THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC

BIDA, NIGER STATE

COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

ASSIGNMENT

ON:

DATA COMMUNICATION AND NETWORK

COURSE CODE: COM315

PREPARED BY:

GROUP 8

1. OLAREWAJU FRANCIS EMMANUEL

2. NWOSU VICTOR CHUKWUBUIKEM
3. ABUBAKAR ALIYU LIMAN
4. UZOMA VICTOR NNAEMEKA
5. ABUBAKAR ABDULRAHMAN
6. MUHAMMED ABUDULGAFAR OMEIZA
7. MUHAMMED ABDULKADIR ABDULSALAM
8. SULEIMAN USMAN SACHI
9. PETER JOHN AYEMOBA
10. DAVIES DANIE
11. SHEHU KABIRU
12. SAMUEL JOSHUA

SUMBMITTED TO:
 LECTURER: MR. OLAYEMI T.A

8.1 Explain the device used in a small network.

Network devices: - Network device also known as networking hardware, are physical device that allow hardware
on a computer Network to communicate and interact with one another. For Example, Repeater, Hub, Bridge,
Switch, Routers, Gateway, Brouter, and Nic etc.

A small network typically consists of several devices that work together to enable communication and data sharing
among the connected devices. Here are some common devices used in a small network, along with brief
explanations:

1. Routers: A router acts as a central hub for a network, directing data packets between devices and different
networks. It manages the flow of data and ensures that it reaches the intended destination.

2. Switches: Switches are responsible for connecting multiple devices within a network, allowing them to
communicate with each other. They control the flow of data between connected devices and help maintain
network efficiency.

3. Modems: A modem converts data signals between the network and the internet, enabling communication
between devices in the network and the broader internet. It translates the digital data from the network into a
format that can be transmitted over telephone lines or other communication channels.

4. Wireless Access Points (WAPs): WAPs provide wireless connectivity to a wired network, allowing devices like
laptops, smartphones, and tablets to connect to the network without the need for physical network cables. They
broadcast a Wi-Fi signal that devices can connect to and access the network.

5. Network Interface Cards (NICs): NICs are hardware components installed in computers and other devices to
enable them to connect to a network. They facilitate communication between the device's internal hardware and
the network, allowing the device to send and receive data.

6. Hubs: Hubs are older networking devices that function as simple connectivity points for multiple devices. They
broadcast incoming data to all connected devices, which then check if the data is intended for them. Hubs are less
efficient than switches, as they do not filter data and can lead to increased network traffic.

7. Network-attached Storage (NAS): A NAS device is a dedicated storage solution for a network, providing
centralized data storage and access for multiple devices. It simplifies file sharing and backup among network users.
8. Firewalls: Firewalls are security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based
on predetermined security rules. They help protect the network from unauthorized access and potential threats,
such as viruses, malware, and hacking attempts.

9. Servers: Servers are powerful computers that provide shared resources, services, and data storage for a
network. They can host applications, store files, and manage user accounts, ensuring efficient resource allocation
and accessibility for network users.

10. Print Servers: Print servers manage printer connections and resources within a network, allowing multiple
users to share a single printer. They handle print jobs from networked devices, ensuring that print requests are
directed to the correct printer and processed efficiently.

A network protocol can be defined as a set of rules and standards that govern the communication and data
exchange between devices in a network or over the internet.

Example: The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a network protocol that ensures reliable data transmission
between devices by breaking data into packets, numbering them, and reassembling them at the receiving end.

Network protocols can also refer to the specific methods and formats used for encoding, compressing, or
encrypting data during transmission to ensure secure and efficient communication.

Example: The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and its successor, Transport Layer Security (TLS), are network protocols
that provide secure communication between a client and a server, such as when accessing a website using the
"https" prefix.

In a broader context, network protocols can encompass the entire suite of protocols that work together to enable
various aspects of network functionality, such as addressing, routing, and error control.

Example: The Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) is a collection of network protocols that govern how data is
transmitted, addressed, and routed across the internet. It includes protocols like TCP, IP, and Internet Control
Message Protocol (ICMP) for error reporting.
8.2 Explain the protocols and applications used in a small network.

- Network protocols support the applications services used by employees in a small network. For startup and small
business TCP and IP communication protocols are widely used easy to manage. For faster, more efficient file
transfer, your business may benefit from using FTP protocols instead of relying on HTTP alone. For security, HTTPS
is ubiquitous and reliable for data transfer over the network.

- What are the 7 network protocols?

1 Transmission control protocol (TCP)

2 Internet protocol (IP)

3. User datagram protocol (UDP)

4. File transfer protocol (FTP)

5. Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)

6. Simple network management protocol (SNMP)

7. Internet control message protocol (POP)

. Explain the protocols and applications used in a small network.

