Homework 1 – Introduction to Networking

Introduction
The goal of this assignment is for you to become familiar with some basic aspects of computer networking, starting with your own home network. If you don’t have or have access to your home network equipment, please see the instructor to discuss alternatives.

The primary interface in networking is the personal computer (PC). The PCs used in most organizations can run Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS, and/or Linux. Most managers today have at least a basic knowledge and understanding of multiple operating systems. We will primarily be using the Microsoft Windows operating system for this class. As we’ll see in class, host systems (like a Windows PC) play an integral part in many aspects of computer networking. Many of the tasks described below are shown in Windows, but have equivalent and similar methods in the other operating systems.

The home network will also have one or more consumer networking devices, either purchased by the consumer, or provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as Comcast or Verizon. These networking devices typically consist of a broadband modem, wired or wireless access router, or some combination of these components. Try to obtain the owners or user manual for your networking devices, or search for online copies.

Getting Started
Since the PC is the primary interface, you’ll need to begin with getting access to your PC (if you don’t have a Windows computer, you will have to adapt the steps below to your operating system).

Step 1: Navigate to the “Network and Sharing Center” of the PC and open it up. This should be accessible through the Start menu in the lower left corner of the desktop. Once open, you should go to Control Panel, then Network and Internet, then Networking and Sharing Center. Click on your active network, which is shown to the right of