8.3.1.1 Documentation Development (Instructor Version)
Instructor Note: Red font color or Gray highlights indicate text that appears in the instructor copy only.
Objective
Using a systematic approach, troubleshoot issues in a small- to medium-sized business network.
Instructor Note: This activity is best completed in small groups. It can then be shared with another group, the class, or the instructor (as a group project).
Scenario
As the network administrator for a small business, you want to implement a documentation system to use with troubleshooting network-based problems.
After much thought, you decide to compile simple network documentation information into a file to be used when network problems arise. You also know that if the company gets larger in the future, this file can be used to export the information to a computerized, network software system.
To start the network documentation process, you include:
- A physical diagram of your small business network.
- A logical diagram of your small business network.
- Network configuration information for major devices, including routers and switches.
Resources
- Packet Tracer software
- Word processing software
Step 1: Create a Packet Tracer file to simulate a very small business network. Include these devices:
- One router with at least two Ethernet ports
- Two switches connected to the router (LAN1 and LAN2)
- Five user devices to include PCs, laptops, servers, and printers connected either of the two LANs.
Step 2: Create a word-processing file in matrix format to record each of the following main network-documentation areas:
a. Physical topology and information
- Type of device and model name
- Network hostname
- Location of the device
- Cable connections types and ports
b. Logical topology information
- IOS or OS image versions
- IP addresses (IPv4, IPv6, or both)
- Data-link addresses (MAC)
- VLAN addresses
c. Network device configuration information
- Location of backup file (TFTP server, USB, text file)
- Text-formatted, configuration script per router and switch devices
Step 3: Share your Packet Tracer file and network documentation with a classmate, another group, the class, or your Instructor according to the instructions provided. Discuss how this information could be useful to any network administrator.
Suggested Activity Example Solution: (all student solutions will vary)
Instructor Note: Network configuration output is included for the router only.
Physical Topology Network Diagram
Logical Network Topology Diagram
Network Documentation Information
| Physical Network Documentation | |
|---|---|
| Type of Device | Router |
| Model Name | Cisco 1941 (modular router) |
| Network Hostname | R1-MDF |
| Physical Network Location | