Academic Year: 2024-2025

L P U
Course No: CS306 Course Title: Computer Networks Lab
3 2 4

Instructor In-charge: Dr. T. Lakshmi Siva Rama Krishna

Theory Course Faculty: 1. Dr. T. Lakshmi Siva Rama Krishna
2. Mr. K. Vara Prasada Rao
3. Dr K Sri Devi
Lab Faculty: 1. Dr. T Lakshmi Siva Rama Krishna
2. Mr. K. Vara Prasad Rao
3. Dr. K Sri Devi
4. Mr. Joy Deep Roy
5. Ms. Bhuvaneswari
6. Dr. Pallavi Mishra,
7. Ms.Bibha Kumari Pathak

Software Tools Used:

 CISCO Packet Tracer (Student Version)

CS306 - COMPUTER NETWORKS – LAB MANUAL

LAB EXPERIMENT 1

OBJECTIVE: To learn the handling and configuration of networking hardware like RJ-45 connector,
Network cables, crimping tool, etc

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Familiarize yourself with standard networking hardware components,

such as RJ-45 connectors, network cables (Ethernet, twisted pair, etc.), crimping tools, cable testers,
and cable strippers. Understand the purpose and functionality of each hardware component in a
network setup.

STEPS FOR HANDLING NETWORK HARDWARE:

1. RJ-45 Connector Handling:

Learn the proper handling of RJ-45 connectors to prevent damage and ensure secure connections.
Understand the different parts of an RJ-45 connector, including the cable strain relief, wiring
channels, and contacts.
2. Network Cable Preparation:
Learn how to prepare network cables for termination by stripping the outer jacket using a cable
stripper. Understand the appropriate length of cable required for specific network connections.

3. Wiring Standard and Color Coding:

Study the wiring standards for Ethernet connections and the corresponding color codes for each
wire. Learn how to arrange the individual wires in the correct order before inserting them into the
RJ-45 connector.

4. Crimping Process:
Practice the crimping process using a crimping tool to secure the wires within the RJ-45
connector. Understand the proper technique for applying pressure while crimping to ensure a
reliable connection.

5. Cable Testing and Verification:

Use a cable tester to verify the continuity and proper wiring of the network cable.
Learn how to interpret the results displayed by the cable tester to identify any potential issues.

6. Hands-on Practice:
Engage in hands-on practice by creating various network connections using RJ-45 connectors,
network cables, and crimping tools.
Experiment with different cable types, lengths, and wiring standards to gain proficiency.

7. Troubleshooting:
Understand common issues that may arise during the handling and configuration of networking
hardware. Learn troubleshooting techniques to identify and resolve problems, such as loose
connections, faulty crimps, or incorrect wiring.
PRE EXPERIMENT QUESTIONS:
Q1. What are some examples of networking hardware components that you expect to
encounter in this experiment?
Q2. How familiar are you with the purpose and functionality of RJ-45 connectors?

RJ-45 connector

Twisted pair Cable

Climping Tool
POST EXPERIMENT QUESTIONS:
Q1 What is the purpose of an RJ-45 connector in networking hardware?
Q2 How do you properly terminate an Ethernet cable using an RJ-45 connector?
Q3 What are the different types of network cables commonly used in networking hardware?
Q4 Explain the difference between a straight-through cable and a crossover cable.
Q5 What are the steps involved in using a crimping tool to create network cables?
Q6 What safety precautions should be followed while working with networking hardware?
Q7 How do you test the continuity of a network cable using a cable tester?
Q8 What are some common issues that can occur when working with networking hardware,
and how would you troubleshoot them?
.
 LAB EXPERIMENT 1.b

OBJECTIVE: To understand and use basic computer network commands such as ping, ipconfig,
arp, finger, and hostname for network troubleshooting and management.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

Network commands are essential tools for diagnosing and troubleshooting network-related issues. This lab
experiment focuses on using the following commands:

 ping: Tests connectivity between the host and another device on the network.
 ipconfig: Displays network configuration details of the system.
 arp: Shows and manages the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table.
 finger: Displays information about system users (if enabled).
 hostname: Displays or sets the hostname of the system.