Protocol/Application Description

Ethernet: A wired networking standard that forms the backbone of most small networks

Wi-Fi: A wireless networking standard that provides mobility and flexibility in small networks

TCP/IP: A set of protocols that enable communication between devices over the network

DNS: A service that translates domain names into IP addresses

DHCP: A service that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on the network

HTTP: A protocol that enables communication between web servers and web browsers

FTP: A protocol that enables file transfer between devices on the network

SMTP: A protocol that enables sending email over the network

These protocols and applications enable the devices on the network to communicate and share resources, such as
files and printers.
8.3. Explain how a small network severs as the basis of larger networks.

- A small network can sever as the basis for larger networks by providing a solid foundation that can be scaled up
to meet the needs of a growing organization or system. Scaling up a network design involves expanding its capacity
performance and capabilities while maintaining reliability and efficiency.

A small network can serve as the basis of larger networks in a number of ways. In particular:

1. Scalability: A small network can easily be scaled up to support larger numbers of devices and users, by adding
additional switches, routers, and other networking devices. This can allow the network to grow over time, as the
needs of the business or organization evolve.

2. Connectivity: A small network can serve as a central hub for connecting multiple larger networks together. For
example, a company with multiple branch offices might have a small network at each office, connected by a wide-
area network (WAN) that enables communication between the different locations.

3. Security: A small network can provide a secure foundation for larger networks. By implementing security
measures such as firewalls, access controls, and intrusion detection systems in the small network, larger networks
can be protected from external attacks and malicious activity.

Overall, small networks serve as the building blocks for larger networks and are crucial to the foundation of any
network infrastructure. They provide the basic connectivity and functionality that is required for larger networks to
function, and serve as the basis for expansion and growth.
8.4 Explain common network troubleshooting methodologies.

- network troubleshooting is a repeatable process which means that you can break it down into clear steps that
anyone can follow.

1. Identify the problem

2. Identify the affected area

3. Divide and conquer

4. Test the solution

5. Document the solution

1 Identify the problem

The first step is to identify the problem by gathering information about what is not working. Users can be
interviewed, system logs can be reviewed, and network devices can be checked to help identify the issue

2 Identify the affected area

Once the problem is identified, the next step is to determine which area of the network is affected. This could be a
specific device, a particular subnet, or the entire network

3 Divide and conquer

Once the affected area is identified, the next step is to try to isolate the problem. This is done by dividing the
affected area into smaller sections and testing each section to determine where the issue is.

4 Test the solution

Once a solution is identified, it should be tested to ensure that it actually resolves the problem. If the solution
works, it can be implemented on a larger scale

5 Document the solution

Once the problem is resolved, it is important to document the solution so that it can be referred to in the future if
similar issues arise

These methodologies are not exhaustive but provide a starting point when dealing with network troubleshooting.
Depending on the specific issue, other methodologies or techniques may also be necessary to resolve the problem.
- Network troubleshooting methodology: - in the process of measuring, identifying and resolving network –
related issue and it’s also defined as a logical process network engineer, follow to improve the overall network
operations.

8.5 list common connectivity problems associated as network devices.

1 Identify the affected area

2 Divide and conquer

3 Test the solution

4 Document the solution

The first step is to identify the problem by gathering information about what is not working. Users can be
interviewed, system logs can be reviewed, and network devices can be checked to help identify the issue

1 Identify the affected area: Once the problem is identified, the next step is to determine which area of the
network is affected. This could be a specific device, a particular subnet, or the entire network

2 Divide and conquer: Once the affected area is identified, the next step is to try to isolate the problem. This is
done by dividing the affected area into smaller sections and testing each section to determine where the issue is.

3 Test the solution: Once a solution is identified, it should be tested to ensure that it actually resolves the problem.
If the solution works, it can be implemented on a larger scale

4 Document the solution: Once the problem is resolved, it is important to document the solution so that it can be
referred to in the future if similar issues arise

These methodologies are not exhaustive but provide a starting point when dealing with network
troubleshooting. Depending on the specific issue, other methodologies or techniques may also be necessary to
resolve the problem.

1. Intermittent network problems

2. High bandwidth usage

3. High CPU usage

4. Physical connectivity issues.

5. Malfunctioning devices or equipment

6. D.N.S issues.

7. Interference in the wireless network.

 8. Network congestion.

- what is the common problem or issue of computer network slow network speeds, wi-fi signals and damage are
just some of the most common network connection issues that IT department needs to troubleshoot.

Business is networks are complex, and many things can go wrong that disrupt network performance.

- How to test network batency with ping and traceroute

Ping traceroute: - use the ping command with the –T Flag to perform a traceroute and identify the specific point
where latency is occurring. Type Ping –T < remote host IP address> in the command prompt or terminal. The
output will display the response time and the IP address of each router the ping passes through.

- What is connectivity troubleshooting a network.

The term trouble shooting refer to the process of identifying problem with a network through a rigorous and
repeatable process and then solving these problems using testable methods.

- Troubleshoot connectivity issues

Step1. Define the problem

2. Check physical connections

3. Restart devices.

4. Run network diagnostics

5. Check for software issues.

6. Monitor network traffic

7. Update firmware and software.