INSTRUCTOR: AZIKU SAMUEL

Chapter 6:
Networks

IT Essentials (Computer Repair and Maintenance)

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 1
 Chapter 6 Objectives
 6.1 Explain the principles of networking
 6.2 Describe types of networks
 6.3 Describe basic networking concepts and technologies
 6.4 Describe the physical components of a network
 6.5 Describe LAN topologies
 6.6 Identify Ethernet standards
 6.7 Explain OSI and TCP/IP data models
 6.8 Describe how to configure a NIC and connect to a network
 6.9 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of other technologies used to
establish connectivity to the Internet
 6.10 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques used for
networks
 6.11 Troubleshoot a network

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 Principles of Networking
 Networks are systems that are formed by links.
 People use different types of networks every day:
•Mail delivery system
•Telephone system
•Public transportation system
•Corporate computer network
•The Internet

 Computers can be linked by networks to share data and

resources.
 A network can be as simple as two computers connected by
a single cable or as complex as hundreds of computers
connected to devices that control the flow of information.
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 Computer Networks
 A computer data network is a collection of hosts connected by
networking devices such as computers, printers, scanners,
smartphones, and file and print servers.
 Resources shared across networks include different types of
services, storage devices, and applications.
 Network devices link together using a variety of connections:
• Copper cabling
• Fiber-optic cabling
• Wireless connection
 Benefits from networking include:
• Fewer peripherals needed
• Increased communication capabilities
• Avoid file duplication and corruption
• Lower cost licensing
• Centralized administration
• Conservation of resources

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 Types of Networks
 LAN (Local Area Network): A group of interconnected
computers under one administrative control group that
governs the security and access control policies that are in
force on the network.
 WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): A group of
wireless devices that connect to access points within a
specified area. Access points are typically connected to the
network using copper cabling.
 PAN (Personal Area Network): Network that connects
devices, such as mice, keyboards, printers, smartphones, and
tablets within the range of an individual person. PANs are
most often connected with Bluetooth technology.

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 Types of Networks

 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Network that

spans across a large campus or a city. Consisting of
various buildings interconnected through wireless or
fiber optic backbones.
 WAN (Wide Area Network): Connections of multiple
smaller networks such as LANs that are in geographically
separated locations. The most common example of a WAN
is the Internet.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 6
 Types of Networks (Continued)
 Peer-to-peer networks: Devices which are connected
directly to each other without any additional networking
devices between them. Each device has equivalent
capabilities and responsibilities.
 Client/server networks: In a client/server model, the
client requests information or services from the server. The
server provides the requested information or service to the
client.

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 Bandwidth and Latency
 Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted within a fixed
time period.
 Bandwidth is measured in bits per second and is usually denoted by the
following:
•bps - bits per second
•Kbps - kilobits per second
•Mbps - megabits per second
•Gbps - gigabits per second

 Latency is the amount of time it takes data to travel from source to

destination.
 Data is transmitted in one of three modes:
• Simplex (Unidirectional transmission) is a single, one-way transmission.
• Half-duplex allows data to flow in one direction at a time.
• Full-duplex allows data to flow in both directions at the same time.
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 IP Addressing - IPV4
 An IP address is a unique number that is used to identify a network device and is
represented as a 32-bit binary number, divided into four octets (groups of eight
bits):
• Example: 10111110.01100100.00000101.00110110

 An IP address is also represented in a dotted decimal format.

• Example: 190.100.5.54

 When a host is configured with an IP address, it is entered as a dotted decimal

number, such as 192.168.1.5. This IP address must be unique on a network to
ensure data can be sent/received.
 IP Classes
• Class A: Large networks, implemented by large companies and some countries
• Class B: Medium-sized networks, implemented by universities
• Class C: Small networks, implemented by ISP for customer subscriptions
• Class D: Special use for multicasting
• Class E: Used for experimental testing

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 IP Addressing – IPV4

 Private Addresses - IETF reserved some Internet

address space for private networks.
 Private networks have no connection to public
networks.
 Private network addresses are not routed across
the
Internet.
 Class A - 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255
 Class B - 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255
 Class C - 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
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 Subnet Masks
 The subnet mask is used to indicate the network and the host
portion of an IP address.
 The default subnet masks for three classes of IP
addresses.
• 255.0.0.0 - Class A, which indicates that the first octet of the
IPv4 address is the network portion.
• 255.255.0.0 - Class B, which indicates that the first two octets of the
IPv4 address is the network portion.
• 255.255.255.0 - Class C, which indicates that the first three octets
of the IPv4 address is the network portion.

