Networking Lab Experiments Summary
Experiment 1: Networking Equipment and Cables
Aim:
To study various physical networking equipment: NIC, cables (coaxial, twisted pair, fiber optic), and
connectors.
Learning Objective:
Identify and understand physical devices and media used in a network.
1. Computer Network
- Interconnected devices that share resources.
- Uses cables (coaxial, twisted pair, fiber optic) or wireless media.
- Benefits: Resource sharing, high reliability, cost-saving.
2. Network Components
2.1 Server
- File Server, Print Server, Disk Server
2.2 Workstation
- End-user device with NIC
2.3 NIC (Network Interface Card)
- Data transfer, signal conversion, MAC addressing
3. Network Cables
Networking Lab Experiments Summary
3.1 Coaxial Cable: Thicknet (RG-11), Thinnet (RG-58), BNC connectors
3.2 Twisted Pair: UTP (Cat5/Cat6), STP, RJ45 connector
3.3 Fiber Optic: Single-mode, Multimode
4. Connectors
- BNC, RJ45, SC/LC/ST (Fiber)
Experiment 2: Internetworking Devices
Aim:
To demonstrate and study internetworking devices in a network: Repeater, Bridge, Router, Gateway, Hub,
Switch.
Learning Objective:
Understand purpose and functionality of various internetworking devices.
1. Repeater: Amplifies signals, extends distance (Layer 1)
2. Bridge: Connects/filter segments (Layer 2)
3. Router: Connects networks, routes packets (Layer 3)
4. Gateway: Protocol conversion, operates at any OSI layer
5. Hub: Broadcasts data (Passive, Active, Intelligent)
6. Switch: Forwards based on MAC, reduces collisions (Layer 2)
Experiment 3: Basic Networking Commands
Networking Lab Experiments Summary
Aim:
To study basic networking commands.
Learning Objective:
Familiarity with commands used in diagnosing/managing network connections.
1. hostname: Shows system name and IP
2. ipconfig/ifconfig: IP address and configuration info
3. ping: Test network connectivity
4. host: Resolve domain to IP
5. telnet: Connect to remote host/port
6. ftp: File transfer between systems
7. net: Network services, users
8. arp: View/edit ARP cache (IP MAC)
9. winipcfg: GUI IP config (older Windows)
10. nslookup: DNS records
11. netstat: Show network connections and ports
Experiment 4: Cisco Packet Tracer Installation & Interface
Aim:
Install Cisco Packet Tracer and understand interface.
Learning Objective:
Gain hands-on experience with installation and launching.
Networking Lab Experiments Summary
Steps:
1. Download from: https://skillsforall.com/resources/lab-downloads
2. Install based on OS (Windows/Linux/macOS)
3. Launch, login with 'Skills for All' account
4. Explore tools for topology design and simulation
Experiment 5: Design and Simulation of Star and Bus Topology
Aim:
Simulate star and bus topologies in Cisco Packet Tracer.
Learning Objective:
Understand design and data flow behavior in topologies.
Star Topology:
- 4 PCs connected to Hub/Switch with straight cables
- Assign IPs (e.g., 192.168.1.x)
- Use ping/PDU to observe traffic
Bus Topology:
- 6 PCs connected via Hub with cross/straight cables
- Assign IPs, test with ping
- Observe data collision and broadcasting