Lab Manual 05: TCP Three-Way Handshake
Analysis using Cisco Packet Tracer
Objective
1. Set up a network with one multiserver and three clients (Web Client, Email Client, DNS
Client).
2. Configure IP addresses and services on each device using DHCP, DNS, Web, and Email.
3. Analyze the TCP three-way handshake for communication between the clients and the
server.
TCP Three-Way Handshake
The TCP three-way handshake is a process to establish a reliable connection between a client
and a server. It involves three steps:
1. SYN (Synchronize): The client sends a SYN packet to the server to initiate a connection.
2. SYN-ACK (Synchronize-Acknowledge): The server responds with a SYN-ACK packet,
acknowledging the client’s request.
3. ACK (Acknowledge): The client responds with an ACK packet, establishing the
connection.
Lab Requirements
1. Cisco Packet Tracer
2. Multiserver: Configured to handle Web, Email, DNS, and DHCP services.
3. Clients: Three clients for accessing Web, Email, and DNS services.
4. Switches: To connect devices in the network.
Network Topology
Multiserver: Provides Web, Email, DNS, and DHCP services.
Clients: Three clients configured for Web, Email, and DNS access.
Switches: Connect devices in a star topology.
Steps to Configure IP and Services
1. Add Devices to the Workspace:
o Add one Server to act as the multiserver.
o Add three PCs as clients.
o Add one Switch to connect all devices (or multiple switches if desired).
2. Enable and Configure DNS Service:
o Go to the DNS section in the Services tab on the server.
o Add records, for example:
webserver.com → 192.168.1.10 (Web Service IP)
mailserver.com → 192.168.1.10 (Email Service IP)
o Save the entries.
3. Enable Web and Email Services:
o Web Service (HTTP): Go to Services > HTTP > Turn the HTTP service “On.”
4. Connect Devices with Switches:
o Use straight-through cables to connect each client and the server to the switch.
o Verify connectivity by pinging between clients and the server.
5. Analyze the TCP Three-Way Handshake:
o Switch to Simulation Mode in Cisco Packet Tracer.
o Initiate communication from a client to the server (e.g., Web Client accessing the
server’s web page).
o Capture packets to observe the TCP handshake, looking for the SYN, SYN-ACK,
and ACK packets.
Lab Tasks
Task 1: Configure DHCP and DNS Services for Web Access
1. Set up DNS on the server to provide IP addresses and resolve domain names.
2. On the Web Client, open a browser and enter the URL (e.g., webserver.com).
3. In Simulation Mode, capture and observe the TCP handshake packets for the web
request.
Task 2: Configure and Access an Email Server
1. Configure the Email service on the multiserver.
2. Set up an Email Client with a unique email address.
3. Send a test email from the Email Client to itself or another client to observe the TCP
handshake for the email connection in Simulation Mode.
