Lab 5.1.13b Building a Switch-based Network
Objective
•Create a simple network with two PCs using a switch
•Identify the proper cable to connect the PCs to the switch
•Configure workstation IP address information
•Test connectivity using thepingcommand
Background / Preparation
This lab focuses on the ability to connect two PCs to create
a simple switch-based Ethernet LANusing two workstations. A switch is a
networking concentration device sometimes referred to as a multiport bridge.
Switches are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. When operating in
full-duplex mode, they provide dedicated bandwidth to workstations. Switches
eliminate collisions bycreating microsegments between ports to which the two
workstations are attached. They are appropriate for small to large LANs with
moderate to heavy traffic. In addition to the physical and data link
connections, which are Layers 1 and 2, the computers must also be configured
with the correct IP network settings, which is Layer 3, so that they can communicate.
Since this lab uses a switch, a basic Category 5/5e UTP straight-through cable
is needed to connect each PC to the switch. This is referred to as a patch
cable or horizontal cabling, which is used to connect workstations and a
typical LAN. Start this lab with the equipment turned off and with cabling
disconnected. Work in teams of two with one person per PC.
The following resources will be required:
•Two workstations with an Ethernet 10/100 NIC installed
•Ethernet 10BaseT or Fast Ethernet switch
•Several Ethernet cables, which are straight-through and
crossover, to choose from for connecting the two workstations
Step 1 Identify the
proper Ethernet cable and connect the two PCs to the switch
a. The connection
between the two PCs and the switch will be accomplished using a Category 5 or 5e
straight-through patch cable. Locate two cables that are long enough to reach
from each PC to the switch. Attach one end to the NIC and the other end to a
port on the switch. Be sure to examine the cable ends carefully and select only
a straight-through cable.
b. What kind of cable
is required to connect from NIC to switch? Straight-through
c. What is the category
rating of the cable? 5 or 5e
d. What is the AWG
wire size designation of the cable? 22 AWG
Step 2 Verify the
physical connection
a. Plug in and turn
on the computers. To verify the computer connections, insure that the link
lights on the both PC NICs and the switch interfaces are lit.
Are all link lights lit? They should be otherwise
troubleshoot.
Step 3 Access the IP settings window
Note: Be sure to write down the
existing IP settings, so that they can be restored at the end of the lab. These include IP address,
subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers. If the workstation is a DHCP client, it is not necessary to record this
information.
Windows
95/98/Me users should do the following:
• Click on Start
> Settings > Control Panel and then click the Network icon.
• Select the
TCP/IP protocol icon that is associated with the NIC in this PC and click on Properties
• Click on
the IP Address tab and the Gateway tab.
Windows
NT/2000 users should do the following:
• Click on Start
> Settings > Control Panel and then open the Network and Dial-up Connections
folder.
• Click and
open the Local Area Connection icon.
• Select the
TCP/IP protocol icon that is associated with the NIC in this PC.
• Click on Properties
and click on Use the following IP address
Windows XP
users should do the following:
• Click on Start
> Settings > Control Panel and then click the Network Connection icon.
• Select the
Local Area Network Connection and click on Change settings of this connection
• Select the
TCP/IP protocol icon that is associated with the NIC in this PC.
• Click on Properties
and click on Use the following IP address
See the example below:
Step 4 Configure TCP/IP settings for the
two PCs
a. Set the IP address information for each PC
according to the information in the table.
b. Note that the default gateway IP address is
not required, since these computers are directly connected. The default gateway
is only required on local area networks that are connected to a router.
Computer
IP Address Subnet mask Default Gateway
PC – A 192.168.1.1
255.255.255.0 Not Required
PC – B 192.168.1.2
255.255.255.0 Not Required
Step 5 Access the Command or MS-DOS prompt
a. Use the Start menu to open the Command Prompt
(MS-DOS-like) window:
Windows
95/98/Me users should do the following:
Start > Programs
> MS-DOS Prompt
Windows
NT/2000 users should do the following:
Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
Windows XP
users should do the following:
Start >
Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
Step 6 Verify that the PCs can communicate
a. Test connectivity from one PC to the other
through the switch by pinging the IP address of the opposite computer. Use the
following command at the command prompt.
C:>ping
192.168.1.1 (or 192.168.1.2)
b. Look for results similar to those shown
below. If not, check the PC connections
and TCP/IP settings for both PCs. What was the ping result?
Results
could possibly be: Sent=4 Received=4
Lost=0 (this is due to ARP)
Any other
results probably indicate an error
Step 7 Confirm the TCP/IP network settings
Windows 95 /
98 / Me users should do the following:
a. Type the winipcfg
command from the MS-DOS Prompt. Record the results
For computer
A
IP Address :
192.168.1.1
Subnet mask
: 255.255.255.0
Default
getaway :0.0.0.0
Windows NT /
2000 / XP users should do the following:
b. Type the ipconfig
command from the Command Prompt. Record the results.
For computer
B
IP Address :
192.168.1.2
Subnet mask
: 255.255.255.0
Default
getaway :0.0.0.0
Step 8 Restore the PCs to their original IP
settings, disconnect the equipment, and store the cables