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 IP Addressing – IPV6
 IPv6 address - 128 bits or 32 hexadecimal values.
32 hexadecimal values are further subdivided into eight fields of four
hexadecimal values separated by colons.
 IPv6 address has a three-part hierarchy
• Global prefix, also called a site prefix, is the first three blocks of the
address.
• Subnet ID includes the fourth block of the address.
• Interface ID includes the last four blocks of the address.

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 Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP)
 DHCP automatically
provides computers with an
IP address.
 The DHCP server can
assign these to hosts:
•IP address
•Subnet mask
•Default gateway
•Domain Name System (DNS)
server address

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 Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
 Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is used by
devices on a network to send control and error messages to
computers and servers.
 PING (Packet Internet Groper) is a simple command line
utility used to test connections between computers.
•Used to determine whether a specific IP address is accessible.
•Used with either the hostname or the IP address.
•Works by sending an ICMP echo request to a destination computer.
•Receiving device sends back an ICMP echo reply message.
 Four ICMP echo requests (pings) are sent to the destination
computer to determine the reliability and reachability of the
destination computer.

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 Internet Protocols
 A protocol is a set of rules. Internet protocols govern
communication within and between computers on a network.
 Many protocols consist of a suite (or group) of protocols stacked
in
layers.
• Devices and computers connected to the Internet use a protocol suite called
TCP/IP to communicate with each other.
 The main functions of protocols:
•Identifying errors
•Compressing data
•Deciding how data is to be sent
•Addressing data
•Deciding how to announce sent and received data
• The information is transmitted most often via two protocols, TCP and
UDP.
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 TCP and UDP Protocols and Ports
 A port is a numeric identifier used to keep track of
specific conversations. Every message that a host
sends contains both a source and destination port.

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 Physical Network Components
A Modem is an electronic device that connects to the
Internet via an ISP.
 A modem converts digital data to analog signals for
transmission over a phone line.
 Internal modems plug into an expansion slot on the
motherboard.
 External modems connect to a computer through the
serial and USB ports.

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 Physical Network Components
 Network devices:
•Computers
•Hubs
•Switches
•Routers
•Wireless access points
 Network media:
•Twisted-pair copper cabling
•Fiber-optic cabling
•Radio waves

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 Network Devices
 Hub
• Extend the range of a signal by receiving then regenerating it and
sending it out all other ports.
• Allow for collisions on the network segment and are often not a good
solution.
• Also called concentrators because they serve as a central connection
point for a LAN.
 Bridges and Switches
• A bridge has the intelligence to determine if an incoming frame is to be sent
to a different segment, or dropped. A bridge has two ports.
• A switch (multiport bridge) has several ports and refers to a
table of MAC addresses to determine which port to use to forward the
frame.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• PoE switch transfers small amounts of DC current over Ethernet
cable, along with data, to power PoE devices such as Wi-Fi access
points.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 19
 Network Devices (Continued)
 Routers
• Devices that connect entire networks to each other. They use IP
addresses to forward packets to other networks.
• A router can be a computer with special network software installed
or can be a device built by network equipment manufacturers.
• Routers contain tables of IP addresses along with optimal routes to other
networks.

 Wireless Access Points (WAP)

• Provide network access to wireless devices such as laptops and PDAs.
• Use radio waves to communicate with radios in computers, PDAs,
and other wireless access points.
• Have limited range of coverage.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 20
 Network Devices (Continued)
 Multipurpose Devices
• Perform more than one function.
• More convenient to purchase and configure just one device.
• Combines the functions of a switch, a router and a wireless
access point into one device.
• The Linksys E2500 is an example of a multipurpose device.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 21
 Network Devices
Network-attached storage
(NAS)
 Consists of one or more hard
drives, an Ethernet connection,
and an embedded operating
system
 The NAS device connects to the
network, allowing users on the
network to access and share
files, stream media, and back up
data to a central location

