Data Communication Practical (2)
Data Communication Practical (2)
1. Straight-Through Cable
o Definition: Uses the same wiring standard (T568A or T568B) on both ends.
o Use Case: Connects different devices (e.g., computer to switch/router).
2. Crossover Cable
o Definition: One end follows T568A, the other T568B.
o Use Case: Connects similar devices (e.g., computer to computer, switch to
switch).
Understand network cabling basics, differentiate between cable types, and gain hands-on
experience in creating and testing cables for proper network connections.
1. Ethernet Cables (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a): Twisted-pair cables for data transmission,
varying in speed and crosstalk reduction.
2. RJ45 Connectors: 8-pin connectors for Ethernet cable termination, enabling device
connections.
3. Crimping Tool: Secures RJ45 connectors by pressing pins into cable wires.
4. Cable Stripper/Cutter: Strips Ethernet cable insulation for proper wire arrangement.
5. Cable Tester: Checks Ethernet cable functionality, detecting faults like miswiring.
Methodology:
Steps for Cable Construction:
Straight-Through Cable:
1. Strip Jacket: Remove 1–2 inches of outer insulation without damaging wires.
2. Untwist & Arrange Wires: Follow T568A or T568B (same on both ends).
o T568B Order: Orange/White, Orange, Green/White, Blue, Blue/White,
Green, Brown/White, Brown.
3. Trim Wires: Cut evenly, leaving 0.5 inches exposed.
4. Insert into RJ45: Ensure correct slot alignment and firm placement.
5. Crimp Connector: Use a crimping tool to secure wires.
6. Repeat for Other End: Match the chosen wiring standard.
Crossover Cable:
Figures:
Observations and Results:
Observation:
1. Testing Process
Continuity Test: Cables were tested using a cable tester. Both ends were connected
to check wire continuity and alignment.
LED Indicators: Verified correct wiring (T568A or T568B) through LED signals.
Result:
Discussion:
Straight-through uses the same standard on both ends for connecting different devices
(PC to switch), while crossover has T568A on one end and T568B on the other for
similar devices (PC to PC). Correct cable selection ensures proper Tx/Rx alignment,
though Auto-MDI/MDIX reduces dependency. Hands-on practice reinforced wiring
precision, crimping, testing, and troubleshooting.
Conclusion:
Network cabling is fundamental for stable and efficient communication in networking.
Practical-2
Setup of Cisco Packet Tracer:
Introduction:
Cisco Packet Tracer is a cost-effective network simulator for virtual design,
configuration, and troubleshooting, supporting various devices and protocols. It aids
CCNA preparation, simulates real-world scenarios, and provides instant error analysis.
Download:
Steps to Download Cisco Packet Tracer
Setting Up an Account:
Steps to Create a Cisco Account
Installation Process:
1. Locate Installation File:
2. Run Installer:
o Double-click to start installation, allow permissions if prompted.
3. Follow Prompts:
Conclusion:
Cisco Packet Tracer was installed and set up, enabling hands-on network design,
configuration, and troubleshooting.
Practical-3
Setup P2P and Client Server Network and verifying it, using Cisco
Packet Tracer:
Introduction:
Networking enables seamless device communication. This practical explores P2P and
Client-Server models, focusing on setup, configuration, and connectivity testing.
Practical Objectives:
2. Basic IP Addressing:
IP Address: Unique 32-bit identifier (IPv4) with Network & Host ID (e.g.,
192.168.1.1).
Why IPv4? Common in small networks, uses private IP ranges (e.g.,
192.168.x.x).
Methodology:
P2P Network Setup:
Result:
Discussion:
P2P vs. Client-Server: P2P allows direct device communication with static IPs, suited
for small networks and local file sharing. Client-server uses a centralized model with
DHCP, scaling efficiently for large networks with centralized resource access. P2P is
used in LAN gaming and file sharing, while client-server supports corporate networks,
web hosting, and cloud storage.
Conclusion:
P2P suits small, informal setups, while Client-Server is ideal for scalable, structured
networks.
