1. Introduction
An introduction to the software and organization of the Internet Lab.

2. Virtual Lab Equipment
GNS3 network simulation software is used to create network topologies.
The software uses virtual Ethernet hubs and switches and Cisco 3640 routers
Routers are labeled: Router1, Router2, Router3, Router4…..
Routers run Cisco IOS 12.x version
The labs use VirtualBox and Virtual PCs to simulate hosts.
PCs are labeled as: PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4…..
The labs use Wireshark Traffic Capture and Analyzer software to view data transmissions between the various devices.

3. Labs Lab 1 – Introduction to the Internet Lab
Overview of the course and the software; a communications example; the Internet architecture and IP addressing
Lab 2 – Single Segment IP Networks
Configuring a network interface for IP networking; address resolution with ARP. Traffic capture.
Lab 3 – Static routing
IP forwarding and routing between IP networks; configuring a Cisco router; static configuration of routing tables
Lab 4 – Dynamic Routing Protocols
Routing protocols RIP, OSPF and BGP; count-to-infinity problem in RIP; hierarchical routing in OSPF; setup of autonomous systems in BGP.
Lab 5 – Transport  Protocols: UDP and TCP
Data transmission with TCP and UDP; TCP connection management; TCP flow control; retransmissions in TCP; TCP congestion control.

4. Labs Lab 6 – LAN switching
LAN switching in Ethernet networks; forwarding of Ethernet frames between LAN switches/bridges; spanning tree protocol for loop free routing between interconnected LANs.
Lab 7 - NAT and  DHCP
Public vs private networks, different NAT configurations/usage scenarios; dynamic assignment of IP addresses with DHCP.
Lab 8 – Domain Name System
Domain name resolution with DNS; name server hierarchy; setup of a DNS root server.

5. Structure of the Labs
Each lab has two components: a lab exercise, and a lab analysis.
Lab Exercises
Students follow the steps for each lab exercise that are performed using the GNS3 software. All lab exercises can be completed without supervision. The time to complete a lab session should be three hours on average, but may vary. Complete the laboratory activities to the extent that you can. The activities during the lab session are not graded.
Lab Analysis
At the end of most lab exercises are a series of questions. It is recommended that you answer the questions using the data you collected whilst running the exercises.
The lab quizzes will be based on the information you have learnt in your lab sessions including the exercises and corresponding analysis. The quizzes will be very similar in structure to the Lab exercises but without the step by step guidance given in the lab manual.