PRE-EXPERIMENT QUESTIONS

1. What is the purpose of the ping command?

2. How does the ipconfig command help in network troubleshooting?
3. What is an ARP table? Why is it used?
4. What information can you obtain using the finger command?
5. Why is the hostname important in a network?

STEPS

1. ping Command
Purpose: To test connectivity to another device.

Sample Input: ping www.google.com

Sample Output:
Pinging www.google.com [172.217.160.68] with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 172.217.160.68: bytes=32 time=18ms TTL=118
Reply from 172.217.160.68: bytes=32 time=19ms TTL=118

Task: Ping a local device and a public website. Note the response time and packet loss.

2. ipconfig Command
Purpose: To display the system's IP configuration.
Sample Input: ipconfig
Sample Output:
IPv4 Address: 192.168.1.2
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

Task: Identify the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway of your system
 3. arp Command
Purpose: To view the ARP table.

Sample Input: arp –a

Sample Output:

Internet Address Physical Address Type

192.168.1.1 00-1a-2b-3c-4d-5e dynamic
Task: Use the arp command to display the ARP table and identify dynamic entries.

4. finger Command
Purpose: To display information about logged-in users. (Ensure the service is enabled.)
Sample Input: finger username
Sample Output: [DESKTOP-AQI6RU8]
Task: Retrieve information about a specific user.

5. hostname Command
Purpose: To display the system's hostname.
Sample Input: hostname
Sample Output: DESKTOP-AQI6RU8

POST EXPERIMENT QUESTIONS:

1. What does the TTL value in the ping command output signify?
2. How can you use ipconfig to troubleshoot a disconnected network?
3. What is the difference between a dynamic and static ARP entry?
4. What are the limitations of the finger command in modern systems?
5. How would changing the hostname impact network communication?
 LAB EXPERIMENT 2.a
Objective:
To identify and understand the roles and functionalities of networking devices required to establish a
Local Area Network (LAN) for connecting systems in your computer network lab.

Description:
This experiment involves studying various networking devices used in a LAN setup, their
specifications, and how they interact to form a network. You will identify core devices such as switches,
routers, and access points, along with auxiliary devices and tools like patch panels and cables. By the
end of this experiment, you will gain insights into setting up and managing a network for 70-80 systems
in a lab environment.

Networking Devices to Study:

Core Devices:

Switches: Managed/Unmanaged, Layer 2/Layer 3 features.

Router: Routing, NAT, DHCP functionalities.
Firewall (Optional): For securing the network.
Auxiliary Devices:

Access Points: Wireless connectivity.

Patch Panel: Cable management.
Cables and Accessories:

Ethernet cables (Cat6/Cat5e), patch cords, RJ45 connectors.

Testing Tools:

LAN tester, network monitoring software (e.g., Wireshark).

Pre-Lab Questions:
1. What is a LAN, and why is it used?
2. List the differences between managed and unmanaged switches.
3. What are the basic functionalities of a router in a LAN?
4. Explain the importance of a patch panel in cable management.
5. What is the significance of using Cat6 cables over Cat5e in a network?
Lab Procedure:
Identify Networking Devices:

Observe and note down the make, model, and specifications of the available switches, routers, and other
networking devices in the lab.
Study Device Functionality:

 Learn the configuration and purpose of each device, focusing on:

 Switches: Number of ports, VLAN setup, bandwidth capacity.
 Router: Routing tables, DHCP, and NAT configurations.
 Access Points: Wireless standards and setup procedures.

Know Cable Inspection and Setup:

Identify different types of cables (Cat6/Cat5e) and their use cases.

Understand how to crimp and test Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors.

Device Interconnection:
Learn how devices (switches, routers, access points) are interconnected to form a LAN.
Network Testing:
Use a LAN tester and network monitoring tools like Wireshark to verify connectivity and network
traffic.

