Open Ended Lab Report
Submitted by:
Name: Maftun Ahommed(221014016)
Department: Computer Science and Engineering
Course Title: Computer Networks Lab
Course Code: CSE3206
Sec: 01
Submission Date: 11/30/2024
Submitted to:
Mohammad Ashikur Rahman, PhD
Assistant Professor | Department of Computer Science and Engineering
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
Title: Optimizing ISP Network Communication Using Variable Length Subnet Masking
Abstract
This report investigates a connectivity issue within an ISP network where a host in Subnet 4 was
unable to communicate with a host in Subnet 1. The network comprises four subnets with
varying IP requirements, connected by routers and switches. Through systematic analysis and
reconfiguration of subnetting, routing tables, and network protocols, the issue was resolved. The
findings highlight the importance of proper network design and configuration to ensure seamless
data transmission between hosts in different subnets.
Problem Statement
The ISP network consists of four subnets connected through three routers and four switches, with
each subnet assigned a specific number of IPs. A connectivity issue was reported by a host in
Subnet 4, which could not send data to a host in Subnet 1. The problem disrupted communication
between critical parts of the network, affecting user experience and service reliability. The issue
involved misconfigured routing tables or improper subnet design, leading to a lack of
communication across the network.
Objective
The primary objective of this study is to:
1. Diagnose and resolve the connectivity issue between Subnet 4 and Subnet 1.
2. Design and validate an optimized subnetting structure for the ISP network.
3. Ensure seamless communication among all subnets with minimal resource utilization.
Modern Tools Used
Cisco Packet Tracer
Methodology
Protocol Selection
Protocol Used: Static Routing
Justification:
Static routing is chosen for this network due to its simplicity, control, and efficiency, making it
ideal for the small-scale topology of 3 routers and 4 subnets. Given the fixed nature of the
network, static routes provide predictable and stable traffic flow without the overhead of
dynamic routing protocols. This method ensures minimal resource consumption, as there are no
periodic updates or complex computations required. Additionally, static routing allows full
control over routing paths, which is particularly useful in small networks where changes are
infrequent. It is cost-effective, easy to configure, and offers a straightforward approach for
network administrators, making it a suitable choice for this scenario.
Architecture
In the subnet planning process, we allocate IP addresses efficiently based on the required number
of hosts for each subnet. Given the topology with 3 routers and 4 subnets, we use Variable Length
Subnet Masking (VLSM) to allocate the appropriate number of IP addresses for each subnet,
ensuring optimal use of the address space.
Step-by-Step Subnetting Process:
1. Selecting the Number of Hosts Needed per Subnet: Each subnet has different host
requirements, so we need to select the required subnet size and use it
• Subnet 1: Requires 64 hosts.
• Subnet 2: Requires 32 hosts.
• Subnet 3: Requires 16 hosts.
• Subnet 4: Requires 8 hosts.
2. Calculate the Subnet Masks: We calculate the subnet masks using VLSM based on the
number of hosts required.
• Subnet 1 (64 hosts): To accommodate 64 hosts, we need a subnet size of at least
64, which corresponds to a /26 subnet mask (255.255.255.192). This gives us 62
usable IP addresses, 2 reserved for network and broadcast addresses.
• Subnet 2 (32 hosts): For 32 hosts, a /27 subnet mask (255.255.255.224) is used.
This provides 30 usable IP addresses.
• Subnet 3 (16 hosts): A /28 subnet mask (255.255.255.240) is used to
accommodate 16 hosts, giving 14 usable IP addresses.
• Subnet 4 (8 hosts): For 8 hosts, a /29 subnet mask (255.255.255.248) is used,
providing 6 usable IP addresses.
