Wollo University
Kombolcha Institute of Technology (KIoT)
Computer Networks Lab Manual for IT Teachers’
Summer Capacity Building Program.
August 02, 2025
Kombolcha, Wollo, Ethiopia
Activity 3.1: Networks and Fundamental Elements
Networking is the practice of connecting computers and
other devices together to share data and resources.
Networking is like a postal system. Devices (computers) are
like people writing letters. The network is the system that
carries those letters (data) to the right destination.
Real-life examples:
•Internet
•Sending emails
•Online gaming
•Video conferencing (Zoom, Teams)
Real-world applications of networking
Internet Access – Browsing websites, using Google Search
Communication – Enables email, chat, video conferencing, and other forms of digital
communication.
Data Management – Centralized storage makes data easier to access, manage, and back
up.
Education – Online learning platforms
Collaboration – Supports teamwork by enabling real-time data access and
communication.
Banking and Finance – ATMs connected to bank networks, mobile banking apps
Types of Networks
Type Description Example
LAN Local Area Network – limited to small area Office or school network
Wide Area Network – covers large geographical
WAN The internet
areas
Metropolitan Area Network – spans a city or
MAN City-wide Wi-Fi, universities
campus
Personal Area Network – for personal devices(1–
PAN Bluetooth, mobile hotspot
10 meters)
Activity 3.2: Network Topology
Types of Network
Topologies
Fundamental Elements
Fundamental Elements of a Computer Network include:
• Devices – e.g., computers, servers, switches, routers.
• Transmission Media – UTP cables, fiber optics, wireless
signals.
• Network Interfaces – NIC cards, ports.
• Protocols – TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP.
• Network Software – OSI model layers, operating systems,
firewalls.
Fundamental Elements
Fundamental Elements
Activity 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 : Hands – On Exercises
3. Add Network Devices
From the device menu at the bottom:
End Devices: PCs, laptops, printers
Networking Devices: Switches, routers, wireless routers
Connections: Automatically choose cable types or
manually select (usually Copper Straight-Through or
Crossover)
Hands – On Exercises
4. Design the Physical Layout
Place and connect devices logically (group PCs by classroom/lab)
Label areas (Admin, Labs, Library, etc.)
Add switches to connect PCs in each department
Use a router to connect different networks or to the internet
Hands – On Exercises
5. Assign IP Addresses
Use manual or DHCP:
For simplicity, use static IPs:
Admin: [Link]/24
Labs: [Link]/24
Library: [Link]/24
Assign IPs to PCs (Desktop tab > IP Configuration)
6. Configure VLANs (Optional but recommended)
If segmenting network:
Configure VLANs on switches (e.g., VLAN 10 for Admin, VLAN
20 for Students)
Assign switch ports to VLANs
Set trunk ports between switches and router (Router-on-a-
Stick setup)
Hands – On Exercises
7. Configure Routers
Go to CLI or GUI tab of the router
Assign IPs to interfaces
Enable interfaces (no shutdown)
Setup routing (Static or dynamic like RIP or OSPF if needed)
8. Test Connectivity
Use the ping command:PC > Desktop tab > Command Prompt > ping <IP>
Verify intra-network and inter-network communication
Troubleshoot with IP config and cable checks
Create vlan
• VLAN is a logical grouping of network devices connected to a switch -isolating the traffic for each group.
• Create two vlans vlan2 and vlan3, name them home & Office
• Computers at different vlan cannot communicate with each other
• Vlan 1 is default vlan in switch
• Configure vlan 2 and vlan 3 in switch
• Switch - > CLI
SW1(config)#en
SW1(config)#conf t
SW1(config)#vlan 11
SW1(config-vlan)#name home
SW1(config-vlan)#exit
SW1(config)#int fa0/1
SW1(config-if)#switchport mode access
SW1(config-if)#switchport access vlan 11
SW1(config-if)#end
Do same for vlan office vlan
SW1(config-if)#show vlan - list all vlans
Assign IP address for each computer and try ping
Router configuration
Router configuration
• Click on the router -> CLI tab
• Router>y
• Router>en
• Router#conf t
• Router(config)#interface g0/0/0
• Router(config-if)#ip address
[Link] [Link]
• Router(config-if)#no shutdown
• Do this for interface gigabitEthernet 0/0/1
• And assign default gateway address(IP of exiting router(0/0/0 or 0/0/1)) for
each computers
Activity 3.2.1. Network Media – Preparing
UTP Cable
Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable Preparation for
Networking)UTP cables are the most commonly used
cables for Ethernet networking (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6).
Preparing them properly is essential for creating
reliable network connections.
Network Media – Preparing UTP Cable
Materials Needed:
UTP Cable (e.g., Cat5e or Cat6)
RJ-45 connectors (8P8C)
Crimping tool
Cable cutter or scissors
Cable tester (optional but recommended)
Activity 3.2.1 Types of UTP Cable
UTP Cable Pinouts
UTP Cable Pinouts
Wire arrangement standards: T568A and T568B
Network Media – Preparing UTP Cable
Steps to Prepare a UTP Cable:
✅ 1. Measure and Cut the Cable
Cut the UTP cable to your desired length using scissors or
the cutter on your crimping tool.
