System Administration and

Network Management
Lecture 2: Lan Hardware Overview
(by Seiyfu Yesuf)
Asu Dept of Computer Science
Reminders/logistics
2

 LAN hardware components

 LAN topologies
 LAN access topologies
 Repeaters
 Hubs
 Bridges and switches
 Routers and gateways
 Network Troubleshooting
LANs

 LAN
 Is a group of computers and associated devices that share a
common communications line or wireless link and typically
share the resources of a single processor or server within a
small geographic area (for example, within an office
building).
 Usually, the server has applications and data storage that
are shared in common by multiple computer users.
 A local area network may serve as few as two or three users
(for example, in a home network) or many as thousands of
users.
LANs

 Wireless LAN
 A local area network that transmits over the air typically in
an unlicensed frequency such as the 2.4GHz band.
 A wireless LAN does not require lining up devices for line of
sight transmission.
 Wireless access points (base stations) are connected to an
Ethernet hub or server and transmit a radio frequency over
an area of several hundred to a thousand feet which can
penetrate walls and other non-metal barriers.
 Roaming users can be handed off from one access point to
another like a cellular phone system.
LANs

 Characteristics – LAN
 Topology
 The geometric arrangement of devices on the network or the shape
of a local-area network (LAN) or other communications system.
 Protocols
 The rules and encoding specifications for sending data. The protocol
defines the format and meaning of the data that is exchanged. The
protocols also determine whether the network uses a peer-to-peer or
client/server architecture.
 Media
 Devices can be connected by twisted-pair wire, coaxial cables, or
fiber optic cables. Some networks do without connecting media
altogether, communicating instead via radio waves.
LANs

 Topology types

 bus topology: All devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus or
backbone. Bus networks are relatively inexpensive and easy to install for small
networks. Ethernet systems use a bus topology.
 star topology: All devices are connected to a central hub. Star networks are
relatively easy to install and manage, but bottlenecks can occur because all data
must pass through the hub. This is not much of a problem anymore with the
widespread deployment of switches.
 ring topology: All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed
loop, so that each device is connected directly to two other devices, one on either
side of it. Ring topologies are relatively expensive and difficult to install, but they
offer high bandwidth and can span large distances.
Network Hardware
 Hub OSI Model Layers
 An unintelligent network device that sends one 7 Application
signal to all of the stations connected to it. 6 Presentation
 All computers/devices are competing for 5 Session
attention because it takes the data that comes 4 Transport
into a port and sends it out all the other ports in
the hub. 3 Network
2 Data Link
 Traditionally, hubs are used for star topology
networks, but they are often used with other 1 Physical
configurations to make it easy to add and
remove computers without bringing down the
network.
 Resides on Layer 1 of the OSI model
Network Hardware
 Switch OSI Model Layers
 Split large networks into small segments, 7 Application
decreasing the number of users sharing the
6 Presentation
same network resources and bandwidth.
5 Session
 Understands when two devices want to talk to
each other, and gives them a switched 4 Transport
connection 3 Network
 Helps prevent data collisions and reduces 2 Data Link
network congestion, increasing network 1 Physical
performance.
 Most home users get very little, if any,
advantage from switches, even when sharing a
broadband connection.
 Resides on Layer 2 of the OSI model.
Network Hardware

 Bridge OSI Model Layers

 Connects two LANs and forwards or 7 Application

filters data packets between them. 6 Presentation
5 Session
 Creates an extended network in which
4 Transport
any two workstations on the linked LANs
3 Network
can share data.
2 Data Link
 Transparent to protocols and to higher 1 Physical
level devices like routers.
 Forward data depending on the
Hardware (MAC) address, not the
Network address (IP).
 Resides on Layer 2 of the OSI model.
Network Hardware

 Repeater OSI Model Layers

7 Application
 Used to boost the signal between two 6 Presentation
cable segments or wireless access 5 Session
points. 4 Transport
3 Network
 Can not connect different network
2 Data Link
architecture. 1 Physical

 Does not simply amplify the signal, it

regenerates the packets and retimes
them.
 Resides on Layer 1 of the OSI model.
Network Hardware

