03

  • Let’s just talk about this…

    Objectives

    Explain the role of protocols and standards organizations in facilitating interoperability in network communications.

    In this activity, you will determine ways to communicate when standards are not present or agreed upon. You will also resolve a communication issue by establishing standards for communication.

    Background / Scenario

    You have just purchased a new automobile for your personal use. After driving the car for a week or so, you find that it is not properly functioning. After discussing the problem with several of your peers, you decide to take it to a highly recommended automotive repair facility. It is the only repair facility located in close proximity to you.

    When you arrive at the repair facility, you find that all of the mechanics speak another language. You are having difficulty explaining the automobile’s performance problems, but the repairs really need to be done. You are not sure you can drive it back home to research other options.

    You must find a way to work with the repair facility to ensure your automobile is properly repaired.

    How will you communicate with the mechanics in this firm? Design a communications model to ensure that the car is properly repaired.

    Reflection

    1. What steps did you identify as important to communicating your repair request? Justify your answer.

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  • Lab - Researching Networking Standards

    Objectives

    Part 1: Research Networking Standards Organisations
    Gather information about the major networking standards organisations by going on a web surfing treasure hunt.
    Identify important characteristics of some of the organisations.
    Part 2: Reflect on Internet and Computer Networking Experiences
    Reflect on how the various networking standards organisations enhance our experience of the Internet and computer networking.

    Background / Scenario

    Using web search engines like Google, research the non-profit organizations that are responsible for establishing international standards for the Internet and the development of Internet technologies.

    Required Resources

    Device with Internet access

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  • Lab - Researching RFCs

    Objectives

    Part 1: RFC Editor
    Navigate to the RFC Editor.
    Search for RFCs using keywords.
    Find RFCs by status.
    Search for humorous RFCs.
    Part 2: Publishing RFCs

    Background / Scenario

    Request for Comments (RFCs) were created by Steve Crocker to help record notes on development of Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) in 1969 and eventually evolved into an official collection of memorandum that describes topics that are mainly related to the Internet and the TCP/IP protocol suite. Today the RFCs are managed by the IETF. There are currently over 6,000 RFCs, and the complete list is available at http://www.ietf.org/download/rfc-index.txt.

    In this lab, you will learn how an RFC is published today by IETF. Additionally, you will also identify a few well-known RFCs that are used in your network. You can also find a few non-technical RFCs that can provide information or engineering humor.

    Required Resources

    Device with Internet access

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  • Packet Tracer - Investigating the TCP/IP and OSI Models in Action

    Objectives

    Part 1: Examine HTTP Web Traffic
    Part 2: Display Elements of the TCP/IP Protocol Suite

    Background

    This simulation activity is intended to provide a foundation for understanding the TCP/IP protocol suite and the relationship to the OSI model. Simulation mode allows you to view the data contents being sent across the network at each layer.

    As data moves through the network, it is broken down into smaller pieces and identified so that the pieces can be put back together when they arrive at the destination. Each piece is assigned a specific name (protocol data unit [PDU]) and associated with a specific layer of the TCP/IP and OSI models. Packet Tracer simulation mode enables you to view each of the layers and the associated PDU. The following steps lead the user through the process of requesting a web page from a web server by using the web browser application available on a client PC.

    Even though much of the information displayed will be discussed in more detail later, this is an opportunity to explore the functionality of Packet Tracer and be able to visualize the encapsulation process.

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    Packet Tracer - Explore a Network

    Objectives

    Part 1: Examine Internetwork Traffic at Branch
    Part 2: Examine Internetwork Traffic to Central
    Part 3: Examine Internet Traffic from Branch

    Background

    This simulation activity is intended to help you understand the flow of traffic and the contents of data packets as they traverse a complex network. Communications will be examined at three different locations simulating typical business and home networks.

    Take a few moments to study the topology displayed. The Central location has three routers and multiple networks possibly representing different buildings within a campus. The Branch location has only one router with a connection to both the Internet and a dedicated wide-area network (WAN) connection to the Central location. The Home Office makes use of a cable modem broadband connection to provide access to both the Internet and to corporate resources over the Internet.

    The devices at each location use a combination of static and dynamic addressing. The devices are configured with default gateways and Domain Name System (DNS) information, as appropriate.

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