3. Allocate the Network Address Ranges: Using the VLSM strategy, we assign specific
network ranges for each subnet. The network address, broadcast address, and the usable
range of IP addresses for each subnet are as follows
Subnet Subnet Mask Network Address Broadcast Usable IP Range
Address
Subnet 1 255.255.255.192 192.168.0.0 192.168.0.63 192.168.0.1 -
(/26) 192.168.0.62
Subnet 2 255.255.255.224 192.168.0.64 192.168.0.95 192.168.0.65 -
(/27) 192.168.0.94
Subnet 3 255.255.255.240 192.168.0.96 192.168.0.111 192.168.0.97 -
(/28) 192.168.0.110
Subnet 4 255.255.255.248 192.168.0.112 192.168.0.119 192.168.0.113 -
(/29) 192.168.0.118
Assign IP Addresses to Routers and Hosts:
• Each router interface will get an IP from the subnet it connects to.
• PC hosts will be assigned IPs from the respective subnet.
• The first usable IP of each subnet is typically assigned to the router’s interface, and the
following IPs are allocated to the connected PCs.
Simulation and Results
The simulation was performed using Cisco Packet Tracer. Successful communication was
verified between the following:
PCs To PCs
PCs To Routers
Routers to PCs
Static routing
In static routing, the route 192.168.0.64/27 via 192.168.0.67 indicates that any traffic destined
for the network 192.168.0.64/27 should be forwarded to the next-hop IP address 192.168.0.67.
The 192.168.0.64/27 network encompasses IP addresses from 192.168.0.64 to 192.168.0.95, and
192.168.0.67 is a gateway within this subnet. This static route is manually configured to direct
packets to 192.168.0.67, which could be an interface on another router that will continue routing
the traffic until it reaches its final destination within the 192.168.0.64/27 network. Static routing
is useful in this scenario as it provides a straightforward and controlled method for directing
traffic without the need for dynamic route discovery, making it ideal for smaller or more stable
networks where routing paths do not change frequently.
Discussion
In this network setup, the use of static routing to configure the route 192.168.0.64/27 via
192.168.0.67 provides a controlled, predictable method of directing traffic between routers and
subnets. Static routing is beneficial in scenarios where the network topology is stable and
unlikely to change frequently. By manually specifying the next-hop address, network
administrators ensure that traffic takes a predefined path, reducing the complexity and overhead
associated with dynamic routing protocols.
However, while static routing offers simplicity and control, it also has limitations. It requires
manual updates whenever the network changes, such as adding or removing subnets, or
modifying IP address allocations. In larger networks or environments where frequent changes
occur, this can become a maintenance burden. Moreover, static routes do not automatically adapt
to network failures or changes in topology. If a link goes down, the router will not automatically
find an alternative route unless explicitly configured with backup static routes or routing
protocols.
In the case of this specific route, 192.168.0.64/27 via 192.168.0.67, the static route ensures that
traffic destined for the 192.168.0.64/27 network is forwarded to the appropriate next-hop IP
address, which is crucial for maintaining network connectivity. This setup simplifies routing
decisions, but at the cost of flexibility. Static routing is ideal for smaller networks or networks
with minimal changes, but for larger, more dynamic networks, dynamic routing protocols like
OSPF or EIGRP may be more appropriate to accommodate changes and ensure network
resilience.
Overall, while static routing is a good solution in this case, it is important to weigh the benefits
of simplicity and control against the potential downsides of manual maintenance and limited
fault tolerance. The choice between static and dynamic routing ultimately depends on the
network size, complexity, and requirements for flexibility and scalability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the network design using Static Routing and Variable Length Subnet Masking
(VLSM) provides an efficient, scalable, and straightforward solution for managing multiple
subnets with varying host requirements. By implementing static routing, we ensure that the
network is stable and secure, with minimal overhead and predictable traffic flow. The VLSM
approach optimizes IP address utilization, reducing wastage and ensuring that each subnet is
tailored to its specific needs. This network architecture, with its clear routing paths and efficient
subnetting, is well-suited for small to medium-sized networks, offering both flexibility and control
over data routing. Overall, the design is cost-effective, easy to implement, and provides a reliable
foundation for further network growth or the introduction of advanced features like security
protocols or more complex routing strategies in the future.