Practical-4
Observing IP address and MAC address using commands in
command prompt, setting IP address and default gateway in PC,
using Cisco Packet Tracer:
Introduction:
Use ipconfig & getmac to check IP/MAC, set static IPs for servers, and configure
gateways for inter-network communication. Simulate in Packet Tracer, then
troubleshoot with ping & tracert to verify connectivity.
Methodology:
Steps:
1. Observe IP/MAC:
o Open Command Prompt (cmd), run ipconfig /all.
2. Set IP/Gateway:
o In Packet Tracer, configure IP: 192.168.1.10, Subnet: 255.255.255.0,
Gateway: 192.168.1.1.
3. Verify Changes:
o Run ipconfig to confirm settings.
4. Configure in Packet Tracer:
o Connect PC, Switch, Router, set Router IP to 192.168.1.1.
5. Test Connectivity:
o Ping 192.168.1.1 to confirm connection.
Figures:
Observations:
IP & MAC Address Check: ipconfig /all displayed the assigned IP, subnet mask
(255.255.255.0), default gateway (e.g., 192.168.1.1), and MAC address.
IP & Gateway Configuration: A static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10) and gateway
(192.168.1.1) were set in Cisco Packet Tracer, verified using ipconfig.
Connectivity Test: A successful ping 192.168.1.1 confirmed proper
communication with the router.
Results: Network settings were correctly applied, verified, and functional, ensuring
seamless connectivity.
Discussion:
This practical covered IP/MAC observation, static IP setup, and connectivity testing
using Cisco Packet Tracer and Command Prompt. Proper configuration ensured seamless
communication, reinforcing key networking skills.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
In this practical, we configure a simple network with a HUB in Cisco Packet Tracer to
observe data flow and understand basic networking concepts. It highlights HUBs'
broadcast nature and limitations in modern networking.
Methodology:
3. Verifying Connections:
While pinging, observe the HUB broadcasting packets to all connected devices.
Monitor packet details (source, destination) in the Simulation Panel.
Figures:
Observations:
1. Network Setup: HUB connected multiple PCs, each with a unique IP.
2. Data Transmission: HUB broadcasted packets to all devices, not just the
recipient.
3. Impact: Non-target PCs ignored packets; collisions caused delays.
4. Traffic Simulation: Simulation confirmed successful but inefficient
communication.
5. HUB Limitations:
o Bandwidth Sharing: Slower performance.
o Collisions: Frequent retransmissions.
o Security Risk: Data visible to all.
6. Comparison: Unlike switches/routers, HUB lacks intelligent data forwarding.
Results:
HUB's inefficiency, collisions, and security risks highlight the need for advanced
networking devices.
Discussion:
Conclusion:
HUBs cause congestion, collisions, and security risks, making them unsuitable for
modern networks compared to switches and routers.
Practical-6
Introduction:
This practical configures a network using a Switch in Cisco Packet Tracer. Unlike a
HUB, the Switch forwards data only to the intended recipient, improving efficiency,
reducing collisions, and enhancing performance.
Methodology:
1. Network Setup:
o Create a project in Packet Tracer, add a Switch and 3 PCs, connect with
Ethernet cables.
2. IP Configuration:
o Assign IPs:
PC1: 192.168.2.1/255.255.255.0
PC2: 192.168.2.2/255.255.255.0
PC3: 192.168.2.3/255.255.255.0
3. Connectivity Test:
o Use ping (e.g., ping 192.168.2.2 from PC1).
4. Switch Observation:
o Enable Simulation Mode, observe MAC forwarding.
o Check MAC table with show mac-address-table.
o
5. Efficiency:
o Verify collision-free forwarding, compare with Hub.
6. Troubleshooting:
o Ensure correct IP configuration and cable connections, re-test.
Figures:
Observations:
Switch efficiently transmits data to intended recipients using a MAC address table,
preventing collisions and ensuring security. It optimizes bandwidth, reduces congestion,
and allows connectivity verification via ping tests.
Results:
Discussion:
This practical demonstrated a switch's superiority over a HUB, with efficient data
forwarding, collision-free communication, and enhanced security. Switches learn MAC
addresses for intelligent traffic management, ensuring scalability and reliability.
Conclusion:
The experiment demonstrated the switch's ability to efficiently manage network traffic,
prevent collisions, and enhance security, making it a vital component in modern networks.