 Router OSI Model Layers

7 Application
 A device that connects any number of LANs.
6 Presentation
 Uses standardized protocols to move packets 5 Session
efficiently to their destination. 4 Transport
 More sophisticated than bridges, connecting 3 Network
networks of different types. 2 Data Link
1 Physical
 Forwards data depending on the Network
address (IP), not the Hardware (MAC) address.
 Routers are the only one of these four devices that
will allow you to share a single IP address among
multiple network clients.
 Resides on Layer 3 of the OSI model.
 Network Hardware

 Additional Network Hardware Devices

 Network Interface Cards (NICs)
 Puts the data into packets and transmits packet onto the network.
 May be wired or wireless.
 Gateway
 Connects networks with different protocols like TCP/IP network and other networks.
 Routers and Gateways often refer to the same device.
 Proxy server
 Isolates internal network computers from the internet.
 The user first access the proxy server and the proxy server accesses the internet and
retrieves the requested web page or document. The user then gets a copy of that page
from the proxy server.

Source: http://www.camas.wednet.edu/chs/tech/computer_tech/info/routers_hubs_bridges.htm
Common Network Media
•Electrical (copper)
•Coaxial Cable
•Single copper conductor in the center surrounded by a plastic
layer for insulation and a braided metal outer shield.
•Twisted pair
•Four pairs of wires twisted to certain specifications.
•Available in shielded and unshielded versions.

•Fiber-optic - A cable, consisting of a center glass core surrounded

by layers of plastic, that transmits data using light rather than electricity.

•Choose Media based on :

•Wiring configurations
•Distance and location limitations
•Speed
•Reliability
•Security
•Budget
Copper - Twisted Pair
 Dialup over telephone line.
 DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
 High-speed (256 Kbps – 55 Mbps), Full-duplex.
 Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) and High-
bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL)

 CAT5
 Ethernet cable standard defined by the Electronic
Industries Association and Telecommunications Industry
Association (EIA/TIA).
 Speeds up to 100 Mbps.

 Connector
 RJ-45 - Standard connectors used for unshielded twisted-
pair cable.
Ethernet Specifications
 10BaseT
 Ethernet specification for unshielded twisted pair cable (category 3, 4, or 5), transmits signals at
10 Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 100 meters per segment.

 10BaseF
 Ethernet specification for fiber optic cable, transmits signals at 10 Mbps (megabits per second)
with a distance limit of 2000 meters per segment.

 100BaseT
 Ethernet specification for unshielded twisted pair cabling that is used to transmit data at 100
Mbps (megabits per second) with a distance limit of 100 meters per segment.

 1000BaseTX
 Ethernet specification for unshielded twisted pair cabling that is used to transmit data at 1 Gbps
(gigabits per second) with a distance limitation of 220 meters per segment.
Optical Fiber
•Infrared light is transmitted through fiber and confined due to
total internal reflection.
•Fibers can be made out of either plastic or glass.
•Used for high speed backbones and pipes over long
distances.
•Comparatively expensive.
Wireless Media
•Wireless LAN or WLAN
• Wireless local area network that uses radio
waves as its carrier

•Wi-Fi ("Wireless Fidelity“)

•A set of standards for WLANs based on IEEE
802.11

•Wi-Max
•Emerging technology that can cover ranges up
to 10 miles or more

•Satellite/Microwave
•High speed media used for longer distances and
remote locations
Sample LAN Implementation
Home Configuration
Sample LAN Implementation
Business Configuration
Sample LAN Implementation
Business Configuration
Troubleshooting Network Connectivity
21
 Logistic (ICT Manager) will ensure internet services those are using email
service and computer.
 Missions standard is using Local Area Networks connection through network
cable and wireless access points (Wifi).
 Local Area Networks provides internet access to computers and other devices
in a limited area. This connection established by wire or wireless.

 WAN –Wide Area Network

 Public Internet- When you go outside the Local Area Network through Internet
Service Provider (ISP)
 INTERNET

22
Cable or DSL or
Vsat or BLR
modem
Router WAN

LAN
Switch

Wireless Access
point
LAN/Internet Problem
23
 I cannot connect to the NAS
 I cannot print
 I can not connect to the Internet
 I can only reach some websites.
 My Internet connection is too slow.
 I am not receiving my emails
 Others....?? :)
 Attention:
LAN problems
24
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)

Wi-Fi produce electromagnetic waves to surroundings. When

electromagnetic waves are reflected by the Earth’s upper
atmosphere where it becomes a plasma at high altitude.

