep cables in the same location together.
Ethernet Products
The standards and technology that have just been discussed help define the specific
products that network managers use to build Ethernet networks. The following text
discusses the key products needed to build an Ethernet LAN.
Transceivers
Transceivers are used to connect nodes to the various Ethernet media. Most computers
and network interface cards contain a built-in 10BASE-T or 10BASE2 transceiver,
allowing them to be connected directly to Ethernet without requiring an external
transceiver. Many Ethernet devices provide an AUI connector to allow the user to
connect to any media type via an external transceiver. The AUI connector consists of
a 15-pin D-shell type connector, female on the computer side, male on the transceiver
side. Thickwire (10BASE5) cables also use transceivers to allow connections.
For Fast Ethernet networks, a new interface called the MII (Media Independent
Interface) was developed to offer a flexible way to support 100 Mbps connections.
The MII is a popular way to connect 100BASE-FX links to copper-based Fast
Ethernet devices.
Hubs/Repeaters
Hubs/repeaters are used to connect together two or more Ethernet segments of any
media type. In larger designs, signal quality begins to deteriorate as segments exceed
their maximum length. Hubs provide the signal amplification required to allow a
segment to be extended a greater distance. A hub takes any incoming signal and repeats
it out all ports.
Adding Speed
While repeaters allow LANs to extend beyond normal distance limitations, they still
limit the number of nodes that can be supported. Bridges and switches, however,
allow LANs to grow significantly larger by virtue of their ability to support full
Ethernet segments on each port. Additionally, bridges and switches selectively filter
network traffic to only those packets needed on each segment - this significantly
increases throughput on each segment and on the overall network. By providing better
performance and more flexibility for network topologies, bridges and switches will
continue to gain popularity among network managers.
Bridges
The function of a bridge is to connect separate networks together. Bridges connect
different networks types (such as Ethernet and Fast Ethernet) or networks of the same
type. Bridges map the Ethernet addresses of the nodes residing on each network
segment and allow only necessary traffic to pass through the bridge. When a packet is
received by the bridge, the bridge determines the destination and source segments. If
the segments are the same, the packet is dropped ("filtered"); if the segments are
different, then the packet is "forwarded" to the correct segment. Additionally, bridges
do not forward bad or misaligned packets. Bridges are also called "store-and-forward"
devices because they look at the whole Ethernet packet before making filtering or
forwarding decisions. Filtering packets and regenerating forwarded packets enable
bridging technology to split a network into separate collision domains. This allows for
greater distances and more repeaters to be used in the total network design.
Ethernet Switches
Ethernet switches are an expansion of the concept in Ethernet bridging. LAN switches
can link four, six, ten or more networks together, and have two basic architectures:
cut-through and store-and-forward. In the past, cut-through switches were faster
because they examined the packet destination address only before forwarding it on to
its destination segment. A store-and-forward switch, on the other hand, accepts and
analyzes the entire packet before forwarding it to its destination.
It takes more time to examine the entire packet, but it allows the switch to catch
certain packet errors and keep them from propagating through the network. Both cut-
through and store-and-forward switches separate a network into collision domains,
allowing network design rules to be extended. Each of the segments attached to an
Ethernet switch has a full 10 Mbps of bandwidth shared by fewer users, which results
in better performance (as opposed to hubs that only allow bandwidth sharing from a
single Ethernet). Newer switches today offer high-speed links, FDDI, Fast Ethernet or
ATM. These are used to link switches together or give added bandwidth to high-
traffic servers. A network composed of a number of switches linked together via
uplinks is termed a "collapsed backbone" network.
Routers
Routers filter out network traffic by specific protocol rather than by packet address.
Routers also divide networks logically instead of physically. An IP router can divide a
network into various subnets so that only traffic destined for particular IP addresses
can pass between segments. Network speed often decreases due to this type of
intelligent forwarding. Such filtering takes more time than that exercised in a switch
or bridge, which only looks at the Ethernet address.
A network using repeaters, for instance, functions with the timing constraints of
Ethernet. Although electrical signals on the Ethernet media travel near the speed of
light, it still takes a finite time for the signal to travel from one end of a large Ethernet
to another. The Ethernet standard assumes it will take roughly 50 microseconds for a
signal to reach its destination.
Ethernet is subject to the "5-4-3" rule of repeater placement: The network can
only have five segments connected; it can only use four repeaters; and of the five
segments, only three can have users attached to them; the other two must be inter-
repeater links.
If the design of the network violates these repeater and placement rules, then timing
guidelines will not be met and the sending station will resend that packet. This can
lead to lost packets and excessive resent packets, which can slow network
performance and create trouble for applications. Fast Ethernet has modified repeater
rules, since the minimum packet size takes less time to transmit than regular Ethernet.
The length of the network links allows for a fewer number of repeaters. In Fast
Ethernet networks, there are two classes of repeaters. Class I repeaters have a latency
of 0.7 microseconds or less and are limited to one repeater per network. Class II
repeaters have a latency of 0.46 microseconds or less and are limited to two repeaters
per network. The following are the distance (diameter) characteristics for these types
of Fast Ethernet repeater combinations:
Each network connected via one of these devices is referred to as a separate collision
domain in the overall network.
Print servers, terminal servers, remote access servers and network time servers are
examples of device servers which are specialized for particular functions. Each of
these types of servers has unique configuration attributes in hardware or software that
help them to perform best in their particular arena.
2. Print Servers
Print servers allow printers to be shared by other users on the network. Supporting
either parallel and/or serial interfaces, a print server accepts print jobs from any
person on the network using supported protocols and manages those jobs on each
appropriate printer.
Print servers generally do not contain a large amount of memory; printers simply store
information in a queue. When the desired printer becomes available, they allow the
host to transmit the data to the appropriate printer port on the server. The print server
can then simply queue and print each job in the order in which print requests are
received, regardless of protocol used or the size of the job.
