Introduction to Data Communications
ECI-M-917
http://eent3.lsbu.ac.uk/staff/baoyb/IDC/
Faculty of Engineering, Science and the Built Environment
2010-2011
become what you want to be
Introduction to Data Communications Unit Guide
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
Unit Details .......................................................................................................... 3
Short Description ................................................................................................. 3
Aims of the Unit ................................................................................................... 3
Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................. 3
4.1
Knowledge and Understanding ....................................................................................................... 3
4.2
Intellectual Skills .............................................................................................................................. 4
4.3
Practical Skills ................................................................................................................................. 4
4.4
Transferable Skills ........................................................................................................................... 4
5.
6.
7.
Assessment of the Unit ........................................................................................ 4
Feedback ............................................................................................................. 4
Introduction to Studying the Unit .......................................................................... 4
7.1
Overview of Types of Classes ......................................................................................................... 4
7.2
Importance of Student Self-Managed Learning Time ..................................................................... 5
7.3
Employability ................................................................................................................................... 5
8.
9.
10.
The Programme of Teaching, Learning and Assessment .................................... 5
STUDENT EVALUATION .................................................................................... 7
Learning Resources ............................................................................................. 7
10.1 Core Materials ................................................................................................................................. 7
10.2 Optional Materials ........................................................................................................................... 8
11.
Guidance for Formal Report Writing (IDC) ........................................................... 8
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Introduction to Data Communications Unit Guide
1.
UNIT DETAILS
Introduction to Data Communications
M
ECI-M-917
1
150
48
102
None
None
TeCNE/CSN/IME
2009-2010, S1
Ya Bao
020 78157588, baoyb@lsbu.ac.uk T701
Vincent Siyau,
020 7815 7507, siyaum@lsbu.ac.uk T710
Perry Xiao,
020 78157569, xiaop@lsbu.ac.uk T215-A
Subject Area: Electronics
Summary of Assessment Method: Exam + Coursework
Unit Title:
Unit Level:
Unit Reference Number:
Credit Value:
Student Study Hours:
Contact Hours:
Private Study Hours:
Pre-requisite Learning (If applicable):
Co-requisite Units (If applicable):
Course(s):
Year and Semester
Unit Coordinator:
UC Contact Details (Tel, Email, Room)
Teaching Team & Contact Details
(If applicable):
2.
SHORT DESCRIPTION
This unit provides a broad understanding of the principles of data communications and
networks. It covers network protocols and standards, theoretical basis for data
communications, Shannon’s formula, Modem, ADSL, Data link layer design issues, MAC
protocols, Ethernet, IP address, Basic routing algorithms, TCP and TCP congestion
control, WWW and VoIP.
3.
AIMS OF THE UNIT
This unit aims to provide you with a practical understanding of all the relevant
terminology, concepts, hardware, software, protocols and other information necessary to
make you literate in data communications.
4.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
4.1
Knowledge and Understanding

understand the role of communications in industry and commerce

understand modulation techniques for digital data transmission
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Introduction to Data Communications Unit Guide

be familiar with the protocols for network communications
4.2
Intellectual Skills

apply knowledge of networks to evaluate their effectiveness in specific
applications

employ general principles of engineering design and practice
4.3
Practical Skills

Plan and implement telecommunications and computer networks
engineering projects.

4.4
5.
Use engineering IT tools, including programming languages and network
simulation packages.
Transferable Skills

Use science-based methods to solve problems.

Use creativity and innovation in problem solving.

Develop numerical skills in analysing and evaluating data.

Develop how to learn using a theoretical and practical approach.
ASSESSMENT OF THE UNIT
There will be a 2-hour written examination worth 70%, a laboratory course work worth
30% of the total unit marks. You MUST submit your course work to the IDC Blackboard
site before the deadline and keep the receipt and soft copy of your report. Late
submission will be penalized in accordance with the University regulation.
6.
FEEDBACK
Feedback will normally be given to students 15 working days after the submission of an
assignment.
The feedback will be given on the blackboard before 20 Jan 2011.
7.
INTRODUCTION TO STUDYING THE UNIT
7.1
Overview of Types of Classes
These can be classified into three main activities as follows:
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Introduction to Data Communications Unit Guide
7.2

Lectures which cover the basic material of the topics at a rate of 2 hours
per week. You will be given website based handouts to either accompany
the unit textbook or to complement it when necessary. You are encouraged
to find out more about each topic covered for deeper understanding, and to
consult your lecturer for more information.