Problem with Wi-Fi

 Coverage of area
 Interference from nearby wireless devices
 Overlapping with others signal
 Frequency obstacle
 Congestion of data flows
LAN Problems
25
 Wi-Fi or LAN is not connected.
 Wireless might have disabled
 Cable disconnected if you are using patch cord for network
connectivity
 Difference when using cable and Wi-Fi
 Wi-Fi

 Cable
Basic Problem Troubleshooting
26

 Check the Wi-Fi or the LAN is connected or not.

 Use the Network Diagnostic tool

 Check whether wireless button is ON or OFF

 Turn ON button
 Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and
Sharing Center
Basic LAN Problem Troubleshooting
27
 Click Windows Button
 Type “cmd” Then, Press Enter

 ping google.com
 If there is reply, internet is working

 Request timeout means no internet

 IF no Internet: Check your internet Modem or call the ISP

Utilities Used to Verify TCP/IP Connectivity

 Use CLI
 IP Config
– checks to make sure correct IP and subnet mask
 Ping
– verifies connectivity to other hosts
 Tracert
– traces the route of the packet
 Netstat
– show what networks are active
 Nslookup
– asks the name server for information
IP CONFIG commands
 Ipconfig - displays current IP configuration
– IP address
– Subnet Mask
– Default Gateway
 Ipconfig /all – displays additional information
– DHCP
– DNS information
 Ipconfig /release – used with DHCP
– release IP address
 Ipconfig /renew – used with DHCP
– refreshes IP
The Ping Command
 Used to determine whether or not the host is
reachable
 Can be used with either an IP address of name of
destination
 Echo request – ping sent
 Echo reply – destination host responds
 Ping issues
– able to ping both IP and name, but unable to access
application
• problem likely at destination host
– Unable to ping both IP and name
• network connectivity problem
• if able to ping default gateway, problem not at local
level
The Tracert Command
 Shows each hop along the way
 Tells how long it takes for the packet to be sent
and get a response (round trip time)
 30 hops – network/user deemed unreachable
– default settings
– can be changed
The Netstat Command
 Views open connections on a host
 Informs user about:
– protocols
– local address
– port numbers
– connection state
The Nslookup Command

 Allows end user to look up information about DNS

name and DNS server
 Used as a troubleshooting tool to see if DNS
server has the correct IP with the correct name
Hardware and Connection Issues in Wired & Wireless
Networks

 Use divide-and-conquer technique

 To determine where the problem exists:
– ping from wireless client to default gateway
– ping from wired client to default gateway
– ping wireless client to wired client
LED Indicators
 Used to show activity
 Security LED
– solid green = security enabled
 Link Lights
– solid green = plugged in with no traffic
– flashing green = plugged in with traffic
– amber = making adjustments
 Power LED
– solid green = operational
Cable Issues
 One of the most common problems
 Check for:
– correct cable type
– improper cable termination
– too long of cable runs
– verify correct ports
– protect cables from damage
Radio Problems with a Wireless Network

 What if . . .
– the wireless client is unable to connect to the access
point
 Possible fixes:
– check wireless standards being used
– check channels
– check signal strength
• may be too far away from AP
– check for outside interference
– check available bandwidth
• too many clients on one channel
DHCP Problems
 Make sure the IP address of the client is on the
same network
 If both client and access point are not on the same
network, use release and renew
Documentation
 Set a performance baseline
– do this just after the network is installed and running
efficiently
 When documenting a problem, include the
following
– initial problem
– steps taken
– result of the steps
– determined cause of problem
– how the problem was resolved
– preventive measures taken
Using the Helpdesk
 Provides assistance for the end user to help fix a problem
– via email
– via live chat
– via phone
 Use of remote access
– help desk takes control of your machine
 Inform the help desk of the following:
– symptoms
– who had the problem
– when it happened
– steps taken
– results of steps taken
Cont,
 Effective troubleshooting combines instinct, experience, and structured
techniques to identify, locate, and correct network or computer problems.
 Documentation is essential in effective troubleshooting, and should contain
baseline information about the network.
 A large proportion of networking problems relate to physical
components.
 Many networking problems can be identified with software utilities such
as ping, tracert, and netstat.
 In a network containing both wired and wireless connections, it is
important to isolate the problem to either the wired or wireless network.