Post-Lab Questions:
1. What are the key differences between a router and a switch in a LAN setup?
2. Why is a managed switch preferred in large network setups?
3. How does a patch panel simplify network management?
4. Explain the importance of using a firewall in a network.
5. What tools can be used to monitor and troubleshoot a LAN network?
Expected Outcome:
By the end of this experiment, students should be able to:
1. Identify the core and auxiliary devices in a LAN setup.
2. Understand the functionalities of switches, routers, and access points.
3. Recognize the importance of proper cable management and selection.
4. Perform basic troubleshooting using LAN testers and monitoring tools.
 LAB EXPERIMENT 2.b
1.Sample for Understanding: modify as per your Laboratory

 PCs (Nodes):
o There are 10 rows with 6 PCs in each row, making a total of 60 systems.
o Represent each system as a small rectangle or icon labeled PC1, PC2, ..., PC60.

2. Centralize Connections to Four Switches

 Switches:
o Use four central switches, each with 24 ports.
o Each switch will connect to 15 PCs (spanning multiple rows).
o Label the switches Switch-1, Switch-2, Switch-3, and Switch-4.

3. Patch Panels for Cable Management

 Add patch panels near each central switch for cable management.
 Represent the patch panels as small rectangles labeled Patch Panel-1, Patch Panel-2, etc.
 Connect the PCs to their respective patch panels using lines (representing Ethernet cables).
 From each patch panel, draw connections to the corresponding switch.

4. Router for Internet Connectivity

 Place a router above the central switches.

 Connect the router to each of the four switches.
 Label the router with its functionalities: Routing, NAT, and DHCP.

5. Internet Connection

 Represent the wired internet connection as a cloud icon labeled Internet.

 Connect the internet to the router.

6. Add Auxiliary Components

 Access Points (Optional):

o Place 2-3 Access Points connected to the switches for wireless connectivity.
 Cabling:
o Use Ethernet cables (Cat6) for all connections.
 o Label the connections clearly with details like Ethernet - Cat6.

7. Final Connections

 Each row of PCs connects to its assigned switch through the patch panel.
o Example:
 Rows 1-2 → Switch-1
 Rows 3-4 → Switch-2
 Rows 5-6 → Switch-3
 Rows 7-10 → Switch-4
 The four switches connect to the router, which is linked to the internet.
 Lab Experiment 3.a: Configuring and Testing a Sample Network Using Cisco Packet
Tracer (Two PCs)

Objective: To configure and test a basic network connection between two PCs in Cisco Packet Tracer
using real-time and simulation modes.

Description: This experiment involves creating a simple network setup with two PCs connected
through a switch. Students will learn to assign IP addresses, establish connectivity, and verify network
operations using both real-time and simulation modes in Cisco Packet Tracer.

Pre-Experiment Questions:

1. What are the basic components needed for a network connection?

2. Why is it necessary to assign IP addresses to devices in a network?
3. What is the difference between real-time and simulation modes in Cisco Packet Tracer?

Steps:

1. Create a Network Setup:

o Drag and drop two PCs and a switch from the device list.
o Connect the PCs to the switch using straight-through cables.
2. Assign IP Addresses:
o Access the Desktop tab of each PC.
o Navigate to the IP Configuration section and assign:
 PC1: IP Address - 192.168.1.1, Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0
 PC2: IP Address - 192.168.1.2, Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0
3. Test Connectivity in Real-Time Mode:
o Use the Command Prompt on PC1 to ping PC2 and verify connectivity.
4. Test Connectivity in Simulation Mode:
o Switch to Simulation Mode.
o Generate a ping request from PC1 to PC2 and observe packet flow.

Post-Experiment Questions:

1. What does a successful ping indicate in a network setup?

2. How does Simulation Mode help visualize network operations?
3. What would happen if the subnet masks of the two PCs were mismatched?
Lab Experiment 3.b: Configuring Two Network Segments Using Hubs

Objective: To configure two or more network segments connected using hubs and verify
communication between devices.

Description: This experiment demonstrates how to set up multiple network segments using hubs and
establish inter-segment communication by assigning appropriate IP addresses.

Pre-Experiment Questions:

1. What is a network segment, and how is it defined?

2. How does a hub differ from a switch in network communication?
3. Why is it necessary to ensure IP addresses are in the same subnet?

Steps:

1. Create Network Segments:

o Drag and drop two hubs and four PCs from the device list.
o Connect two PCs to each hub using straight-through cables.
2. Connect Hubs:
o Use a straight-through cable to connect the hubs.
3. Assign IP Addresses:
o PC1: 192.168.2.1
o PC2: 192.168.2.2
o PC3: 192.168.2.3
o PC4: 192.168.2.4
o Ensure all devices share the same subnet mask (255.255.255.0).
4. Test Communication:
o Ping between devices in the same segment.
o Ping devices across different segments and observe the results.