Tutorials which will be at the rate of 1 hour per weeks. You will be given
a tutorial sheet when it is due. Prepare for the tutorial prior to the session to
ensure that you know how to apply the principles given in the lecture to
practical problems.

Laboratory will be at the rate of 2 hours every other week. You will be
given lab sheets with the unit guide at the beginning of the course. Prepare
for the lab prior to the session to ensure that you know how to use the
software tool to simulate the network.
Importance of Student Self-Managed Learning Time
8.5 hour per week of self-managed learning time is expected for this unit.
Students should review all contents of the textbooks, teaching materials and
tutorial questions provided during the lectures/tutorials.
The workload for a full time student is expected to be approximately 40 hours
per week.
7.3
Employability
There are diverse employment opportunities in communication field. As an
introductory unit, it provides a broad understanding of the principles of data
communications and networks. You could work for an equipment
manufacturer, network infrastructure provider or a service provider, carrying
out research, or working on the design and development projects, or production
of land or undersea communication systems, data networks, computer
communication networks, optical fibre and microwave communications,
wireless and mobile communications, cellular mobile networks or satellite
systems.
8.
THE PROGRAMME OF TEACHING, LEARNING
AND ASSESSMENT
This unit consists of 7 broad areas of study:
1. Principles and concepts of computer networks
This part is concerned with the underlying technology of Data and Computer
Communications. The concept protocol architectures are discussed. It deals with
the two most important protocol architectures: OSI model and TCP/IP.
Learning outcome:
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Introduction to Data Communications Unit Guide

Gain an understanding of the concept of data communication.

Define and explain the terms protocol and protocol architecture.

Know critiques of the OSI model and TCP/IP model.
1 Week
2. The physical layer
The lowest layer defines the mechanical, electrical, and timing interfaces to the
network. Some kinds of transmission media will be covered. Fixed telephone and
table TV system will be discussed as examples.
Learning outcome:

Know about theoretical basis of data communication.

Define twisted pair, fibre optics and radio transmission.

Gain an understanding of the principle and structure of PSTN.

Define and explain the principle of modem, ADSL and cable modem.
1 week
3. The Data link layer
This study deals with the algorithms for achieving reliable, efficient
communication between two adjacent machines at the data link layer.
Learning outcome:

Know about framing, error detection and correction.

Define SW-ARQ, sliding window ARQ and hybrid ARQ.
2 Weeks
4. The MAC sublayer
The MAC sublayer is especially important in LANs, many of which use a multiaccess channel as the basis for communication. The central theme of this chapter is
how to allocate a single broadcast channel among competing users.
Learning outcome:

Understand the needs of MAC sublayer.

Define multiple access protocols: ALOHA, Pure ALOHA, Slotted ALOHA,
CSMA, CSMA/CD and collision-free protocols.
2 Weeks
5. The Network Layer
The network layer is concerned with getting packets from the source all the way to
the destination. In this part, we will study routing, congestion control and
internetworking issues.
Learning outcome:
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Introduction to Data Communications Unit Guide
 Understanding of network-layer functionalities
 Understanding label switching and datagram routing
 Basic routing algorithms (Dijkstra’s Algorithm, DVR, LSR etc)
 Understanding IP Layer and IP routing
2 Weeks
6. The Transport Layer
The Transport Layer is the heart of the whole protocol hierarchy. Its task is to
provide reliable, cost-effective data transport from the source machine to the
destination machine, independently of the physical network or networks currently
in use. In this part, we will study the transport layer in detail, including its services,
design, protocols, and performance.
Learning outcome:
 Understanding transport-layer functionalities
 Understanding issues with transport protocol design
 Understanding TCP and TCP congestion control
3 Weeks
7. The Application Layer
Some real network applications. Email, World Wide Web and Multimedia will be
studied in this part.
Learning outcome:
 Understanding application-layer functionalities
 Understanding WWW (DNS, HTTP protocols)
 Understanding multimedia applications with emphasis on VoIP
1 Week
9.
STUDENT EVALUATION
The majority of class in previouse academic year felt that the unit guide is useful (81%),
satisfied with the organisation of teaching (86%) and quality of lectures (89%). These
three items are higher than that of the last year. That means most of students were satisfied
with the teaching.
There are no high negative responses on any item on the questionnaire.
10. LEARNING RESOURCES
10.1 Core Materials
Computer Networks 4/E, by Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Publisher: Prentice-Hall,
2003. ISBN: 0-13-038488-7.
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Introduction to Data Communications Unit Guide
Online e-book available at: (access via LSBU host)
http://0-proquest.safaribooksonline.com.lispac.lsbu.ac.uk/0130661023
10.2 Optional Materials


