Practical Task a. Demonstrate and identify devices and cables b. Check IP address, and default Gateway. c. Demonstrate the use of following command: ping, ipconfig, tracert, nslookup d. Demonstrate RJ45 and Fiber connectors.

 

Practical Task

a. Demonstrate and identify devices and cables

b. Check IP address, and default Gateway.

c. Demonstrate the use of following command: ping, ipconfig, tracert, nslookup

d. Demonstrate RJ45 and Fiber connectors.

 

Activity 1.1: Check IP Address and Default Gateway

Objective

To check the IP Address and Default Gateway of a computer.

Procedure

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type cmd and press Enter.
3. Type the following command:

ipconfig

4. Press Enter.

Observation

Example Output:

IPv4 Address . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.10
Subnet Mask  . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

Conclusion

• IP Address: Unique address assigned to a computer on a network.
• Default Gateway: Address of the router used to communicate with other networks and the Internet.

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Activity 1.2: Demonstrate the Use of ping, ipconfig, tracert, and nslookup Commands

1. ping Command

Purpose

Tests network connectivity between two devices.

Command

ping google.com

Use

• Checks whether a website or device is reachable.
• Measures response time.

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2. ipconfig Command

Purpose

Displays network configuration information.

Command

ipconfig

Use

• Displays IP Address.
• Displays Subnet Mask.
• Displays Default Gateway.

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3. tracert Command

Purpose

Shows the route taken by data packets to reach a destination.

Command

tracert google.com

Use

• Identifies network routes.
• Helps troubleshoot network issues.

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4. nslookup Command

Purpose

Finds the IP address of a domain name.

Command

nslookup google.com

Use

• Checks DNS functionality.
• Converts domain names into IP addresses.

Conclusion

These commands are useful for network troubleshooting and configuration checking.

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Activity 1.3: Demonstrate RJ45 and Fiber Connectors

i. RJ45 Connector

Identification

• Small plastic connector with 8 metal pins.
• Used with Ethernet cables (CAT5e/CAT6).

Purpose

• Connects computers, switches, and routers in a LAN.
• Transmits data using electrical signals.

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ii. Fiber Optic Connectors

Types

• SC (Subscriber Connector)
• LC (Lucent Connector)
• ST (Straight Tip)

Purpose

• Used in fiber optic cables.
• Transmits data using light signals.

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iii. Difference Between RJ45 and Fiber Connectors

RJ45 Connector	Fiber Connector
Uses copper cable	Uses fiber optic cable
Uses electrical signals	Uses light signals
Lower speed	Higher speed
Short distance	Long distance

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iv. RJ45 Crimping Process

1. Strip the cable jacket.
2. Arrange wires according to standard color codes.
3. Insert wires into the RJ45 connector.
4. Crimp using a crimping tool.
5. Connect the cable to a network port.

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v. Advantages of Fiber Optics

• High speed
• Long-distance communication
• High bandwidth
• Low signal loss
• Immune to electromagnetic interference

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vi. Typical Uses

RJ45

• Local Area Networks (LANs)
• Offices
• Schools
• Homes

Fiber Optic Connectors

• ISP networks
• Data centers
• Telecommunications
• Backbone networks

Conclusion

RJ45 connectors are used in Ethernet networks, while fiber connectors are used for high-speed and long-distance communication.

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Activity 1.4: Demonstrate and Identify Devices and Cables

A. Networking Devices

1. Router

Function: Connects different networks and provides Internet access.

2. Switch

Function: Connects multiple devices in a LAN and forwards data to the correct destination.

3. Hub

Function: Connects multiple devices and broadcasts data to all connected devices.

4. Modem

Function: Connects a computer network to an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

5. Access Point

Function: Provides wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity to devices.

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B. Network Cables

1. UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Cable

Use: Commonly used in LANs with RJ45 connectors.

2. Fiber Optic Cable

Use: High-speed and long-distance communication using light signals.

3. Coaxial Cable

Use: Cable television and broadband Internet connections.

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Observation Table

Device/Cable	Function
Router	Connects networks and provides Internet access
Switch	Connects devices in a LAN
Hub	Broadcasts data to all devices
Modem	Connects network to ISP
Access Point	Provides wireless connectivity
UTP Cable	Transfers data through copper wires
Fiber Optic Cable	Transfers data through light signals
Coaxial Cable	Used for cable TV and broadband Internet

Conclusion

Networking devices and cables work together to establish communication and data transfer within a computer network.