Lesson 6 – Computer Network Concept and Troubleshooting

Lesson Overview
This lesson provides a framework for understanding telecommunications fundamentals and
computer network functionality, characteristic and configurations. This will also describe a working
methodology and tools and utilities that can be used to diagnose and troubleshoot network problems.

Lesson Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the trainees will be able to:

 understand and explain data communication concepts, principles and applications

 understand and define the major features, configurations, transmission mediums and modes
of operation in computer networks
 recognize the types of technical support options available for troubleshooting networks
 recognize the features and functionality of common network troubleshooting tools
 determine the most appropriate network troubleshooting tool to use in a given scenario
 troubleshoot Internet connectivity and name resolution problems on a network
 troubleshoot LAN communication issues and problems with local hosts
 know how to share files in the network
 setting up a computer network using DSL router
 setting up a computer network using Linksys router
 Computer Network Concept

Computer Network - A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share
resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The
computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or
infrared light beams.

Local Area Network

 A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively small area. It is
generally limited to a geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or building.

 In a typical LAN configuration, one computer is designated as the file server. It stores all of the
software that controls the network, as well as the software that can be shared by the computers
attached to the network.

 Computers connected to the file server are called workstations. The workstations can be less
powerful than the file server, and they may have additional software on their hard drives.

 On most LANs, cables are used to connect the network interface cards in each computer.
 Networking Hardware

Networking hardware includes all computers, peripherals, interface cards and other equipment
needed to perform data-processing and communications within the network.
 Networking Hardware
File Servers

 A file server stands at the heart of most networks. It is a very fast computer with a large amount of
RAM and storage space, along with a fast network interface card.

 The network operating system software resides on this computer, along with any software
applications and data files that need to be shared.

 The file server controls the communication of information between the nodes on a network.
 Networking Hardware
Workstations

 All of the user computers connected to a network are called workstations.

 A typical workstation is a computer that is configured with a network interface card, networking
software, and the appropriate cables.
 Networking Hardware

Network Interface Cards

 The network interface card (NIC) provides the physical connection between the network and the
computer workstation.
 Networking Hardware

Switch

 A concentrator is a device that provides a central connection point for cables from workstations,
servers, and peripherals.
 Networking Hardware
Router

 A router translates information from one network to another.

 Routers select the best path to route a message, based on the destination address and origin.

 The router can direct traffic to prevent head-on collisions, and is smart enough to know when to
direct traffic along back roads and shortcuts.
 Networking Hardware

What is Network Cabling

 Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device to
another.
 There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs.
 In some cases, a network will utilize only one type of cable, other networks will use a variety of
cable types.

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable

 Twisted pair cabling comes in two varieties: shielded and unshielded. Unshielded twisted pair
(UTP) is the most popular and is generally the best option for school networks
 The cable has four pairs of wires inside the jacket.
 Each pair is twisted with a different number of twists per inch to help eliminate interference from
adjacent pairs and other electrical devices.

 The standard connector for unshielded twisted pair cabling is an RJ-45 connector.
 This is a plastic connector that looks like a large telephone-style connector.
 Basic Network Configuration

Network Connections Window.

Click on Start  Settings  Control Panel  Network.

 Basic Network Configuration
Right click local area connection.  Properties.
 Basic Network Configuration

To change IP address, subnet mask, default

gateway and DNS Server click on
Internet Protocol  properties.

IP Address - a unique number that devices use in

order to identify and communicate with each
other on a computer network utilizing the
Internet Protocol standard (IP).

Subnet Mask - is a bitmask used to tell how many

bits in an octet(s) identify the subnetwork,
and how many bits provide room for host
addresses..

Gateway - a computer or a network that allows or

controls access to another computer or
network.
 Basic Network Configuration

To change computer name right click my computer at desktop.  properties.  computer

name  change.
 Basic Network Configuration
ipconfig - Displays current TCP/IP network configuration values

click on start  run

type in cmd for command

type ipconfig on the dos prompt

 Basic Network Configuration
ping - is a basic Internet program that lets you verify that a particular IP address exists and can
accept requests.

click on start  run

type in cmd for command

on the dos prompt type in ping followed by the ip address

 Basic Network Configuration

nslookup - Lookup IP addresses on a Name Server.

click on start  run

type in cmd for command

on the dos prompt type in nslookup followed by the domain or web address
 Basic Network Configuration

tracert (trace route) - is used to visually see a network packet being sent and received and the
amount of hops required for that packet to get to its destination.
 Basic Network Configuration
Share folder in the network.