Data and Computer Communications 8/E, by W. Stalling, Publisher:
Prentice-Hall, 2007.
Introduction to Data Communications and Networking 4/E, by B. Forouzan,
Publisher: McGraw-Hill, 2006.
11. GUIDANCE FOR FORMAL REPORT WRITING
The ‘Introduction to Data Communications’ lab report should include the following
sections:

A cover page with your name, student number, course information, lab number
and title, and date of submission.

A summary of the addressed topic and objectives of the lab.

Implementation: a brief description of the process you followed in conducting
the implementation of the lab scenarios (including the outline of the network).

Important results obtained throughout the experiment (tables and graphs
may be used), the analysis of these results, and a comparison of these results
with your expectations. Mention any anomalies or unexplained behaviours.

Answers to the given exercises (if available). If an answer incorporates new
graphs, analysis of these graphs should be included here.

A conclusion that includes what you learned, difficulties you faced, and any
suggested extensions/improvements to the lab.

References
The report should be 10-14 A4 sides and stapled together (for paper copy). Please do not use
any plastic covers with your report.
Your lab report is required to deal with one of the experiment you have done in this semester.
Everyone must produce his/her individual report independently. Any duplicated paragraphs
will be penalized.
Report submission
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Introduction to Data Communications Unit Guide
Deadline of submitting: 9th Dec,2010, 4.00 pm. Late submission will be penalized in
accordance with the University regulation. Keep your receipt and the electrical copy!
You are required to submit your report online via IDC blackboard site. Paper copy
submission via faculty office is also accepted. However, don't try to submit via both ways.
Duplicated submissions will be penalized!
Your report MUST address to your lab tutor, Perry Xiao or Ya Bao (CSN FT only).
Online submission: Click the link of submit to Xiao or submit to Bao (for CSN FT
students only) on the screen.
You have only one chance to submit your report. You can't amend or delete your report
from the Blackboard after submission.
Criteria for Assessment for Formal Report
- Writing an accurate summary of your work.
- Following the instructions on the lab sheets.
- Making an accurate and full record of your work.
- Tabulating your data.
- Noting units and accuracy.
- Evidence of technical understanding.
- Correctly analysing your data.
- Writing a conclusion based on your evidence.
- Evidence of having done some background research.
- Citing references properly.
- Writing your full enrolled name, your student number, the unit tile, the names
of your partners, the date on which the exercise was carried out, the date on
which the report was written, the exercise title in full on the front page of your
report.
Marks will be deducted for:
- Failure to submit your report by the deadline.
- Unauthorised absence from workshop classes.
- Failure to follow the instructions.
- Poor written English (spelling, punctuation, grammar).
- Poor report structure.
- Omitting any of the sections listed above.
- Lack of evidence to show your technical understanding of the experiment.
IDC Workshops in Lab T714
Switch on a lab computer, choose to login to Window XP
User name: lab
Password: lab
On the desktop, double click on the icon of OPNET IT Guru
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LAB 1
LAB 1
ICMP Ping
OPNET Experiments
ICMP Ping
OPNET IT Guru Overview
OPNET IT Guru is a virtual environment for modelling, analyzing and
performance prediction of IT infrastructures, including applications, servers and
network technologies.
This OPNET academic version is based upon the commercial version IT Guru 9. It
can be downloaded from the website
http://www.opnet.com/university_program/itguru_academic_edition/index.html and
used for free with some license constraints.
1. Objective
The purpose of designing this lab is to study the traces of ping in following scenarios.
 There is no failure occur in network.

