16 Introduction to Routers (16/26) -- Mastering Enterprise Networks

16 Introduction to Routers Jacob Christensen Simply stated, where switches and hubs connect end devices (desktops, laptops, smartphones, etc.), routers connect switches and hubs to each other. Routers are the devices that enable the internet to function. This is an elementary introduction to using routers for first-time learners. This lab will build two LANs and connect them using a MikroTik router. Estimated time for completion: 20 minutes Learning Objectives - Demonstrate successful router configuration using two or more local area networks - Increase experience in utilizing virtual environments in learning enterprise networks - Analyze Wireshark results to identify ethernet packets and frames prerequisites Deliverables Four screenshots are required: - PC1 console successfully pinging PC4 - Wireshark results (ICMP packets) of PC2 successfully pinging PC3 - Neatly labeled and organized GNS3 Workspace - Configuration settings of the MikroTik router console (interface print, ip address print) Resources Contributors and testers - Quinton D. Heath Van Horn, 7th grade - David Reese, Mathematics Student, SUNY Bridgeport - Julian Romano, Cybersecurity Student, ERAU-Prescott - Dante Rocca, Cybersecurity Student, ERAU-Prescott - Sawyer Hansen, Cybersecurity Student, ERAU-Prescott NOTE: Students should be familiar enough with GNS3 by now to understand the commands. This lab starts reducing the number of screenshots since these things were documented in previous chapters. Overview You are going to use your LAN knowledge and build two networks. You will then use a router to connect these networks together. Your final product should look similar to this. Phase I – Configure the Red and Blue Networks Most networks have a specific purpose. The network can be centered around a function (marketing) or geography (front building). In our examples, we generally use colors to abstract the learners from the specific functions. This way learners won’t be locked into a certain configuration for an “Accounting” department. - Start GNS3 - Create a new project: LAB_03 - Build the Red LAN with the network address <IP_ADDRESS> and netmask <IP_ADDRESS> NOTE: /24 is CIDR notation for the subnet mask of <IP_ADDRESS>, which is itself a decimal representation of the binary octets 11111111.11111111.11111111.00000000 used to name network interfaces (the /24 represents the number of 1’s used). These PC’s happen to accept CIDR notation and subnet mask notation, but not all end devices do. So get familiar with using both ways to assign IP addresses. - Use two VPCS devices for PC1 and PC2 - Add an Ethernet switch - Connect the PCs to the switch - Start the PCs and assign them appropriate host addresses - Configure PC1 to have a host address of <IP_ADDRESS> > ip <IP_ADDRESS>/24 > save - Configure PC2 to have a host address of <IP_ADDRESS> > ip <IP_ADDRESS>/24 > save - Configure PC1 to have a host address of <IP_ADDRESS> - Organize your network - Label the machines with both their IP ad