Homework Project
So far in the labs, we have practiced making configurations based on the network topology and table provided in the instructions. Now we will start creating documentation ourselves.
The homework project is to prepare an overview of the computer network of your home/workplace/relative/friend… (choose whichever option is suitable/possible for you). As a result of this work, you will have a reason to examine the network segment, pay attention to security, and implement some functionality that you previously had no reason to use. Therefore, the homework also has practical value: you will learn something new and learn how to use your network resources better and more securely.
For privacy or similar considerations, some data in the work may be partially obscured (for example, MAC addresses, Wi-Fi names, public IP address).
The submitted homework must include:
- A diagram of the computer network and a table with important information. According to the network topology, the diagram and/or table should show connected devices (types distinguished by icons), connection interfaces (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, Wi-Fi - including used 802.11 protocols, channels, SSID name - 4G, etc), network addresses + masks, hostnames, data-link layer addresses (e.g. MAC), IP addresses, and any other data you consider necessary. The diagram should be easily readable, informative, visually appealing, etc. During the work, you may, if you wish, change the hostname(s) to something more suitable if they were previously factory defaults. In addition to computers, you may include mobile phone(s), a television (if it can be connected to the network), Bluetooth devices, and other IoT devices in the network topology. Some devices are not used daily, such as an e-reader, which can also be added to the topology. You may represent the Internet as a cloud (including a phone’s mobile Internet).
- Proof for at least one network device, with a screenshot, that the latest software update is installed. Updated software is important, especially for network-connected devices. If possible, the work may also include a screenshot taken before the update. As proof, a direct link to the manufacturer’s webpage containing the update information is sufficient (preferably also a screenshot of the relevant part of the page). Write down the steps you followed to install the software update. If, for some reason, a network device cannot be updated, then show in the work the exact steps with screenshots of how the update would be carried out (with the final button not clicked or the command not executed).
- Research the device’s additional security measures and implement one. For example, disable unnecessary services/features that could pose a security risk, create a firewall rule, etc. Justify your choice and include screenshots and other evidence of the results.
- Add at least one additional configuration (not just checking a single box) that could provide practical benefit (e.g., a static NAT rule; network-attached storage (NAS); port-knocking access to an internal network service; DynDNS configuration; …). Briefly justify the purpose of the configuration and describe your experience using it.
Screenshots should be understandable and preferably compact, with important parts highlighted using red circles/boxes, arrows, helpful keywords, etc. For creating network diagrams, you may use Dia (http://dia-installer.de/), Draw.io (https://www.drawio.com/), PacketTracer or the drawing tools in LibreOffice (https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download-libreoffice/ ). Submit the work in PDF or ODT (LibreOffice) format. Formatting and clarity of content will also be evaluated. The beginning of the work must include a title, your name, and the submission date. At the end of the work, describe how the assignment went, whether you liked this type of homework, and what you learned during the process.
Submission
Submit via the form at the bottom of this page no later than 3 days before the first exam in January. A later submission time may be agreed upon with the instructor if necessary.
Submitted works are visible only to instructors and are used only for grading; after the end of the semester, the submissions will be deleted.