There is a failure occur in network.
Fig 1.1 Network Overview
Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) provides a means for transmitting
messages from routers and other hosts to a host. It is encapsulated in IP datagram and
is used for troubleshooting the network. ICMP is used when datagram cannot reach to
its destination due to unreachable host or time to live exceeded.
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LAB 1
ICMP Ping
OPNET Experiments
2. Lab Description
Scenario consists of 7-routers-Randomised Mesh Topology-backbone with 2
workstations WS1 and WS2. WS1 sends an echo request to WS2 and WS2 will
responds with an echo reply. We will study the path of request and reply packets
went through the network. In the other scenario there is link failure occur and we will
study how does it effect on ping traces.
3. Creating Network
1. Start OPNET and create a new project. File New and chose a Project.
2. Project name:
<your name>_Ping
Scenario name:
Link_UP
and Click OK.
3. Select Create Empty Scenario and click Next.
4. Select Campus and click Next.
5. Select Kilometre and X Span to 10 and Y Span to 10 then click Next.
6. Do not include any Technologies and press Next.
7. Review the values and press OK.
8. Now from menu bar go to Topology  Rapid Configuration. Select
Mesh,Randomized. Set the dialogue box appeared as Fig 1.2.
Fig 1.2 Rapid Configuration (Randomized Mesh)
9. Open the Object Palette by click
. Select Sim_Int_Model_List then
Drag & Drop two Sm_Int_wkstn workstations in the Grid.
10. Change their attributes. Right click on the station, press Edit Attributes.
Select Application Supported Profiles_ rows: 0. Repeat this process for
the two workstations.
11. Connect the two workstations to the two routers directly using 10BaseT
wires from the same palette as in Fig 1.1.
12. Rename all routers by right click on the router and selecting Set Name.
13. Now Set up ICMP traffic. Place IP Attribute Config from
internet_toolbox palette in to Grid. Right click on it  Edit Attribute 
in IP Ping Parameters_row 0, click to open Details and set
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LAB 1

Pattern: Default

Interval (Sec): 120

Packet Size (bytes): 128

Count: 700
ICMP Ping
OPNET Experiments
 Record Route: Enabled
And then Press OK to accept the changes.
14. Draw an ICMP ping demand from one to other host. Select the object of
ip_ping_traffic. It can be found from Object Palette (Internet_toolbox).
Click on one workstation (start) and then to the other one (end). Then press the
right click and select Abort Demand Definition to stop drawing wires.
To edit the attribute of ICMP demand, right click on the flow line and then
select Edit Attribute do the only change in Start Time as Constant (100).
15. Now choose RIP as routing protocol in this scenario by from the Menu Bar
of the Project Editor, Protocols IP Routing Configure Routing
Check only on RIP and press OK.
16. Again from Project Editor, Protocol  RIP Configure Start Time.
Select Mean Outcome: 10 and press is OK.
4. Configuring Simulation
1. Click on configure/ run simulation
button and configure these values.
From Common Tab set the Duration: 30 minutes and from Global
Attributes Tab and configure these values
IP Routing Table Export / Import: Export (It will export routing tables to a
file at the end).
RIP Sim Efficiency: Disable
RIP Stop Time: 1000
2. Click on Run
5. Result Analysis
Once the simulation is over,
1. Close the Simulation window by pressing Close.
2. Right Click anywhere in Grid and select Open Simulation Log. Check the
paths for Echo Message and Echo Reply, Node names and IP addresses from
the packets have gone through and hop delay. Table 2.1 shows the Ping
Report.
IP Address
192.0.14.2
192.0.5.2
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Hop Delay
0.00000
0.00020
Node Name
Campus Network.WS1
Campus Network.Borough_Road
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LAB 1
192.0.6.1
192.0.8.1
192.0.8.2
192.0.8.2
192.0.6.2
192.0.5.1
192.0.14.1
192.0.14.2
ICMP Ping
OPNET Experiments
0.00280
Campus Network.Techno_Park
0.00110
Campus Network.Perry_Library
0.00027
Campus Network.WS2
0.00001
Campus Network.WS2
0.00020
Campus Network.Perry_Library
0.00110
Campus Network.Techno_Park
0.00111
Campus Network.Borough_Road
0.00026
Campus Network.WS1
Table 2.1 Ping Report for Link_UP
6. Question
Duplicate the current scenario and named it Link_Down. Fail the link between the
routers which is used by ping in Link_UP scenario by right clicking on Link and
select Fail This Link because that link is used by Ping in Link_UP scenario. Analyze
the new result.
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LAB 2
LAN
OPNET Experiments
LAB 2 LAN Implementation
1. Objective
The objective this lab is to show the basic designing of a LAN using subnet, users,
switches and servers. There are two scenarios in the project.
1. Simple network with five different servers.
2. One server containing all applications which are running on five different
servers.
Fig. 1 Network Overview
2. Local Area Network
Local area network (LAN) is a communication network that interconnects a variety of
devices and provides a means for information exchange among those devices. The
scope of a LAN is small, typically a single building or a cluster of buildings. It is
usually the case LAN is owned by the same organization that owns the attached
devices. Network management responsibility for a LAN falls solely on the user. The
internal data rates of LANs are typically much greater than those of WANs.
3. Lab Description
Scenario consists of 3 subnets connected with each other by switch using 100BaseT
wire. First and Second Subnet belongs to IT and Finance Department respectively
while third one is for server.
You may load in an existing LAN model to do this experiment. Then you can
skip step 1 to 18 in the following section. However, you are expected to
investigate the performance of the LAN.
4. Creating Network
1. Start OPNET and create a new project. File New and chose a Project.
2. Name the Project <your name>_Enterprise and Scenario name
Simple_Network and Click OK.
3. Select Create Empty Scenario and click Next.
4. Select Office and click Next.
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LAB 2
LAN
OPNET Experiments
5.
6.
7.
8.
Select metre and X Span to 100 and Y Span to 100 then click Next.
Do not include any Technologies and press Next.
Review the values and press OK.
Now from Object Palette (internet toolbox) select
Subnet and press it three times in Grid on different place and rename them
as Fig.1.
9. Place Application Config and Profile Config from the Object Palette into
the Grid.
10. To Configure Application Config, Right Click on it  Edit Attribute
Application Definition and select 5 rows then configure each row as
written below





