Laboratory Experiment # 1

Department of Computer Science

BS Software Engineering
SE-3001L (Computer Networks)

Spring 2023

Objectives

 Introduction of Computer Network Elements

 Understanding the types of Computer Networks
 Understanding the types of Computer Networks Models / Architectures
 Introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer (Simulation Software Package)
 Basic Network Topologies for connecting to peers and check the connectivity status
Computer Network:
A computer network is a system that connects numerous independent computers in order to
share information (data) and resources. The integration of computers and other different
devices allows users to communicate more easily.

A computer network is a collection of two or more computer systems that are linked together.
A network connection can be established using either cable or wireless media. Hardware and
software are used to connect computers and tools in any network.

A computer network consists of various kinds of nodes. Servers, networking hardware,

personal computers, and other specialized or general-purpose hosts can all be nodes in a
computer network. Hostnames and network addresses are used to identify them.

1. Graphical Representation of a Computer Network.

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Computer Network Elements
Network Elements refers to the elements a network mostly comprises of the basic elements
of a computer network consists of the hardware, software, and protocols. The
interrelationship of these basic network elements consists of the entire infrastructure of the
computer network. The overall list of the network equipment’s could be much longer but the
basic computer network elements are as follows:
1. Routers
2. Switches
3. Hubs
4. Network Interface Card (NIC)
5. Cables (Copper, Optical Fiber etc.)
Routers:
In packet-switched networks such as the Internet, a router is a device that determines the
next network point to which a packet should be forwarded toward its destination.
Router has two main functions: Routing and Forwarding.
Switch:
In a telecommunications network, a switch is a device that channels incoming data from any
of multiple input ports to the specific output port that will take the data toward its intended
destination.
Hub:
A hub is a common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are commonly used to
connect segments of a LAN. A hub contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port,
it is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see all packets.
NIC (Network Interface Card):
A network interface card (NIC) is a circuit board or card that is installed in a computer so that
it can be connected to a network. A network interface card provides the computer with a
dedicated, full-time connection to a network. Personal computers and workstations on a local
area network (LAN) typically contain a network interface card specifically designed for the
LAN transmission technology.
Network Types:
Types of Computer Networks.

 LAN(Local Area Network)

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  MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
 WAN(Wide Area Network)
 PAN(Personal Area Network)

LAN (Local Area Network):

A local area network is a network that connects Local Area Network (LAN) computers and
device in a limited geographical area such as a home, school computer laboratory, office
building.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a high speed Metropolitan Area network that connects
local area networks in a Network (MAN) metropolitan area such as city or town and handles
bulk of communication activity across the region A MAN typically includes one or more LAN
but covers a smaller geographic area than a WAN.
WAN (Wide Area Network):
A wide area network is a network that covers a large Wide Area Network geographical area
such country or the world (WAN) WAN combines many types of media such as telephone
lines, cables and radio wave. A WAN can be one large network or can consist of two or more
LANs connected together. The internet is the world’s largest WAN.
Network Architecture

Network architecture refers to the design and organization of computer networks. It

encompasses the hardware, software, protocols, and communication methods used to
connect devices in a network and enable data transfer between them. It mainly focuses on
the functionality and the strategic techniques used to setup a computer network. It is also
referred as a network design or a network model. The two common types of network
architecture include:
1. Server-Client Architecture/Model
2. Peer-to-Peer Architecture/Model

1) Server-Client Architecture/Model

In this architecture/model, there is a central server that provides services or resources to

multiple clients. The server manages and controls access to the resources and handles tasks
such as authentication and data management. This architecture/model is commonly used in
business networks.

2) Peer-to-Peer Architecture/Model

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In this architecture, there are no dedicated servers or clients. Instead, all devices in the
network are equal and can act as both a server and a client. Each device shares its resources
with other devices and can access resources shared by other devices. This architecture is
commonly used in small networks, such as home networks.

Introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool developed by Cisco Systems. It allows users
to simulate network configurations and troubleshoot issues in a virtual environment.
Packet Tracer supports a wide range of network devices and protocols, including routers,
switches, firewalls, and wireless access points. It provides a graphical interface for designing
and configuring networks, as well as a command-line interface for more advanced
configurations.

Packet Tracer also includes a variety of pre-built network topologies and labs, as well as a
library of network devices and tools. These resources can be used to practice and test various
networking concepts and scenarios. In addition to its simulation capabilities, Packet Tracer
also supports collaboration and sharing, allowing users to work together on network projects
and share their configurations with others.

Packet Tracer is commonly used by students, educators, and network professionals to learn
and practice networking concepts and configurations. It is available for free download on the
Cisco Networking Academy website.

Installation of Cisco Packet Tracer.

Following are the steps required to install Cisco Packet Tracer on your computer:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Netacad using any web browser.

Step 2: Press the login button and select login option.

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Step 3: Next screen will appear, click on the sign-up option.

Step 4: Next screen will appear and will ask for email and password and other simple details,
fill them and click on Register.

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Step 5: Now the login screen appears again so fill in the Email id.

Step 6: On the next screen enter the password and press the Login button .

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Step 7: Dashboard will initialize, now click on Resources and choose Download Packet
Tracer Option.

Step 8: On the next web page choose the operating system to download the packet tracer.
Downloading will start automatically.

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Step 9: Check for the executable file in your system and run it.

Step 10: Next screen is of License Agreement so Click on I accept the license.

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Step 11: Choose the installing location which has sufficient space.

Step 12: Select the start menu folder and click the Next button.

Step 13: Check the box for creating a desktop icon and click on the Next button.

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Step 14: Now packet tracer is ready to install so click on the Install button.

Step 15: The installation process will start and will hardly take a minute.

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Step 16: Click on the Finish button to complete the installation.

Step 17: An icon is created on the desktop so run it.

Step 18: Interface is initialized and the software is ready to use.

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We will use Packet tracer version 7.2 or above.
Brief completely in Lab about Cisco Packet Tracer working environment.
TASK 01:

 Connect two peers and check basic connectivity?

Configurations:

 Make the given topology in Cisco packet tracer and configure each PC as given
below.
 Click on PC  DesktopIP configuration.
 Assign given IP address and subnet mask in the respected fields.

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To Check Connectivity:

 Click on PC  DesktopCommand prompt.

 Write ping 192.168.1.2

***END***

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