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 22
 Network Devices

 VoIP phones - carry telephone calls over the data

networks and Internet.
 Hardware firewalls - use various techniques for
determining what is permitted or denied access to a
network segment.
 Internet appliance – web TV, game consoles, Blu-ray
players etc.
 Purchasing Authentic Networking Devices -
Computer and network problems can be related to
counterfeit components.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 23
 Coaxial Cable
 A copper-cored network cable surrounded by a heavy
shieldin.g

 Types of coaxial cable:

• Thicknet or 10Base5 - Coaxial cable that was used in
networks and operated at 10 megabits per second with a
maximum length of 500 m
• Thinnet or 10Base2 - Coaxial cable that was used in networks and
operated at 10 megabits per second with a maximum length of 185 m
•RG-59 - Most commonly used for cable television in the US
•RG-6 - Higher quality cable than RG-59 with more bandwidth
and less susceptibility to interference

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 Twisted-Pair Cabling
 A pair of twisted wires forms a circuit that transmits data.
 The twisted wires provide protection against crosstalk (electrical
noise) because of the cancellation effect.
 Pairs of copper wires are encased in color-coded plastic insulation
and twisted together.
 An outer jacket of poly-vinyl chloride
(PVC) protects the bundles of twisted
pairs.
 There are two types of this cable:
• Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP)
(Cat 3, Cat 5, 5e ,Cat 6 and Cat 7)
• Shielded twisted-pair (STP)

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 Fiber-Optic Cable
 A glass or plastic strand that transmits
information using light and is made up of one
or more optical fibers enclosed together in a
sheath or jacket.
 Not affected by electromagnetic or radio
frequency interference.
 Signals are clearer, can go farther, and have
greater bandwidth than with copper cable.
 Usually more expensive than copper cabling
and the connectors are more costly and harder to
assemble.
 Two types of glass fiber-optic cable:
Multimode and Single-mode
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 Two Types of LAN Topologies

Physical topology is the

physical layout of the
components on the
network.

Logical topology
determines how the hosts
access the medium to
communicate across the
network.

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 Logical Topologies
 The two most common types of logical topologies are
broadcast and token passing.

• Broadcast topology- A host broadcasts a message to all hosts on

the same network segment. There is no order that hosts must follow
to transmit data. Messages are sent on a First In, First Out (FIFO).
Ethernet is based on this topology.

• Token passing controls network access by passing an electronic

token sequentially to each host. When a host receives the token, it
can send data on the network. If the host has no data to send, it passes
the token to the next host and the process repeats itself.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 28
 LAN Physical Topologies
 A physical topology defines the way in which computers,
printers, and other devices are connected to a network.
 Bus
• Each computer connects to a common cable The ends of the cable
have a terminator installed to prevent signal reflections and network
errors.
• Only one computer can transmit data at a time or frames will collide and
be destroyed.
 Ring
• Hosts are connected in a physical ring or circle.
• A special frame, a token, travels around the ring, stopping at each
host to allow data transmission.
• There are two types of ring topologies:
•Single-ring and Dual-ring

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 29
 LAN Physical Topologies (Continued)
 Star
• Has a central connection point : a hub, switch, or router.
• Easy to troubleshoot, since each host is connected to the central device with its own
wire.
 Hierarchical or Extended Star Topology
• A star network with an additional networking device connected to the main
networking device to increase the size of the network.
• Used for larger networks.
 Mesh Topology
• Connects all devices to each other.
• Used in WANs that interconnect LANs. The Internet is an example of a mesh
topology.
 Hybrid
• A hybrid topology is a combination of two or more basic network
topologies, such as a star-bus, or star-ring topology. The advantage of a
hybrid topology is that it can be implemented for a number of different
network environments.
Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 30
 Standards Organizations
Name Type Standards Established

ITU Telecommunication one of the three Sectors of Standards covering all

ITU-T Standardization Sector Became ITU-T in
the International fields of
(formerly CCITT) 1992
Telecommunication Union telecommunications

Standards for the

IEEE Institute of Electrical and A non-profit, technical 1884
computer and electronics
Electronics Engineers professional association
industry

International A network of the national Promote the development

ISO Organization for standards institutes of 157 of international 1947
Standardization countries standards agreements
Oversees the technical
IAB Internet A committee; an advisory and engineering 1979; first named
Architecture body development of the ICCB
Board Internet
International Standards for all
IEC Electrotechnical Global organization electrical, electronic, and 1906
Commission related technologies

