Introduction

This lesson contains information and

learning activities on checking network
connectivity of each terminal in accordance
with network design.
Directions. Matchmaking. Match Column A with Column B

Column A Column B

1. Ping

2. Command Prompt /
Terminal

3. IP Address
Check Network Connectivity on each Terminal in
accordance with Network Design

What is Network Connectivity?

Network connectivity describes the extensive process of connecting various parts of a
network to one another, for example, through the use of routers, switches and
gateways, and how that process works.

Techopedia explains Network Connectivity

Network connectivity is also a kind of metric to discuss how well parts of the network
connect to one another. Related terms include network topology, which refers to the
structure and makeup of the network as a whole.

There are many different network topologies including hub, linear, tree and star
designs, each of which is set up in its own way to facilitate connectivity between
computers or devices. Each has its own pros and cons in terms of network
connectivity.

IT professionals, particularly network administrators and network analysts, talk about

connectivity as one piece of the network puzzle as they look at an ever greater variety
of networks and the ways networking pieces go together.

Ad hoc networks and vehicular networks are just two examples of new kinds of
networks that work on different connectivity models. Along with network connectivity,
network administrators and maintenance workers also have to focus on security as a
major concern, where the reliability of networking systems is closely related to
protecting the data that is kept within them.

Ref: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/30186/network-design
What is Terminal?

A Terminal is your interface to the underlying operating system via a shell, usually
bash. It is a command line. Back in the day, a Terminal was a screen+keyboard that was
connected to a server.

Different Network Designs

Basic Network Design Topology

Topology refers to the geometric arrangement of devices on a network. Local Area

Networks (LANs) appear in one of three topologies: linear, ring, or star. Larger
networks can be a combination of two or more of these.

Linear Bus Topology

A linear bus topology is the simplest type of network topology.

All computers, servers, and peripherals are connected by a single cable or bus. This is
great in that it translates to an easy, inexpensive set up, but the entire network is
vulnerable to a shut down without any insight into what part of the network caused
the problem. Additionally, the network has to have two terminators at each end.

Ring Topology

A ring network has each component connected to two other components in a ring. This
saves you on having to install terminators at the end of the bus like in a linear
topology and may also be faster, however, the network is still vulnerable to faults,
where one malfunctioning unit can cause the entire network problems.

Star Topology

A star network consists of a central hub to which all other components are connected.
This type of network is more appropriate for larger networks because of its increased
fault tolerance, especially compared to ring and bus topologies.
Figure 9.2.1a
Network Connectivity
The first step toward identifying and diagnosing Active Directory problems is to
verify network connectivity. This section discusses diagnostic tools and gives
examples of possible network connectivity problems, along with suggested
solutions. Examine the following areas to determine whether the network is
functioning properly.

Hardware
Check that your hardware, such as the network hub, cables, and so on, are
functioning properly. For example, if the Local Area Connection icon in the
Network and Dial-up Connections properties in Control Panel is marked with a red
"X," this usually implies that your network cable is disconnected. For more
information about checking hardware functionality, see the Server Operations
Guide .

As a minimum, check that your network adapters and drivers are functioning
properly. There are many ways to check the functionality of devices, such as
network adapters and drivers, through Control Panel. You can select the
Add/Remove Hardware icon, and click Add/Troubleshooting a device. Or, you can
select the Hardware tab from the System icon.

Another way of using Control Panel is to click Hardware Wizard on the Hardware
tab of System Properties in Control Panel. Select a device from the Devices box,
and then check to see whether the device is working properly. If you click Finish ,
the Troubleshooter starts when you quit the Add/Remove Hardware wizard.
Examine the properties of each device that is displayed by double-clicking the
device icon. The status of each device displays on the General tab. Click
Troubleshooter for help if the device is not working properly.