1. right click on the folder

2. then click on sharing and security
3. check – share this folder on the network
 Basic Network Configuration
Windows Firewall

A Computer Firewall is a shield that protects your computer system by creating a barrier
between your computer, or internal (inside) network, and the outside world. Computer
Firewall filters traffic into and out of the firewall is blocked or restricted as you decide.

1. Click on Start – Settings – Control Panel – Windows Firewall

 Basic Network Configuration
Windows Firewall

1. Click on Start – Settings – Control Panel – Windows Firewall

 How to wire Ethernet Cables
What You Need:

Required:

1. CAT 5 Cable
2. RJ45 Ends
3. Crimper for RJ45
4. Wire Cutters - to cut and strip the cable if necessary
 How to wire Ethernet Cables

Straight Through
 How to wire Ethernet Cables

Cross Over
Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)

In Step 1, you will connect the following:

1. canopy cable to the Power over Ethernet (PoE)
2. Power over Ethernet (PoE) to the Router
3. Router to the switch
4. Switch to the computers

First, make sure that all devices you’ll be working with are powered down, including your PCs,
switch, and the Router.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)

A. Connect the canopy cable to the PoE and from the PoE to the WAN/Internet port of the Router.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
B. Using the cable (blue cable – together with the router package) connect the other end to any of
the 4 ports of the router and then the other end to any ports of the switch
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
C. Connect an Ethernet cable to your PC’s Ethernet adapter. Connect the other end of the cable to
one of the ports on the switch. Repeat this process for every PC you wish to connect to the
switch.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
D. Connect the power adapter to the receptor at the back panel of the DI-704P and then plug the
other end of the power adapter to a wall outlet or power strip. The Power LED will turn ON to
indicate proper operation.

E. Connect as well the power adapter of the PoE and the switch to the electrical outlet. Then turn on
the first PC you wish to use to configure the Router.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)

In Step 2, you will configure each of your computers to be able to communicate with the Router.

To do this, you need to configure your PC’s network settings to Static IP.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)

A. Click the Start button and then Control Panel. From there, click the Network Connections icon.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)

B. Select the Local Area Connection icon for the applicable Ethernet adapter (usually it is the first
Local Area Connection listed).Double-click the Local Area Connection.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)

C. The Local Area Connection Status screen will appear. Click the Properties button.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)

D. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and click the Properties button.

 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
E. Select Use the following IP Address. Type in the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and
the DNS which is provided by the ISP
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)

In Step 3, you will configure the Router to be able to gain access to the Internet through your
Internet Service Provider (ISP). You will need the setup information provided by your ISP.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
1. Dlink has a default IP address of 192.168.0.1. You need to change this address since we are
using the 192.168.1.xx IP range.
2. But in order for your computer to communicate with the router you should change first the IP
address of the computer to an address that is of the same range with the router’s IP.
3. To do this follow the following steps:
a. Select one computer and click on start → control panel and network connections.
b. Double click on local area connection
c. Click on properties
d. Select Internet Protocol then click on properties
e. Change the IP address to 192.168.1.xx as well as the Default Gateway to 192.168.0.1.
4. Open an Internet Explorer or any browser then type in the IP address of the router which is
192.168.0.1
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)

5. A window will pop-up asking for the User name and Password.
Username – admin
Leave the password blank.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
6. You are now on the set-up page of the router.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
7. To change the IP address of the router click on LAN.
IP address – 192.168.1.1
Leave the subnet mask and domain name as it is.
Click on apply.

8. After all the new settings are saved; automatically you will be disconnected from the router since
it already has a new IP range.

9. This time change back to the original network setting of the computer to 192.168.1.xx.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
Setting Up Dynamic IP.

If your ISP says that you are connecting through DHCP or a dynamic IP address from your ISP, perform these steps:
a. Open the router’s set-up page. In the Internet Explorer’s address bar type in 192.168.1.1
b. Username is admin; leave the password blank.
c. In the set-up page click on WAN
d. Select Dynamic IP Address
e. Fill in with DNS addresses given by the ISP.
f. Click the Apply button to save the setting.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
Setting-Up Static IP Address or Specify an IP Address

If your ISP says that you are connecting through a static or fixed IP address from your ISP, perform these steps:
a. Open the router’s set-up page. In the Internet Explorer’s address bar type in 192.168.1.1
b. Username is admin; leave the password blank.
c. In the set-up page click on WAN
d. Select Static IP Adress
f. Enter the IP Address.
g. Enter the Subnet Mask.
h. Enter the Gateway Address.
i. Enter the DNS in the 1, 2, and/or 3 fields. You need to enter at least one DNS address.
j. Click the Apply button to save the settings.
 Setting - Up The Network (DLink Router)
Changing Router’s Password

Clicks on tools. Then click on apply to save new password.

Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

In Step 1, you will connect the following:

a. canopy cable to the Power over Ethernet (PoE)

b. Power over Ethernet (PoE) to the Router
c. Router to the switch
d. Switch to the computers
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)
First, make sure that all devices you’ll be working with are powered down, including your PCs,
switch, and the Router.

A. Connect the canopy cable to the PoE and from the PoE to the WAN/Internet port of the
Router.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)
B. Using the cable (blue cable – together with the router package) connect the other end to any of
the 4 ports of the router and then the other end to any ports of the switch
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

C. Connect an Ethernet cable to your PC’s Ethernet adapter. Connect the other end of the cable to
one of the ports on the switch. Repeat this process for every PC you wish to connect to the
switch.

D. Connect the power adapter to the receptor at the back panel of the DI-704P and then
plug the other end of the power adapter to a wall outlet or power strip. The Power LED
will turn ON to indicate proper operation.

E. Connect as well the power adapter of the PoE and the switch to the electrical outlet.
Then turn on the first PC you wish to use to configure the Router.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

In Step 2, you will configure each of your computers to be able to communicate with the Router.

To do this, you need to configure your PC’s network settings to Static IP.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)
F. Click the Start button and then Control Panel. From there, click the Network Connections
icon.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)
G. Select the Local Area Connection icon for the applicable Ethernet adapter (usually it is the
first Local Area Connection listed).Double-click the Local Area Connection.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

H. The Local Area Connection Status screen will appear. Click the Properties button.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)
I. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and click the Properties button.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)
J. Select Use the following IP Address. Type in the IP address, subnet mask, default
gateway and the DNS which is provided by the ISP
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

In Step 3, you will configure the Router to be able to gain access to the Internet through your
Internet Service Provider (ISP). You will need the setup information provided by your ISP.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

1. Open your web browser. Enter http://192.168.1.1 in the web browser’s Address field. Press
the Enter key.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

2. Connect to 192.168.1.1 window will appear. Leave the User Name field empty, and enter
admin in lowercase letters in the Password field ( admin is the default password). Then, click
the OK button.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

3. The Router configuration screen will appear with the Setup tab selected. Based on the setup
instructions from your ISP, you may need to provide the following information.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)
Setting Up Dynamic IP.

1. Access the Router's web based utility by typing

http://192.168.1.1/into your web browser.

2. A password window will appear.

a. Leave username blank and enter the
password as admin (all lowercase).
b. Click OK.

3. Once on the Setup page, go directly to the WAN

IP Address or WAN Connection Type, and
change the option from Obtain an IP address
Automatically to Specify an IP Address.

4. Change the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default

Gateway, and DNS if instructed by your ISP.

5. Scroll down and click Apply.

If settings are successful, click Continue.

The Router is now set up for use with your provider
and a dynamic IP address.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

Setting Up Static IP

If your ISP says that you are connecting through a

static or fixed IP address from your ISP, perform
these steps:

1. Open the router’s set-up page. In the Internet 2.

Explorer’s address bar type in 192.168.1.1
3. Leave the username blank; password is “admin”
4. Once on the Setup page, go directly to the
Internet/WAN Connection Type, and change the
option from Obtain an IP address Automatically
to Static IP
5. Enter the IP Address.
6. Enter the Subnet Mask.
7. Enter the Gateway Address.
8. Enter the DNS in the 1, 2, and/or 3 fields. You
need to enter at least one DNS address.
9. Click the Apply button to save the settings.
 Setting - Up The Network (Linksys Router)

Changing Router’s Password

Click on Administration. Then Click on save settings to save new password.

 Viewing Router’s Status
A. DOS Prompt
Check PC and router’s connectivity
Click start → run → type in cmd
In the DOS prompt type ping 192.168.1.1

If getting 4 consecutive replies you’re PC and Router is communicating.

