Networking+Paper


 * Artifact #1 Networking**

When working with a network, it is important to understand not only how to set it up, but how to identify and correct problems. The best time to do this is //before// the network goes down. There are myriad different ways to troubleshoot and correct network problems, so it is important to understand the network yourself and provide clear troubleshooting directions in case someone else must unexpectedly take over. Thus, mapping your network, in addition to learning how to identify and correct problems, is essential.

When network problems arise, there are many steps one can take to discover where the problem is located. The first method is called pinging. A ping is a tool used to test whether a particular computer is reachable across an IP network. By entering a second computer’s IP address into the first computer’s terminal window, a user can witness the first computer sending messages to a computer on the network and listening for replies. It measures the round-trip time and records any packet loss, as well as demonstrating connectivity between two computers. If a computer goes down on the network, pinging it from another computer can show you whether it is the network that is no longer working or one of the computers. This test is primarily used to demonstrate whether one computer on the network is reachable from another.

The next method is checking the link lights. At the back of the computer where the cable is plugged in, a series of lights appear and should be lit when the computer and network are functioning correctly. If the lights are not illuminated, there is a problem with the cable or the switch, the device that connects the computers on the network. Other trouble-shooting methods include the faithful restart method, both for the computer or the router. Finally, the troubleshooter must be sure everything is correctly plugged in, turned on, and installed properly.

Employing the use of a traceroute is another method to diagnose network problems. Traceroute is a tool that determines the route taken by packets across a network on Linux and similar operating systems. In order to use this method, a user opens a terminal window and types in the traceroute command and a website to trace. The computer then displays each router the information packets traveled through before reaching its final destination. In class, our computer first sent information to the local router, badger, and then jumped from router to router until it reached www.google.com. Typically, a traceroute should be run before any network problems occur in order to have a properly functioning traceroute to compare to one run by a nonfunctioning computer. This way, a user can tell where the traceroute stops in order to determine where the network problems are occurring.

Finally, it is important to map and understand your network before it goes down. Below is a chart of my home network, including my desktop, laptops, router and printer. This chart will be helpful in troubleshooting problems if I am absent or unavailable.

(Chart removed for privacy)

Through these methods, I will be able to properly identify and correct any networking problems in my home, as well as leave the necessary information for someone else to troubleshoot problems if I am unavailable. This is an important strategy for any computer technician to take, both at home and in the workplace, in order to create an established and reliable network. .