Practical-7
Configuration of network using Router and observing the
working of DHCP, Using Cisco Packet Tracer:
Introduction:
This practical demonstrates configuring a router as a DHCP server in Cisco Packet Tracer
to automatically assign IP addresses, simplifying network management and preventing IP
conflicts. It highlights the router's role in directing data and automating IP allocation.
Methodology:
1. Network Setup:
o Open Cisco Packet Tracer, create a project, and add a Router (DHCP server),
Switch, and PCs.
o Connect Router's GigabitEthernet 0/0 to the Switch and the Switch to PCs
using Ethernet cables.
2. Configure Router as DHCP Server:
o Assign IP to Router's GigabitEthernet 0/0:
o Router> enable
o Router# configure terminal
o Router(config)# interface GigabitEthernet 0/0
o Router(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
o Router(config-if)# no shutdown
3. Enable DHCP:
o Configure DHCP pool:
o Router(config)# ip dhcp pool LAN
o Router(dhcp-config)# network 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0
o Router(dhcp-config)# default-router 192.168.1.1
o Router(dhcp-config)# dns-server 8.8.8.8
o Exclude reserved addresses:
o Router(config)# ip dhcp excluded-address 192.168.1.1
4. Configure PCs for DHCP:
o Set each PC's IP configuration to DHCP to receive IP from the Router.
5. Test Connectivity:
o Verify IPs using ipconfig and run ping tests between PCs and the Router
(192.168.1.1).
6. Observe DHCP Process in Simulation Mode:
o Watch the DHCP Discover, Offer, Request, and Acknowledge process.
7. Troubleshooting:
o Ensure the router’s interface is active, check cable connections, and verify PCs
are set to DHCP.
Figures:
Observations:
Results:
Discussion:
DHCP Efficiency: DHCP automates IP address assignment, reducing manual
configuration and providing necessary network settings (IP, subnet, gateway,
DNS).
DHCP Discovery: The four-step process (Discover, Offer, Request,
Acknowledge) ensures smooth client-server interaction for IP assignment.
Error Prevention: Excluding reserved addresses prevents IP conflicts.
Router as DHCP Server: The router manages dynamic IP allocation and routes
data, verified using the show ip dhcp binding command.
Large Networks: DHCP simplifies IP management in large, dynamic networks.
Connectivity: Ping tests confirmed proper network setup with minimal delays.
Static vs. Dynamic IPs: DHCP offers scalability and automation, unlike static IP
configuration.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
This practical sets up a DHCP server in Cisco Packet Tracer for automatic IP assignment,
including pools, gateways, and DNS. It also covers verification, lease management, and
troubleshooting.
Configure DHCP on a Cisco router with an IP pool, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS.
Verify functionality using commands, check bindings, and demonstrate IP
release/renewal. Troubleshoot issues with commands like "show ip dhcp binding"
and "debug dhcp."
Methodology:
1. Setup Network:
o Open Cisco Packet Tracer, add router, switches, and PCs.
o Connect devices using straight-through cables.
2. Configure DHCP Server:
o Access router CLI: enable, configure terminal.
o Define DHCP pool: ip dhcp pool <pool_name>, network <network_address>
<subnet_mask>, default-router <gateway>, dns-server <dns>.
o Exclude IPs for static devices: ip dhcp excluded-address <start_ip> <end_ip>.
3. Verify Configuration:
o Check settings: show running-config, show ip dhcp binding.
4. Test DHCP:
o Configure PCs to use DHCP: Desktop → IP Configuration → DHCP.
o Verify with ipconfig in Command Prompt.
5. Release/Renew IP:
o Release: ipconfig /release.
o Renew: ipconfig /renew.
o Verify new IP with ipconfig.
6. Troubleshoot:
o Check binding table: show ip dhcp binding.
o Debug: debug dhcp detail.
o Resolve issues like misconfigurations or conflicts.
Figures:
Observations:
DHCP server correctly allocated IPs, subnet, gateway, and DNS, with successful
release/renewal. Binding verification showed MAC-IP pairs and lease times in the
DHCP table.