 Viewing Router’s Status

B. Linksys Router Set-Up Page

1. Open your web browser. Enter http://192.168.1.1 in the web browser’s Address field. Press the
Enter key.
 Viewing Router’s Status

2. Connect to 192.168.1.1 window will appear. Leave the User Name field empty, and enter admin
in lowercase letters in the Password field ( admin is the default password). Then, click the OK
button.
 Viewing Router’s Status
3. The Router configuration screen will appear with the Setup tab selected. Based on the setup
instructions from your ISP, you may need to provide the following information.
 Viewing Router’s Status
4. Click on Status.
5. Verify if you can see values in the IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway and DNS numbers.
 Viewing Router’s Status
C. DLink Router Set-Up Page

Open an Internet Explorer or any browser then type in the IP address of the router which is
192.168.1.1
 Viewing Router’s Status
A window will pop-up asking for the User name and Password.
Username – admin
Leave the password blank.
 Viewing Router’s Status

You are now on the set-up page of the router.

 Viewing Router’s Status
Click on status
Verify if you can see values in the IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway and DNS numbers.
 Viewing Router’s Status
Click on stats to check connectivity.
 Basic network troubleshooting
Cause:

If a computer is unable to connect to a network or see other computers on a network, it may be

necessary to troubleshoot the network. A network may not work because of any of the below
reasons.

 Network card not connected properly.

 Bad network card drivers or software settings.
 Firewall preventing computers from seeing each other.
 Connection related issues.
 Bad network hardware.
 Basic network troubleshooting

Solution:

 VERIFY CONNECTIONS / LEDs

Verify that the network cable is properly connected to the back of the computer. In addition, when
checking the connection of the network cable, ensure that the LEDs on the network are properly
illuminated. For example, a network card with a solid green LED or light usually indicates that the
card is either connected or receiving a signal. Note: generally, when the green light is flashing, this is
an indication of data being sent or received.

If, however, the card does not have any lights or has orange
or red lights, it is possible that either the card is bad, the card
is not connected properly, or that the card is not receiving a
signal from the network.

If you are on a small or local network and have the capability

of checking a hub or switch, verify that the cables are
properly connected and that the hub or switch has power.
 Basic network troubleshooting

Solution:

 ADAPTER RESOURCES

Ensure that if this is a new network card being installed into the computer that the card's resources
are properly set and/or are not conflicting with any hardware in the computer.

 ADAPTER FUNCTIONALITY

Verify that the network card is capable of pinging or seeing itself by using the ping command.

To ping the card or the localhost, type either

ping 127.0.0.1
or
ping localhost

This should show a listing of replies from the network card. If

you receive an error or if the transmission failed, it is likely that
either the network card is not physically installed into the computer
correctly, or that the card is bad.
 Basic network troubleshooting
Solution:

 PROTOCOL

Verify that the correct protocols are installed on the computer. Most networks today will utilize
TCP/IP, but may also utilize or require IPX/SPX and NetBEUI.
 Basic network troubleshooting
Solution:

 PROTOCOL

When the TCP/IP protocol is installed, unless a DNS server or other computer assigns the IPX
address, the user must specify an IP address as well as a Subnet Mask. To do this, follow the below
instructions.

1. Click Start / Settings / Control Panel

2. Double-click the Network icon
3. Within the configuration tab double-click the TCP/IP protocol icon. Note: Do not click on the
PPP or Dial-Up adapter, click on the network card adapter.
4. In the TCP/IP properties click the IP address tab
5. Select the option to specify an IP address
6. Enter the IP address and Subnet Mask address, an example of such an address could be:
IP Address: 192.168.1.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
7. When specifying these values, the computers on the network must all have the same Subnet
Mask and have a different IP Address. For example, when using the above values on one
computer you would want to use an IP address of 102.55.92.2 on another computer and then
specify the same Subnet Mask.
 Basic network troubleshooting
Solution:

 FIREWALL

If your computer network utilizes a firewall, ensure that all ports required are open. If possible, close
the firewall software program or disconnect the computer from the firewall to ensure it is not causing
the problem.
 Basic network troubleshooting
Solution:

 ADDITIONAL TROUBLESHOOTING
1. If after following or verifying the above recommendations you are still unable to connect or see the
network, attempt one or more of the below recommendations.

2. If you have installed or are using TCP/IP as your protocol you can attempt to ping another
computer's IP address to verify if the computer is able to send and receive data.

3. Once at the prompt assuming, that the address of the computer you wish to attempt to ping is
192.168.1.1, you would type:
ping 192.168.1.1
If you receive a response back from this address (and it is a different computer), this
demonstrates that the computer is communicating over the network. If you are still unable
to connect or see the network, it is possible that other issues may be present.

4. Another method of determining network issues is to use the tracert command.

5. Once at the prompt, assuming that the address is again 192.168.1.1, type:
tracert 192.168.1.1
This should begin listing the hops between the computer and network devices. When the
connection fails, determine which device is causing the issue by reviewing the traceroute
listing.