ANSI American National Private, non-profit Seeks to establish 1918

Standards organization consensus among groups
Institute
Telecommunications After the
TIA/EIA Industry Association / Trade associations Standards for voice and deregulation of the
Electronic Industries data wiring for LANs U.S.
Alliance telephone 31
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 Ethernet Standards

 Ethernet protocols describe the rules that control how

communication occurs on an Ethernet network.
 IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard specifies that a network
implement the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with
Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) access control
method.
 In CSMA/CD, all end stations "listen" to the network
wire for clearance to send data. When the end station
detects that no other host is transmitting, the end station
will attempt to send data. Unfortunately collisions might
occur.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 32
 Ethernet Technologies
 10BASE-T
• An Ethernet technology that uses a star topology.
• The ten (10) represents a speed of 10 Mbps, the BASE
represents baseband transmission and the T represents
twisted-pair cabling.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 33
 Wireless Ethernet Standards
 IEEE 802.11 is the standard that specifies connectivity for
wireless networks.
 Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), refers to the 802.11 family
•802.11 (the original specification)
•802.11a
•802.11b
•802.11g
•802.11n
 These protocols specify the frequencies, speeds, and other
capabilities of the different Wi-Fi standards.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 34
 Wireless Ethernet Standards
Bandwidth Frequency Range Interoperability

Not interoperable with

100 feet
802.11a Up to 54 Mbps 5 GHz band
(30 meters)
802.11b, 802.11g, or
802.11n

100 feet Interoperable with

802.11b Up to 11 Mbps 2.4 GHz band
(30 meters) 802.11g

100 feet Interoperable with

802.11g Up to 54 Mbps 2.4 GHz band
(30 meters) 802.11b

164 feet Interoperable with

802.11n Up to 540 Mbps 2.4 GHz band
(50 meters) 802.11b and 802.11g

2.4 GHz band

802.15.1 Up to 2 Mbps or 5 GHz
30 feet Not interoperable with
Bluetooth (10 meters) any other 802.11
band
Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 35
 The TCP/IP Reference Model
 Frame of reference used to develop the Internet's protocols.
 Consists of layers that perform functions necessary to
prepare data for transmission over a network.

Description Protocols

Application Provides network services to user HTTP, HTML, Telnet,

applications FTP, SMTP, DNS

Transport Provides end-to-end management of data TCP, UDP

and divides data into segments

Internet Provides connectivity between hosts in the IP, ICMP, RIP, ARP
network. IP addressing and routing here.

Network Where Mac addressing and physical

Access components exist

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 36
 The OSI Model
 The OSI model is an industry standard framework that is
used to divide network communications into seven layers.
 Although other models exist, most network vendors
today build their products using this framework.
 A protocol stack is a system that implements protocol
behavior using a series of layers.
• Protocol stacks can be implemented either in hardware or
software, or in a combination of both.
• Typically, only the lower layers are implemented in hardware,
and the higher layers are implemented in software.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 37
 The OSI Model
Layer Description
Application 7 Responsible for network services to applications

Presentation 6 Transforms data formats to provide a standard interface

for the Application layer

Session 5 Establishes, manages and terminates the connections

between the local and remote application

Transport 4 Provides reliable transport and flow control across a

network
Responsible for logical addressing and the domain of
Network 3
routing

Data Link 2 Provides physical addressing and media access

procedures

Physical 1 Defines all the electrical and physical specifications for

devices

Remember the OSI layers with this mnemonic:

"Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away"
Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 38
 Compare OSI and TCP/IP Models

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 Selecting a NIC

 Most network interfaces for desktop computers are

either integrated into the motherboard or are an
expansion card that fits into an expansion slot.
 Most laptop network interfaces are either integrated into the
motherboard or fit into a PC Card or ExpressBus expansion
slot.
 USB network adapters plug into a USB port and can be used
with both desktops and laptops.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 40
 Install or Update a NIC Driver
 Manufacturers publish new driver software for NICs.
• May enhance the functionality of the NIC.
• May be needed for operating system compatibility.