Row 0  Database Access (Heavy)
Description
Database  High Load
Row 1  Email ( Heavy)
Description
Email  High Load
Row 2  File Transfer (Heavy)
Description
FTP  High Load
Row 3 Web Browsing (Heavy)
Description
HTTP  Heavy Browsing
Row 4  Telnet Session (Heavy)
Description
Remote Login  High Load
11. To configure Profile Config, Right Click on it  Edit Attribute  Profile
Configuration and select 5 rows then configure each row shown in Fig 2.
12. Now rename subnet to IT, Finance and Server and then double click on IT,
you are now in the IT subnet. Change the object palette to Ethernet. Here
you place two ethernet_wkstn and one ethernet32_switch and connect
them by 10BaseT wire and rename workstations to IT_1 and IT_2 as in Fig
3.
13. Now return to higher level by pressing
button. Similarly you
configure the Finance subnet but rename workstations to Finance_1 and
Finance_2 as in Fig 4. And again return to higher level.
14. In the Server subnet, place 5 ethernet_server and one ethernet32_switch,
connect each server to the switch by 100BaseT.
15. Rename each server as Fig. 5.
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LAB 2
LAN
OPNET Experiments
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Subnet IT
Subnet Finance
Fig. 5 Server Subnet
Fig.2 Profile Config
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Fig. 6 Application Supported
Services Table
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LAB 2
LAN
OPNET Experiments
16. Configure each server to its specific application, Right Click on Database
Server  Edit Attribute  Application: Supported Services Edit and
define 1 row and configure Database Server as shown in Fig.6. Similarly
configure each server to its specific services and return to higher level.
17. Place one ethernet32_switch here and connect each subnet by using
100BaseT connection as shown Fig. 1 (connect to switches in each
subnet). Rename this switch to Main.
18. Save the Project.
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LAB 2
LAN
OPNET Experiments
Second Scenario
19. Duplicate the Scenario, form Menu Bar  Scenario  Duplicate Scenario and
named it One_Server.
20. Double click on Server subnet and delete 4 servers. Left only one server as show in
Fig.7.
Fig .7 One Server Scenario
Fig 8 Application Supported Services for One_Server
21. Configure all services in that server, Right Click on Server  Edit Attributes 
Application: Supported Services  Edit and now select 5 rows because you have 5
different services running & configure them as shown in Fig. 8.
22. Save the Project.
5. Choose Statistics
For testing network performance select those statistics shown in Fig. 9. Right Click on the Grid
any free area  Choose Individual Statistics and click OK.
6. Configuring/Run Simulation
For running both scenarios concurrently, Scenarios  Manage Scenarios, it will open a dialogue
box. Firstly you have to configure simulation as shown in Fig. 10. In Results column choose
collect or recollect option, Sim duration set to 30 and Time Units to minute(s) and press OK
to run a simulation.
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LAB 2
LAN
Fig. 9 Choose Results
OPNET Experiments
Fig. 10 Manage Scenarios
7. Result Analysis
Once the simulation is over, to view and analyze the results:
1. Right click on the Grid and Select Compare Results.
2. Change As ls to time_average from bottom right part of Compare Results box.
3. To view & analyze result unfold DB Query, HTTP, Email, FTP and Remote Login for
Response time respectively.
8. Question & Answer
Q1) Compare the DB Query Response Time (Sec) in each scenario. Can you see any effect on
network?
Q2) Compare Email and FTP Download Response Time (Sec) in each scenario. Can you see
any difference?
Q3) Compare HTTP Page and Remote Login Response Time (Sec) in each scenario. Can you
see any difference?
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LAB 3
LAB 3
WAN
OPNET Experiments
WAN Implementation
1. Objective
The objective of designing this lab is to show the WAN implementation. XYZ company
branches are in Glasgow and Manchester while head office is in London, all the servers running
in head office. The goal is to show network performance is affected by background traffic. There
are two scenarios in the project.
1. To show network performance without background traffic.
2. To show network performance with background traffic.
2. Wide Area Network
Large geographical area is usually covered
by wide area network (WAN), requires the
crossing of public right-of-ways. Usually,
WAN consist of a number
Fig. 1 Network Overview
of interconnected switching nodes. Internal nodes routed the transmission from any one device to
its exact destination. Internal nodes are not concerned with the content of the data. Their actual
functionality is to offer a switching facility that will shift the data from one to another node until
they reach their destination.
3. Lab Description
Scenario consists of 3 offices each has CS_4500_3s_e6_sl4_tr2_adv for connection to each
other by using PPP_DS1 link. First and Second Subnet belongs to Glasgow and Manchester
office respectively while third one is for London. Branches consist of 10BaseT_LAN connected
to router using 10BaseT link. There are 4 servers running in London office and they connected
to ethernet16_switch by using 100BaseT link. It also consists of 10BaseT_LAN connected to
router using 10BaseT link.
4. Creating Network
1. Start OPNET and create a new project. File New and chose a Project.
2. Name the Project <name>_WAN and Scenario name No_Traffic and Click OK.
3. Select Create Empty Scenario and click Next.
4. Select World and click Next.
5. Select UK from the map list and click Next.
6. Do not include any Technologies and press Next.
7. Review the values and press OK.
8. Now form Object Palette: (internet_toolbox) select Subnet and press it three times in
Grid on Glasgow, London and Manchester as shown in Fig. 1.
9. Place Application Config and Profile Config from the Object Palette into the Grid.
10. To Configure Application Config, Right Click on it  Edit Attribute Application
Definition and select 4 rows then configure each row as written below
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LAB 3
WAN
OPNET Experiments

