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CS610 ASSIMENT NO 01
BC250210892
TAYYBA NADEEM
Question#1:
10 Marks
You are a network technician in a company using a 10Base-T Ethernet
network. Several users report intermittent disconnection issues, specially
when transferring large files. You decide to use a network analyzer called as
sniffer to diagnose the problem.
While monitoring, you may observe:
A high collision rate.
Several frames being dropped due to unknown protocol types.
All computers are using the same wiring topology with a central hub.
Based on your knowledge of Ethernet and LAN technologies, answer
the following:
1. What could be causing the high collision rate in this setup? (3 marks)
2. Why might frames be getting dropped due to unknown types? (3
marks)
3. How can a network analyzer help resolve these issues? (4 marks)
Solutions;
01. What could be causing the high collision rate in this setup?
Shared Collision Domain Limitations: Inherent to the 10Base-T hub architecture,
creating a single collision domain where all devices contend for the shared medium using
CSMA/CD. Increased traffic volume, especially from large file transfers, exacerbates
contention.
Inefficient Half-Duplex Operation: 10Base-T hubs enforce half-duplex
communication, where devices cannot transmit and receive simultaneously. High traffic
loads during large file transfers significantly increase the probability of simultaneous
transmissions and subsequent collisions.
Potential for "Chatty" Hosts: One or more hosts might be generating excessive
broadcast or multicast traffic, further increasing network utilization and the likelihood of
collisions, even beyond the file transfer activity.
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02. Why might frames be getting dropped due to unknown types?
Violation of Ethernet II/IEEE 802.3 Frame Format: Non-standard or corrupted
EtherType/Length fields in the Ethernet header could lead receiving NICs to misinterpret
or discard the frames as having an unknown protocol.
Issues with Network Layer Multiplexing: Problems at a higher layer (e.g., incorrect
protocol identifiers within the IP header or other encapsulated protocols) might not be
directly visible as "unknown Ethernet types" but could lead to misinterpretation and
eventual dropping by upper-layer processes or even lower-layer filtering if
misinterpreted.
Introduction of Non-Standard or Experimental Protocols: The presence of devices or
applications utilizing proprietary or research-oriented network protocols not compliant
with standard Ethernet framing would result in "unknown type" classifications by
standard NICs.
03. How can a network analyzer help resolve these issues?
Granular Traffic Analysis: A sniffer captures and allows detailed inspection of
individual frames, revealing the exact Ether Type/Length field values to identify non-
standard or erroneous protocol identifiers.
Statistical Collision Analysis: Provides metrics on collision frequency, allowing
correlation with specific hosts' transmissions and identification of potential sources of
excessive traffic or faulty NICs causing jabbering.
Protocol Dissection and Anomaly Detection: Advanced sniffers can dissect various
network protocols beyond Ethernet, potentially revealing misconfigurations or errors
within the payload of "unknown type" frames, hinting at the actual underlying issue.
Temporal Analysis of Network Behavior: Capturing traffic over time allows
correlation of high collision periods with specific events (e.g., start/end of large file
transfers) and identification of intermittent issues that might be missed by real-time
observation.
Question#2:
10 Marks
You are assigned to set up a new LAN in an office space with 20 desktop
computers located in close proximity. Your manager wants a cost-effective,
easy-to-maintain solution with minimal downtime in case of cable issues. You
have access to the following technologies:
Thick Ethernet
Thin Ethernet
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10Base-T Ethernet with hubs Also, each computer requires a
compatible Network Interface Card (NIC).
Answer the following:
1. Which Ethernet technology would you recommend for this setup and
why? (4 marks)
2. What kind of NIC would be most suitable in this case? (2 marks)
3. What are the limitations of the technologies you did not choose? (4
marks)
Solution;
01.Which Ethernet technology would you recommend and why?
10Base-T with hubs is recommended for its cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance via star
topology, crucial for a small, localized setup. While limited by a shared collision domain, it's a
practical initial solution.
02. What kind of NIC would be most suitable in this case?
A standard 10Base-T Ethernet NIC with an RJ-45 connector is ideal for its compatibility,
low cost, and simple integration with the chosen technology.
03. What are the limitations of the technologies you did not choose?
Thick Ethernet's high cost and complex bus topology with specialized hardware are impractical.
Thin Ethernet's vulnerability to single-point-of-failure in its bus and more intricate cabling
make it less suitable for maintainability.