Post-Experiment Questions:

1. Why is it important to use hubs in small network setups?

2. What limitations are associated with hubs in larger networks?
3. How does IP addressing affect communication between segments?

Expected Outcomes: By the end of these experiments, students will:

 Be able to configure basic network setups in Cisco Packet Tracer.

 Understand the importance of IP addressing and subnetting.
 Visualize network communication using real-time and simulation modes.
 4a. Connecting Two LANs Using a Router in Cisco Packet Tracer

Objective

To configure a router to connect two different LANs, one using a Class A network and the other
using a Class C network, enabling communication between the networks.

Description

In this lab, you will:

 Set up two separate LANs, each with its own IP class (Class A and Class C).
 Assign appropriate IP addresses to each LAN.
 Configure a router with two interfaces to route traffic between the networks.
 Verify connectivity using the ping command.

Pre-Lab Questions

1. What is the role of a router in interconnecting two networks?

2. Why do different LANs use different IP classes?
3. How does subnetting help in routing between networks?

Lab Setup
1. Network Design
Devices Required

 1 Router
 2 Switches
 4 PCs (2 for each LAN)

IP Addressing

 LAN 1 (Class A Network)

o Network Address: 10.0.0.0/8
o Default Gateway: 10.0.0.1
o PC1: 10.0.0.2
o PC2: 10.0.0.3
 LAN 2 (Class C Network)
o Network Address: 192.168.1.0/24
o Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
o PC3: 192.168.1.2
o PC4: 192.168.1.3

Lab Steps
2. Create the Network Topology

1. Open Cisco Packet Tracer.

2. Drag and drop:
o 1 Router
o 2 Switches
o 4 PCs
3. Connect the devices using straight-through cables:
o Router's FastEthernet0/0 → Switch 1 (LAN 1)
o Router's FastEthernet0/1 → Switch 2 (LAN 2)
o PC1 and PC2 → Switch 1
o PC3 and PC4 → Switch 2

3. Configure Router Interfaces

1. Click on the Router → Go to CLI

2. Enter the following commands:

Configure the Class A network (LAN 1)

Router> enable
Router# configure terminal
Router(config)# interface fastEthernet 0/0
Router(config-if)# ip address 10.0.0.1 255.0.0.0
Router(config-if)# no shutdown
Router(config-if)# exit
Configure the Class C network (LAN 2)
Router(config)# interface fastEthernet 0/1
Router(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
Router(config-if)# no shutdown
Router(config-if)# exit
Save Configuration
Router# write memory
4. Configure IP Addresses on PCs
For each PC:

1. Click on the PC → Go to Desktop → Open IP Configuration

2. Enter the following:

PC1 (LAN 1 - Class A)

o IP Address: 10.0.0.2
o Subnet Mask: 255.0.0.0
 o Default Gateway: 10.0.0.1

PC2 (LAN 1 - Class A)

o IP Address: 10.0.0.3
o Subnet Mask: 255.0.0.0
o Default Gateway: 10.0.0.1

PC3 (LAN 2 - Class C)

o IP Address: 192.168.1.2
o Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
o Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

PC4 (LAN 2 - Class C)

o IP Address: 192.168.1.3
o Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
o Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

5. Verify Connectivity

1. Ping within the same network:

o From PC1, ping PC2

ping 10.0.0.3

From PC3, ping PC4:

ping 192.168.1.3

1. Ping between networks (Router Routing Test):

o From PC1, ping PC3:

ping 192.168.1.2

2. (If this fails, enable routing or check gateway settings.)

Post-Lab Questions

1. Why do we need a router to connect different LANs?

2. How does the router differentiate between Class A and Class C traffic?
3. What happens if we misconfigure the subnet mask on one of the networks?
 Expected Outcomes

By the end of this lab, students will:

✅ Successfully configure a router with two LAN interfaces.
✅ Assign static IP addresses for Class A and Class C networks.
✅ Enable routing between networks.
✅ Verify communication between different LANs.