Row 0  Database Access (Heavy)
Description
Database  High Load
 Row 1  Email ( Heavy)
Description
Email  High Load
 Row 2  File Transfer (Heavy)
Description
FTP  High Load
 Row 3 Web Browsing (Heavy)
Description
HTTP  High Load
11. To configure Profile Config, Right Click on it  Edit Attribute  Profile
Configuration and select 4 rows then configure each row as Fig. 2 of Lab 2.
(Hint: configure same as in Lab 2 but not configure Remote Login)
12. Now rename subnet to Glasgow, London and Manchester and then double click on
Glasgow. You are now in the subnet. Here you place 10BaseT_LAN (from LANs) and
one CS_4500_3s_e6_sl4_tr2_adv (from Cisco, chose CS 4500, then edit its attributes,
double click on it model to set as in Fig.5 ) and connect both systems by 10BaseT wire
and rename Glasgow Office and Glasgow Router as in Fig. 2. Similarly you have to
configure the Manchester subnet as shown in Fig. 3 .
Fig.2 Glasgow subnet
Fig. 3 Manchester Subnet
13. In the London subnet, place 4 ethernet_server, one ethernet16_switch (from
Ethernet), and one CS_4500_3s_e6_sl4_tr2_adv (from Cisco Object Palette). Connect
each Server to Switch and switch to router by using 100BaseT.
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LAB 3
Fig. 4 London Network
WAN
OPNET Experiments
Fig.5 Changing Model
14. Rename the entire network for London office as shown in Fig. 4.
15. Configure each server to its specific application, Right Click on Database Server 
Edit Attribute  Application: Supported Services Edit and define 1 row and
configure Database Server as shown in Fig.6. in Lab 2. Similarly configure each server
to its specific services and return to higher level.
16. For configuring LAN of each office, Right Click on it  Edit Attribute  Set Number
of Workstation to 100, and then define 4 rows for Application: Supported Profile and
then configure each row as in Fig. 6 and press OK.
Fig. 6 Setting LAN Supported Profiles
17. Use PPP_DS1 link (in internet_toobox) connect 3 subnets’ Cisco router. Save the
Project.
Second Scenario
18. Duplicate the Scenario, form Menu Bar  Scenario  Duplicate Scenario and named
it Busy_Network.
19. Select all links in between three cities by pressing shift key. Right Click on any one 
Edit Attribute  Background Utilization and configure it as shown in Fig. 7 and tick the
box on the bottom left Apply Changes to Selected Objects and press OK you will see
on the bottom left on the Project Editor there is a message which shows 3 Object has
changed.
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LAB 3
WAN
OPNET Experiments
Fig.7 Setting Background Utilization
5. Choose Statistics
For testing network performance select those statistics shown in Fig.9. of Lab 2 but not select the
Remote Login because it’s not included in this Lab] Right Click on the Grid any where except
any node  Choose Individual Statistics and click OK.
6. Configuring/Run Simulation
For running both scenarios concurrently, Scenarios  Manage Scenarios, it will open a dialogue
box firstly you have to configure simulation as shown in Fig.8.
Fig 8 Manage Scenarios
In Results column choose collect or recollect option, Sim duration set to 5.0 and Time Units to
minute(s) and press OK to run a simulation.
7. Result Analysis
Once the simulation is over, to view and analyze the results:
1. Right click on the Grid and Select Compare Results.
2. Change As ls to time_average from bottom right part of Compare Results box.
3. To view & analyze result unfold DB Query, HTTP, Email and FTP respectively.
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LAB 3
WAN
OPNET Experiments
8. Question
Q1) Compare the DB Query Response Time (Sec) and Email Response Time (Sec). Can you see
any effect on network with or without background utilization?
Q2) Compare the FTP Download Response Time (Sec) and HTTP Page Response Time (Sec).
Can you see any effect on network with or without background utilization?
Reference:
Network Simulation Experiments Manual, 2nd Edition, Emad Aboelela, Elsevier Inc. 2008
http://www.opnet.com/university_program/teaching_with_opnet/textbooks_and_materials/index.
