Lab 3

Network Devices and the OSI Model

 

Objectives:

Obtain a better understanding of how the OSI works and operates in real-time. During the Lab, retrieve our IP/MAC address on the computer we are assigned. From there, view the ARP table as well as ping surrounding computer stations and take note of the changes. Count hops to other networks around the globe using “tracert”.Lastly, connect two computers using Cisco’s Catalyst switch, create a new connection and give it a name.

Equipment List:

– Computer
– Network Cables
– Router
– Switch
– USB/Serial Port Adapter
– COM3

Notes and Observations:

Using window’s “command prompt” was fairly easy when following the instructions given while obtain our IP/MAC addresses as well as pinging other networks/computers, using trace route. Connecting two computers with the Catalyst switch was pretty straightforward, we connected the network cables to their corresponding ports and ran “hyperterminal” to create a connection. We set bits per second to 9600, and flow control to: none. Various questions were presented throughout the lab and will be answered below.

Diagrams, Flowcharts, and Figures:

MAC Address & Ports

OSI Table (Figure 2)

Trace Route

References:

N/A

Questions:

1.) If we already had the TCP/IP model, why was the more complicated ISO model created?
– It provides a structure that helps us more easily work with networks.

2.) What does the abbreviation “OSI” stand for? Who originated it? When?
– “OSI” stand for: Open Systems Interconnection. It was created by the “International Organization for Standardization” in 1984.

3.) Find a mnemonic for the OSI  model and complete the chart.
– (Figure 2)
– All Pros Search Top Notch Donut Places

4.) What is the highest layer of operation for the following network devices: switch, hub, NIC, router, cable media, wireless access point, patch panel, repeater, bridge? What is the purpose of routers, switches, and hubs?
– Switch: 2, Hub: 1, NIC: 2, Router: 3, Cable Media: 1, Wireless Access Point: 2, Patch Panel: 1, Repeater: 1, Bridge: 2.
-Router: forwards packets between computer networks. Switch: used to connect two devices together on a network, only sends messages to devices that request it. Hub: connects multiple devices together on a single network. Participates in collision detection.

5.) What is another name for a physical address? How many bits? When two machines attempt to transmit simultaneously on the same media segment, both messages become garbled and unintelligible. What is this condition normally called?
– MAC Address, 48 bits.
– The condition is called “collision”.

6.) What is your IP Address? What is your MAC Address?
– IP = 10.10.2.250  MAC = 00-1F-D0-55-9C-4B

7.) What does “ARP” stand for, and what does it do? What is your neighbor’s physical address? What is displayed on your ARP table? What happens when you ping “www.sal.ksu.edu.com”?
– Address Resolution Protocol, used for resolution of the network layer addresses  into link layer addresses.
– MAC = 00-1F-D0-56-B4-65
– List of local network IP and MAC addresses. New ARP entry added when pinging neighbor.
– 4 were lost.

8.) What method is used to translate a known layer 3 address into an unknown layer 2 address?
– ARP

9.) What are layer 3 gateway devices called? What is the “de-facto standard” for logical addresses used today? How many bits?
– Packets
– IP Address, 32 bit.

10.) What kind of information does “tracert” provide? Describe the path from K-State Salina to Kansas Wesleyn.
– Hops, IP Addresses of hops/paths leading to destination.
– Took longer than K-State Manhattan, 14 hops.

11.) What information is provided in the switch MAC Address Table? Does the MAC address shown in the table match the MAC address of the computer that is connected?
– The MAC address of all computers connected to the switch, along with their network type and port number.
– Yes.

Conclusions:

Much was learned about the physical address (MAC) in correlation to the IP Address. Tracing routes was very interesting and is something I have never done in the past, it was cool to see how many different hops it would take to reach networks in other countries across the globe. Using the switch was easier than I had originally thought, very straight forward.