4. Access Servers
While Ethernet is limited to a geographic area, remote users such as traveling sales
people need access to network-based resources. Remote LAN access, or remote
access, is a popular way to provide this connectivity. Access servers use telephone
services to link a user or office with an office network. Dial-up remote access
solutions such as ISDN or asynchronous dial introduce more flexibility. Dial-up
remote access offers both the remote office and the remote user the economy and
flexibility of "pay as you go" telephone services. ISDN is a special telephone service
that offers three channels, two 64 Kbps "B" channels for user data and a "D" channel
for setting up the connection. With ISDN, the B channels can be combined for double
bandwidth or separated for different applications or users. With asynchronous remote
access, regular telephone lines are combined with modems and remote access servers
to allow users and networks to dial anywhere in the world and have data access.
Remote access servers provide connection points for both dial-in and dial-out
applications on the network to which they are attached. These hybrid devices route
and filter protocols and offer other services such as modem pooling and
terminal/printer services. For the remote PC user, one can connect from any available
telephone jack (RJ45), including those in a hotel rooms or on most airplanes.
Example: 140.179.220.200
10001100.10110011.11011100.11001000
Every IP address consists of two parts, one identifying the network and one
identifying the node. The Class of the address and the subnet mask determine which
part belongs to the network address and which part belongs to the node address.
Address Classes:
There are 5 different address classes. You can determine which class any IP address is
in by examining the first 4 bits of the IP address.
Class B addresses begin with 10xx, or 128 to 191 decimal, because 127 is loopback
address.
Addresses beginning with 01111111, or 127 decimal, are reserved for loopback and
for internal testing on a local machine. [You can test this: you should always be able
to ping 127.0.0.1, which points to yourself] Class D addresses are reserved for
multicasting. Class E addresses are reserved for future use. They should not be used
for host addresses.
Now we can see how the Class determines, by default, which part of the IP address
belongs to the network (N) and which part belongs to the node (n).
Class A --
NNNNNNNN.nnnnnnnn.nnnnnnn.nnnnnnn Class
B --
NNNNNNNN.NNNNNNNN.nnnnnnnn.nnnnnnnn
Class C -- NNNNNNNN.NNNNNNNN.NNNNNNNN.nnnnnnnn
In order to specify the network address for a given IP address, the node section is set
to all "0"s. In our example, 140.179.0.0 specifies the network address for
140.179.220.200. When the node section is set to all "1"s, it specifies a broadcast that
is sent to all hosts on the network. 140.179.255.255 specifies the example broadcast
address. Note that this is true regardless of the length of the node section.
Private Subnets
There are three IP network addresses reserved for private networks. The addresses are
10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, and 192.168.0.0/16. They can be used by anyone setting up
internal IP networks, such as a lab or home LAN behind a NAT or proxy server or a
router. It is always safe to use these because routers on the Internet will never forward
packets coming from these addresses.
Subnet Masking
Applying a subnet mask to an IP address allows you to identify the network and node
parts of the address. The network bits are represented by the 1s in the mask, and the
node bits are represented by the 0s. Performing a bitwise logical AND operation
between the IP address and the subnet mask results in the Network Address or
Number.
For example, using our test IP address and the default Class B subnet mask,
IP Address
11111111.11111111.00000000.00000000 255.255.000.000 Default Class B Subnet Mask
10001100.10110011.00000000.00000000 140.179.000.000 Network Address
Default subnet masks
People realized that addresses could be conserved if the class system was eliminated.
By accurately allocating only the amount of address space that was actually needed,
the address space crisis could be avoided for many years. This was first proposed in
1992 as a scheme called Supernetting.
The use of a CIDR notated address is the same as for a Classful address. Classful
addresses can easily be written in CIDR notation (Class A = /8, Class B = /16, and
Class C = /24)
PING is used to check for a response from another computer on the network. It can
tell you a great deal of information about the status of the network and the computers
you are communicating with.Ping returns different responses depending on the
computer in question. The responses are similar depending on the options used.
Ping uses IP to request a response from the host. It does not use TCP. It takes its name
from a submarine sonar search - you send a short sound burst and listen for an echo - a
ping - coming back.
In an IP network, `ping' sends a short data burst - a single packet - and listens for a
single packet in reply. Since this tests the most basic function of an IP network
(delivery of single packet), it's easy to see how you can learn a lot from some `pings'.
To stop ping, Press Ctrl+C. This terminates the program and prints out a nice
summary of the number of packets transmitted, the number received, and the
percentage of packets lost, plus the minimum, average, and maximum round-trip
times of the packets.
packet doesn't live forever on the network and will eventually die when it is deemed
"lost." But for us, it provides additional information. We can use the TTL to
determine approximately how many router hops the packet has gone through. In this
case it's 255 minus N hops, where N is the TTL of the returning Echo Replies. If the
TTL field varies in successive pings, it could indicate that the successive reply
packets are going via different routes, which isn't a great thing.
The time field is an indication of the round-trip time to get a packet to the remote host.
The reply is measured in milliseconds. In general, it's best if round-trip times are
under 200 milliseconds. The time it takes a packet to reach its destination is called
latency. If you see a large variance in the round-trip times (which is called "jitter"),
you are going to see poor performance talking to the host
2. NSLOOKUP
It is very important when troubleshooting problems on a network that you can verify
the components of the networking process. Nslookup allows this by revealing details
within the infrastructure.
3. NETSTAT
4. IPconfig
Traceroute on Unix and Linux (or tracert in the Microsoft world) attempts to
trace the current network path to a destination. Here is an example of a
traceroute run to www.berkeley.edu:
$ traceroute www.berkeley.edu