html
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Cisco Packet Tracer experiment
Learn to Use CISCO Packet Tracer
Cisco Packet Tracer is a powerful network simulation program that allows students to
experiment with network behaviour and ask “what if” questions.
Objectives
●
●
●
●
Develop an understanding of the basic functions of Packet Tracer.
Create/model a simple Ethernet network using two hosts and a hub.
Observe traffic behaviour on the network.
Observe data flow of ARP broadcasts and pings.
Hint: To ensure that the instructions always remain visible during an activity, click the
"Top" check box in the lower left-hand corner of this instruction window.
Step 1: Create a logical network diagram with two PCs and a hub
The bottom left-hand corner of the Packet Tracer screen displays eight icons that
represent device categories or groups, such as Routers, Switches, or End Devices.
Moving the cursor over the device categories will show the name of the category in the
box. To select a device, first select the device category. Once the device category is
selected, the options within that category appear in the box next to the category listings.
Select the device option that is required.
1. Select End Devices from the options in the bottom left-hand corner. Drag and
drop two generic PCs onto the design area.
2. Select Hubs from the options in the bottom left-hand corner. Add a hub to the
prototype network by dragging and dropping a generic hub onto the design area.
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Cisco Packet Tracer experiment
3. Select Connections from the bottom left-hand corner. Choose a Copper
Straight-through cable type. Click the first host, PC0, and assign the cable to
the FastEthernet connector. Click the hub, Hub0, and select a connection port,
Port 0, to connect to PC0.
4. Repeat Step c for the second PC, PC1, to connect the PC to Port 1 on the hub.
*There should be green dots at both ends of each cable connection. If not, check
the cable type selected.
Step 2: Configure host names and IP addresses on the PCs
1. Click PC0. A PC0 window will appear.
2. From the PC0 window, select the Config tab. Change the PC Display Name to
PC-A. (An error message window will appear warning that changing the device
name may affect scoring of the activity. Ignore this error message.) Select the
FastEthernet tab on the left and add the IP address of 192.168.1.1 and subnet
mask of255.255.255.0. Close the PC-A configuration window by selecting the x
in the upper right-hand corner.
3. Click PC1.
4. Select the Config tab. Change the PC Display Name to PC-B. Select the
FastEthernet tab on the left and add the IP address of 192.168.1.2 and subnet
mask of 255.255.255.0. Close the PC-B configuration window.
Step 3: Observe the flow of data from PC-A to PC-B by creating
network traffic
1. Switch to Simulation mode by selecting the tab that is partially hidden behind the
Realtime tab in the bottom right-hand corner. The tab has the icon of a
stopwatch on it.
2. Click the Edit Filters button in the Event List Filters area. Clicking the Edit
Filters button will create a pop-up window. In the pop-up window, click the Show
All/None box to deselect every filter. Select just the ARP and ICMP filters.
3. Select a Simple PDU by clicking the closed envelope on the right vertical toolbar.
Move your cursor to the display area of your screen. Click PC-A to establish the
source. Move your cursor to PC-B and click to establish the destination.
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Cisco Packet Tracer experiment
4. Notice that two envelopes are now positioned beside PC-A. One envelope is
ICMP, while the other is ARP. The Event List in the Simulation Panel will identify
exactly which envelope represents ICMP and which represents ARP.
5. Select Auto Capture / Play from the Play Controls area of the Simulation
Panel. Below the Auto Capture / Play button is a horizontal bar, with a vertical
button that controls the speed of the simulation. Dragging the button to the right