Local Connectivity
Another aspect of verifying network connectivity involves a check of the local area
connection. Ensure that you are connected to the network and that the Internet
Protocol (IP) addresses are correct. Do this by using the IPConfig command-line
tool. The IPConfig tool is used to view and modify IP configuration details used by
the computer. With DNS dynamic updates, you can also use IPConfig to register the
computer's entries in the DNS service.
 1. To view IP configuration details
2. Type ipconfig /all at the command prompt and then press ENTER.
3. Look through the output. Check the following:
 Do you have an IP address?
 Do you have a default gateway?
 Do you have a DHCP server?
4. Use the Ping tool to determine whether you have network connectivity to the
default gateway and to the DHCP server.

To test a TCP/IP connectivity by using the ping command

1. At the command prompt, ping the loopback address by typing the following:
127.0.0.1 . If the ping command fails, verify that the computer was restarted
after TCP/IP was installed and configured.
2. Ping the IP address of the computer. If the ping command fails, restart the
computer and check the routing table using the route print command.
3. Ping the IP address of the default gateway. If the ping command fails, verify
that the default gateway IP address is correct and that the gateway (router) is
operational.
4. Ping the IP address of a remote host (a host that is on a different subnet).
If the ping command fails, verify that the remote host IP address is correct,
that the remote host is operational, and that all gateways (routers) between
this computer and the remote host are operational.
5. Ping the IP address of the DNS server. If the ping command fails, verify that
the DNS server IP address is correct, that the DNS server is operational, and
that all gateways (routers) between this computer and the DNS server are
operational.
Example of a Local Area Network Without Network Connectivity
The following example displays an example of an unsuccessful TCP/IP configuration
for the local area network, with the disabled components indicated in bold text. Also,
notice that IP addresses are not displayed. The absence of IP addresses indicates that
the local area network is not properly connected.
Example of a Network That Has Network Connectivity
The following example shows a well-connected local area network. Notice that the IP
addresses are displayed.

To Sum it up:

Things to look for if a PC is connected to the internet or network.

• First check the cable connecting to the network card into the
network hub.
• Check the back of the computer to see if the network card light is
on
• Check the network cable ( use cable tester)
• Check the network HUB (use multi-tester)
Title: Networking with Static IPs

Purpose: While setting up a network with a Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP)
server is very convenient, it is sometimes preferable to use static IP addresses. In this
activity, you will join the network using an IP address and netmask provided by your
instructor. Once connected, you will check network connectivity with at least one other
peer on the network.

Procedure

Getting connected

1. Before connecting your PC to the network, be sure the windows xp Operating

system is running on your computer. You will use Windows xp sp2
throughout this activity.
2. When the boot process is completed, connect your computer to the network
switch using a patch cable. Did you get a light? What port number did you
connect to on the switch?
3. Draw a diagram of the entire network in the space below.
4. To configure your network settings, click System->Administration->Network.
5. In the Network settings window, make sure the Connections tab is selected.
6. Click on Wired connection, and then click the Properties button.
7. In the Interface properties window, change the Configuration setting to
Static IP address.
8. Enter the IP address provided by your instructor in the IP address field.
9. Enter 10.0.1.0 in the Gateway address field.
10. Finally, enter 255.255.255.0 in the Subnet mask field. Click OK to close the
Interface properties window.
11. Click OK to close the Network settings window.

Checking your connection

1. Open a terminal window on your computer, if one is not already open, by clicking
Applications->Accessories->Terminal.
2. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Are your network setting correct? If not, repeat
the steps 4–11 in the previous section
3. Ask another group for their IP address. Check connectivity with that group's
computer with ping. For example, ping -c4 10.0.1.200. Record the times listed in
the last column below. What was the average round trip time?
4. Ask a second group for their IP address. Check connectivity to that group's
computer with ping. Record the times listed in the last column below. What was
the average round trip time?
5. When you have completed the activity, shut down your computer and return to
your seat.
Evaluation:
Passed Failed
CRITERIA

1. Sequence of steps in diagnosing is followed.

2. Safety precaution are observed.

3. Appropriate tools are used in diagnosing.

4. Diagnostic plan for troubleshooting is created.

Total