 When installing a new driver manually, disable the virus

protection and close all applications.
 Select Start > Control Panel > Device Manager
 If a new NIC driver does not perform as expected after it
has been installed, the driver can be uninstalled, or rolled
back, to the previous driver.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 41
 Configure the NIC

 Every NIC must be configured with the following

information:
• Protocols
• IP address
• MAC address

 Alternate IP configuration in Windows simplifies moving

between a network that requires using DHCP and a network
that uses static IP settings. Windows uses the alternate IP
configuration assigned to the NIC if no access to DHCP

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 42
 Advanced NIC Settings
Duplex and Speed
 Duplex and speed settings for a NIC can slow down data transfer
rates on a computer if they are not matched with the device to
which they are connected.
Wake on LAN
 WoL settings are used to wake up a networked computer from
a very low power mode state.
Quality of Service
 QoS, also called 802.1q QoS, is a variety of techniques that
control the flow of network traffic, improve transmission speeds,
and improve real-time communications traffic.
Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 43
 Connecting to the Router

 After connecting the network cable, activity should be

verified by looking at the LEDs.
 Set the network location.
Log into the router via web
browser using 192.168.1.1.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 44
 Basic Router Setup
 It is good practice to change the following default
settings:
• Router Name
• Network Device Access Permissions
• Basic QoS

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 45
 Basic Wireless Settings
 Configure basic settings to secure and increase the
speed of the wireless network:
• Network mode - A mixed-mode allows 802.11b, 802.11g,
and 802.11n devices.
• Service Set Identifier (SSID) - The name of the wireless
network.
• Channel - 1 and 11 do not overlap with the default channel
6. Use one of these three channels for best results.
• Wireless security modes
•Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
•Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)
• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
•Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
•Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 46
 Testing Connectivity

 Use Windows GUI

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 Testing Connectivity

 Using Windows CLI

• Ipconfig – displays basic configuration for all network adapters.
• Ping – tests basic connectivity between devices.
• Net commands – manage network computers, servers, and
resources.
• Tracert – trace the routes that packets take from your computer to a
destination host.
• Nslookup – tests and troubleshoots DNS servers.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 48
 Selecting an ISP
 Four main considerations:
• Cost
• Speed
• Reliability
• Availability

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 49
 Preventive Maintenance for Networks
 Common preventive maintenance techniques should continually
be performed for a network to operate properly.
• Keep network rooms clean and change air filters often.
• Checking the various components of a network for wear.
• Check the condition of network cables because they are often moved,
unplugged, and kicked.
• Label the cables to save troubleshooting time later. Refer to wiring diagrams
and always follow your company's cable labeling guidelines.
• The uninterruptible power supply (UPS) should be tested to ensure
that you have power in the case of an outage.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 50
 Troubleshooting for Networks
Step 1 Identify the problem
Step 2 Establish a theory of probable causes
Step 3 Test the Theory to Determine cause
Step 4 Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve the Problem
and Implement the Solution
Step 5 Verify Full System Functionality and Implement
Preventative Measures
Step 6 Document Findings, Actions, and Outcomes

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 51
 Step 1- Identify the Problem
 System Information
• Manufacturer, model, OS, network environment, connection type
 Open-ended questions
• What problems are you experiencing with your computer or network device?
• What software has been changed recently on your computer?
• What were you doing when the problem was identified?
• What error messages have you received?
• What type of network connection is the computer using?
 Closed-ended questions
• Has anyone else used your computer recently?
• Can you see any shared files or printers?
• Have you changed your password recently?
• Can you access the Internet?
• Are you currently logged into the network?

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 52
 Step 2 - Establish a Theory of Probable
Causes
 Create a list of the most common reasons why the error would occur and
list the easiest or most obvious causes at the top with the more complex
causes at the bottom.
• Loose cable connections
• Improperly installed NIC
• ISP is down
• Low wireless signal strength
• Invalid IP address

