SOUTHERN LUZON STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
ECE DEPARTMENT
Lucban, Quezon

ECE08L - DATA COMMUNICATIONS LAB

ACTIVITY 4
BUILDING A PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK
I. OBJECTIVES
● Create a simple peer-to-peer network between two PCs.

● Identify the proper cable to connect the two PCs.

● Configure workstation IP address information.

● Test connectivity using the ping command.

II. APPARATUS (Software/Hardware)

● Two workstations with an Ethernet NIC installed.

● Several Ethernet cables for connecting the two workstations.

III. PROCEDURE
1. Identify the proper Ethernet cable and connect the two PCs.
Make the connection between the two PCs using a CAT5 or CAT5e crossover cable. Locate a cable that is
long enough to reach from one PC to the other and attach one end to the NIC in each in each of the PCs.
Be sure to examine the cable ends carefully and select only a crossover cable.

2. Verify the physical connection.

Plug in and turn on the computers. To verify computer connections, ensure that the link lights on both
NICs are lit.

3. Access the IP settings window.

Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter
settings. Right click on the Ethernet or LAN connection icon and select Properties.

4. Configure the TCP/IP settings for the two PCs.

a. Set the IP address information for each PC according to the information below:
 Compute IP Address Subnet Mask Default Gateway
r

PC A 192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0 Not required

PC B 192.168.1.20 255.255.255.0 Not required

b. Note that you do not need the default gateway IP address because these computers are directly
connected. You only need the default gateway on LANs that are connected to a router.

5. Access the command prompt.

Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt

6. Verify that PCs can communicate.

a. Test connectivity from one PC to the other by pinging the IP address of the opposite computer.
Use the following command at the command prompt:

ping 192.168.1.10 (or 192.168.1.20)

b. You should get results similar to what is shown below:

 7. Confirm your TCP/IP network settings.
Run the ipconfig command from the command prompt.

VI. ANALYSIS/OBSERVATIONS

By sending a tiny data packet from one computer to another and timing how long it
takes for it to get there and back, two PCs can be reached via pinging each other. The
command "ping" must be typed first, followed by the IP address or hostname of the other
computer, in order to start the ping. The computer transmits a brief data packet to the
intended recipient computer in the second step. The packet is then received by the
intended computer. It creates a response after processing the packet. Subsequently, the
original computer receives a response from the target computer. The time it took for the
packet to leave the source computer and return is measured.

VII. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION

It's easy to test two PCs' connectivity in a basic peer-to-peer network by using the ping
command. Pinging two PCs can be used to measure the latency and connectivity between
them, which is helpful when debugging network problems or just verifying the stability of
the connection. It assists in making sure that both PCs' network configurations are
configured properly. It is possible to verify that two PCs are linked to the same network and
are able to communicate with one another by successfully pinging one from the other. The
round-trip time (RTT) between the two PCs is disclosed by Ping. The ping command checks
to see if the source PC can reach the destination PC. It verifies whether there are any
barriers preventing communication and whether the network path between the two PCs is
operating correctly. In general, using the ping command to check connectivity between two
PCs is a basic network troubleshooting method in a basic peer-to-peer network. It offers
important insights into network performance and dependability and aids in ensuring that
the network is operating properly.