✅ 2. Strip the Outer Jacket
Use the cable stripper to remove about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of
the outer insulation from both ends of the cable.
Be careful not to damage the inner twisted pairs.
Network Media – Preparing UTP Cable
Steps to Prepare a UTP Cable:
✅ 3. Untwist and Align the Wires
Carefully untwist the 4 pairs (8 wires) inside the cable.
Straighten them as much as possible.
✅ 4. Arrange the Wires in the Correct Order
✅ 5. Trim the Wires
Trim the wires evenly to about 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in length so
they fit into the RJ-45 connector.
Network Media – Preparing UTP Cable
Steps to Prepare a UTP Cable:
✅ 6. Insert into RJ-45 Connector
Hold the RJ-45 plug with the clip facing down.
Carefully insert the wires into the connector, ensuring they stay in the
correct order and reach the end.
✅ 7. Crimp the Connector
Insert the connector into the crimping tool and press firmly.
This action secures the wires and blades inside the connector.
Network Media – Preparing UTP Cable
Steps to Prepare a UTP Cable:
✅ 8. Repeat for the Other End
Repeat the same process on the other end, using the
appropriate pinout.
✅ 9. Test the Cable (Recommended)
Use a cable tester to check for continuity and ensure all
wires are correctly connected.
UTP Cable Tester
Cellular Networks
A cellular network is a wireless network distributed over land areas
called cells, each served by a base station (cell tower).
Devices connect to the nearest tower for voice, text, and data
communication.
Key Components:
Mobile Device (Phone/Modem)
Cell Towers (Base Stations)
Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
Cellular Networks
Features:
High mobility
Good coverage in urban areas
High data transfer rate (esp. in 5G)
Supports handover between towers
Cellular Networks
Common Uses:
Mobile phone calls
Mobile data (browsing, streaming)
SMS/MMS
IoT device connectivity
Satellite Networks
A satellite network uses communication satellites in
Earth’s orbit to relay and amplify radio signals
between a source and receiver.
Key Components:
Satellite (LEO, MEO, or GEO)
Ground Station (Hub or Gateway)
User Terminal (e.g., Satellite Dish or
Satellite Networks
Features:
Global coverage, including remote areas
Useful where terrestrial infrastructure is absent
Higher latency than cellular
Affected by weather (especially GEO)
Common Uses:
Remote area internet (e.g., rural or maritime)
TV broadcasting
Military and disaster communication
GPS and navigation
⚠️Common Security Threats
Threat Description
Malicious software like viruses, worms, Trojans,
Malware and ransomware that damages or disrupts
systems.
Deceptive emails or websites that trick users into
Phishing
revealing sensitive information.
Overwhelms systems or networks, making
Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS)
services unavailable.
Attackers intercept communication between two
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM)
parties.
Malicious SQL queries used to access or
SQL Injection
manipulate databases.
Attacks that exploit unknown or unpatched
Zero-Day Exploits
vulnerabilities.
Security risks originating from within the
Insider Threats
organization (e.g., employees).
Brute-force or dictionary attacks to crack user
Password Attacks
️Mitigation Strategies (by Threat Type)
🔸 Malware
•Use antivirus/antimalware 🔸 DoS/DDoS Attacks
software •Use firewalls and DDoS
•Regular updates and patching protection services
•Email and web filtering •Load balancing and
🔸 Phishing redundancy
•Rate limiting
•User awareness training
🔸 Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
•Email filters and anti-phishing
•Use HTTPS, SSL/TLS
tools
encryption
Mitigation Strategies (by Threat Type)
🔸 SQL Injection
•Role-based access control
•Input validation and
(RBAC)
sanitization
•Monitor user activities
•Use parameterized queries
•Conduct regular audits and
•Regular security testing
background checks
🔸 Zero-Day Exploits
🔸 Password Attacks
•Use threat detection systems
•Enforce strong password
(IDS/IPS)
policies
•Implement patch management
•Use multi-factor authentication
policies
(MFA)
•Monitor unusual behavior and
•Account lockout after multiple
system logs
failed attempts
Security Best Practices
Update regularly – Patch systems and applications
frequently.
Backup data – Use secure, offsite backups.
Encrypt data – Protect data in transit and at rest.
Train users – Educate staff on cyber hygiene and social
engineering.
Access control – Implement the principle of least privilege
(PoLP).
Hands – On Exercises
1. Define the Network Requirements
Before starting in Packet Tracer, clarify:
Number of buildings (e.g., Admin, Classrooms, Labs)
Number of users/devices per area
Required services (e.g., internet, printer access, file sharing)
Security needs (e.g., VLANs for staff/students)
2. Launch Cisco Packet Tracer
Open Cisco Packet Tracer and create a new workspace.
The End !!