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 53
Step 3 - Test the Theory to Determine cause
 Testing your theories of probable causes one at a time, starting with
the quickest and easiest.
• Check that all cables are connected to the proper locations.
• Disconnect and then reconnect cables and connectors.
• Reboot the computer or network device.
• Login as a different user.
• Repair or re-enable the network connection.
• Contact the network administrator.
• Ping your default gateway.
• Access remote web pages.
 If exact cause of the problem has not been determined after you have tested
all your theories, establish a new theory of probable causes and test it.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 54
Step 4 - Establish a Plan of Action to Resolve
the Problem and Implement the Solution
 Sometimes quick procedures can determine the exact
cause of the problem or even correct the problem.
 If a quick procedure does not correct the problem, you
might need to research the problem further to establish the
exact cause.
 Divide larger problems into smaller problems that can be
analyzed and solved individually.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 55
 Step 5 - Verify Full System Functionality and
Implement Preventative Measures

 Verifying full system functionality and implement any

preventive measures if needed.
 Ipconfig /all is used to display IP Address information.
 Ping is used to check network connectivity.
 Nslookup is used to query Internet domain name server.
 Tracert is used to determine the route taken by packets when they
travel across the network.
 Net View is used to display a list of computers in a workgroup.

 Have the customer verify the solution and system

functionality.

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 Step 6 - Document Findings, Actions,
and Outcomes
 Discuss the solution with the customer.
 Have the customer confirm that the problem has been
solved.
 Document the process.
• Problem description
• Solution
• Components used
• Amount of time spent in solving the problem

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 Chapter 6 Summary
 A computer network is composed of two or more computers that
share data and resources.
 A Local Area Network (LAN) refers to a group of interconnected
computers that are under the same administrative control.
 A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that connects LANs in
geographically separated locations.
 In a peer-to-peer network, devices are connected directly to each other.
A peer-to-peer network is easy to install, and no additional equipment
or dedicated administrator is required. Users control their own
resources, and a network works best with a small number of
computers. A client/server network uses a dedicated system that
functions as the server. The server responds to requests made by users
or clients connected to the network.

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 Chapter 6 Summary (Continued)
 A LAN uses a direct connection from one computer to another. It is
suitable for a small area, such as in a home, building, or school. A WAN
uses point-to-point or point-to-multipoint, serial communications lines
to communicate over greater distances. A WLAN uses wireless
technology to connect devices together.
 The network topology defines the way in which computers, printers,
and other devices are connected. Logical topology describes how the
hosts access the medium and communicate on the network. Physical
topology describes the layout of the wire and devices, as well as the
paths used by data transmissions.. Topologies include bus, star, ring,
and mesh.
 Networking devices are used to connect computers and peripheral
devices so that they can communicate. These include hubs, bridges,
switches, routers, and multipurpose devices. The type of device
implemented depends on the type of network.

Presentation_ID © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential 59
 Chapter 6 Summary (Continued)
 Networking media can be defined as the means by which signals, or
data, are sent from one computer to another. Signals can be transmitted
either by cable or wireless means. The media types discussed were
coaxial, twisted-pair, fiber-optic cabling, and radio frequencies.
 Ethernet is now the most popular type of LAN technology. The
Ethernet architecture is based on the IEEE 802.3 standard. The IEEE
802.3 standard specifies that a network implement the CSMA/CD
access control method.
 The OSI reference model is an industry standard framework that is used
to divide the functions of networking into seven distinct layers. These
layers include Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network,
Data Link, and Physical. It is important to understand the purpose of
each layer.

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 Chapter 6 Summary (Continued)
 The TCP/IP suite of protocols has become the dominant standard for
the Internet. TCP/IP represents a set of public standards that specify
how packets of information are exchanged between computers over
one or more networks.
 A NIC is a device that plugs into a motherboard and provides ports for
the network cable connections. It is the computer interface with the
LAN.
 A modem is an electronic device that is used for computer
communications through telephone lines. It allows data transfer
between one computer and another. The modem converts byte-
oriented data to serial bit streams.

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 Chapter 6 Summary (Continued)
 The three transmission methods to sending signals over data channels
are simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex. Full-duplex networking
technology increases performance because data can be sent and
received at the same time. DSL, two-way cable modem, and other
broadband technologies operate in full-duplex mode.
 Network devices and media, such as computer components, must be
maintained. It is important to clean equipment regularly and use a
proactive approach to prevent problems. Repair or replace broken
equipment to prevent downtime.
 When troubleshooting network problems, listen to what your
customer tells you so that you can formulate open-ended and
closed-ended questions that will help you determine where to
begin fixing the problem. Verify obvious issues and try quick
solutions before escalating the troubleshooting process.

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