will speed up the simulation, while dragging it to the left will slow down the
simulation.
6. The animation will run until the message window No More Events appears. All
requested events have been completed. Select OK to close the message box.
7. Choose the Reset Simulation button in the Simulation Panel. Notice that the
ARP envelope is no longer present. This has reset the simulation but has not
cleared any configuration changes or dynamic table entries, such as ARP table
entries. The ARP request is not necessary to complete the ping command
because PC-A already has the MAC address in the ARP table.
8. Choose the Capture / Forward button. The ICMP envelope will move from the
source to the hub and stop. The Capture / Forward button allows you to run the
simulation one step at a time. Continue selecting the Capture / Forward button
until you complete the event.
9. Choose the Power Cycle Devices button on the bottom left, above the device
icons.
10. An error message will appear asking you to confirm reset. Choose Yes. Now
both the ICMP and ARP envelopes are present again. The Reset Network
button will clear any configuration changes not saved and will clear all dynamic
table entries, such as the ARP and MAC table entries.
Step 4: View ARP Tables on each PC
1. Choose the Auto Capture / Play button to repopulate the ARP table on the PCs.
Click OK when the No More Events message appears.
2. Select the magnifying glass on the right vertical tool bar.
3. Click PC-A. The ARP table for PC-A will appear. Notice that PC-A does have an
ARP entry for PC-B. View the ARP table for PC-B. Close all ARP table windows.
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Cisco Packet Tracer experiment
4. Click Select Tool on the right vertical tool bar. (This is the first icon present in the
toolbar.)
5. Click PC-A and select the Desktop tab.
6. Select the Command Prompt and type the command arp -a and pressenter to
view the ARP table from the desktop view. Close the PC-A configuration window.
7. Examine the ARP table for PC-B.
8. Close the PC-B configuration window.
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Cisco Packet Tracer experiment
Prototyping a Network
Objectives
● Prototype a network using Packet Tracer
Background
A client has requested that you set up a simple network with two PCs connected to a
switch. Verify that the hardware, along with the given configurations, meet the
requirements of the client.
Step 1: Set up the network topology
1. Add two PCs and a Cisco 2950T switch.
2. Using straight-through cables, connect PC0 to interface Fa0/1 on Switch0 and
PC1 to interfaceFa0/2 on Switch0.
3. Configure PC0 using the Config tab in the PC0 configuration window:
IP Address: 192.168.10.10
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
4. Configure PC1 using the Config tab in the PC1 configuration window:
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Cisco Packet Tracer experiment
IP Address: 192.168.10.11
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Step 2: Test connectivity from PC0 to PC1
Use the ping command to test connectivity.
1. Click PC0.
2. Choose the Desktop tab.
3. Choose Command Prompt.
4. Type ping 192.168.10.11 and press enter.
5. A successful ping indicates the network was configured correctly and the
prototype validates the hardware and software configurations. A successful ping
should resemble the below output:
PC>ping 192.168.10.11
Pinging 192.168.10.11 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.10.11: bytes=32 time=170ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.10.11: bytes=32 time=71ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.10.11: bytes=32 time=70ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.10.11: bytes=32 time=68ms TTL=128
Ping statistics for 192.168.10.11:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 68ms, Maximum = 170ms, Average = 94ms
6. Close the configuration window.
References:
Cisco Academy materials.
More information available at: http://ecce1.lsbu.ac.uk/cisco/
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