4b. Configuring a DHCP Server.

Objective: Configure a DHCP service on a dedicated server in Cisco Packet Tracer so that four connected PCs
dynamically receive IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS settings.

Description

In this lab you will:

 Set up a simple network with one server, one switch, and four PCs.
 Assign a static IP address to the server to ensure it is always reachable.
 Enable and configure the DHCP service on the server, defining the DHCP pool and related network
parameters.
 Configure the PCs to use DHCP to obtain their network settings.
 Verify that the PCs receive the correct configurations and test connectivity across the network.

Pre-Experiment Questions

1. What is DHCP, and why is it used in networks?

2. Why must the DHCP server have a static IP address?
3. What information does a DHCP server typically provide to clients?

Lab Steps
1. Network Setup
Devices and Connections:

 Devices:
o 1 Server (to act as the DHCP server)
o 1 Switch
o 4 PCs
 Connections:
1. Open Cisco Packet Tracer.
2. Drag and drop a Server, a Switch, and four PCs onto the workspace.
3. Connect the server to the switch using a straight-through cable.
4. Connect each of the four PCs to the switch using straight-through cables.
2. Assign a Static IP to the DHCP Server

Before enabling DHCP, assign the server a static IP address to ensure it is consistently reachable:

1. Configure the Server’s IP:

o Click on the Server device.
o Navigate to the Desktop tab and open the IP Configuration window.
o Set the following parameters:
 IP Address: 192.168.1.2
 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
 Default Gateway: (if applicable, e.g., 192.168.1.1) for this lab not required
 DNS Server: (optional, e.g., 8.8.8.8)
o Save the settings.

3. Enable and Configure the DHCP Service on the Server

1. Access the DHCP Service:

o With the server selected, click on the Services tab.
o Select DHCP from the list of available services.
2. Turn on the DHCP Service:
o Ensure that the DHCP service is enabled (set to “ON”).
3. Configure the DHCP Pool:
o Pool Name: (e.g., LARTLAB or another preferred name)
o Default Gateway: Enter 192.168.1.1 (if using a router/gateway) or leave blank if not
applicable.
o Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
o DNS Server: Enter 8.8.8.8 (or another DNS server IP)
o Starting IP Address: (e.g., set to 192.168.1.11 to reserve addresses from .1 to .10 for
static use)
o Maximum Number of Users: (set according to the desired range; for example, if the range is
from .11 to .254)
o Lease Time: (optional – use the default lease time or set your own value)
4. Apply the DHCP Settings:
o Click “Apply” or the equivalent command to activate the DHCP pool. The server is now ready
to assign IP addresses dynamically.

4. Configure the PCs for DHCP

1. Set Each PC to Use DHCP:

o Click on a PC.
o Navigate to the Desktop tab.
o Open the IP Configuration window.
o Select the DHCP option to enable dynamic IP addressing.
o Repeat this process for all four PCs.
5. Verify the DHCP Configuration and Network Connectivity

1. Check IP Address Assignment:

o On each PC, return to the IP Configuration window to confirm that an IP address has been
assigned from the DHCP pool (e.g., an IP between 192.168.1.11 and 192.168.1.254).
o Verify that the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server match the DHCP pool settings.

Test Connectivity:

 Open the Command Prompt on any PC (found under the Desktop tab).
 Ping the server’s static IP (192.168.1.2) to confirm connectivity:

ping 192.168.1.2

Ping another PC’s IP address to ensure that devices can communicate with each other
ping <other-PC-IP-address>

Post-Experiment Questions

1. Why is it important for the DHCP server to have a static IP address?

2. What might happen if the DHCP service is not properly configured?
3. How can DHCP improve network management in a dynamic environment?

Expected Outcomes

By the end of this lab, you should be able to:

 Configure a DHCP Server:

Set up a DHCP service on a dedicated server device with a static IP address.
 Assign Dynamic IP Addresses:
Demonstrate that the four PCs automatically obtain IP addresses and network settings from the
DHCP server.
 Verify Network Connectivity:
Confirm that devices receive the correct settings and can communicate with each other using
ping tests.
 Troubleshoot Basic DHCP Issues:
Identify and resolve common configuration problems related to DHCP.