Results:
Discussion:
DHCP automates IP allocation for scalability, reducing manual work and conflicts.
Proper configuration of IP pools, gateways, and DNS ensures smooth operation with
efficient lease management.
Conclusion:
DHCP automates network management, essential for all network sizes, with future
improvements possible in failover configurations.
Practical-9
Configuration of FTP, HTTP, DNS and e-mail server, Using Cisco
Packet Tracer:
Introduction:
This practical focuses on configuring FTP, HTTP, DNS, and Email servers in Cisco
Packet Tracer, simulating their functionality within a LAN environment. It highlights
their importance in file transfers, website hosting, domain resolution, and email
communication in real-world networking.
Software:
Methodology:
Add and connect devices: Server (for FTP, HTTP, DNS, Email), switches, and
client PCs.
Assign static IP to the server, dynamic IP for clients.
Step 7: Troubleshooting
Ping for connectivity, verify configurations, use Packet Tracer’s simulation tools.
Figures:
1. FTP Server:
3. DNS Server:
Observations:
FTP server enabled file transfers with secure authentication, HTTP hosted a
webpage, DNS resolved domain names, and email service allowed successful
sending/receiving of emails.
Results:
FTP enabled successful file transfers, HTTP displayed content via IP/domain,
DNS resolved domain names to IPs, and email functionality was confirmed with
successful sending/receiving.
Discussion:
This practical covered FTP, HTTP, DNS, and Email server setup in Cisco Packet Tracer,
highlighting their roles in file sharing, web hosting, domain resolution, and
communication.
Conclusion:
All services (FTP, HTTP, DNS, Email) were configured and tested successfully in Cisco
Packet Tracer.
Practical-10
Static routing and Dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP),
Using Cisco Packet Tracer:
Introduction:
This practical involves configuring static and dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP) in
Cisco Packet Tracer to simulate real-world network scenarios. Static routing uses manual
path setup, while dynamic routing adapts automatically to network changes, enhancing traffic
management.
Configured and tested static routes for manual path selection and dynamic protocols
(RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP) for automatic route sharing. Analyzed routing tables to
understand route learning and maintenance.
Methodology:
1. Add Devices: Place routers (2+ for static, 3+ for dynamic), optional switches, and
PCs/laptops.
2. IP Addressing: Assign static IPs to router interfaces and PCs (manual/DHCP).
1. Configuration:
o ip route <destination_network> <subnet_mask> <next_hop_ip> on all
routers.
2. Verification:
o show ip route, ping <destination_ip>, traceroute <destination_ip>.
1. Enable RIP:
o router rip → version 2 → network <network_address>.
2. Verification:
o show ip route, show ip rip database, ping, traceroute.
1. Enable OSPF:
o router ospf <process_id> → network <network_address>
<wildcard_mask> area <area_id>.
2. Verification:
o show ip route ospf, show ip ospf neighbor, ping, traceroute.
1. Enable EIGRP:
o router eigrp <as_number> → network <network_address> → no auto-
summary.
2. Verification:
o show ip route eigrp, show ip eigrp neighbors, ping, traceroute.
1. Enable BGP:
o router bgp <asn> → network <network_address> mask <subnet_mask>.
2. Verification:
o show ip route bgp, show ip bgp summary, ping, traceroute.
Use show ip route to confirm learned routes and correct forwarding paths.
1) Static Routing:
2) Dynamic Routing:
Observations:
Static routing required manual setup, verified via ping & traceroute, while dynamic
routing auto-propagated routes (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP) with protocol-specific
metrics. Routing tables updated dynamically, with static being manual-intensive and
dynamic offering scalability.
Results:
Static routing was manually configured, while dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP,
BGP) auto-adjusted for connectivity. Routing metrics varied, with ping & traceroute
verifying reachability; static suited stable networks, dynamic enabled scalability.
Discussion:
This practical covered Static and Dynamic Routing (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP),
comparing scalability and efficiency. Testing with ping and traceroute verified routing
functionality and protocol behavior.
Conclusion:
The practical demonstrated static and dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP),
verifying functionality and connectivity. Dynamic routing excelled in automation and
scalability, while static routing offered simplicity and control for small networks.