Learning Outcomes

In this practical, learners will explore basic networking concepts by configuring IP settings, testing connectivity using the ping utility, and analysing network traffic with tools such as Command Prompt and Wireshark. Through hands-on activities, learners will understand how devices communicate within a network and across the internet, as well as how data packets are transmitted and received. This practical will build foundational skills in network configuration, troubleshooting, and traffic analysis. By the end of the practical, learners will be able to:

• Identify key network information such as IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and MAC address.
• Understand the difference between private and public IP addresses.
• Configure and verify static and dynamic (DHCP) IP settings.
• Use the ping utility to test network connectivity at different levels (localhost, local network, and internet).
• Analyse basic network traffic using Wireshark and interpret ICMP packets.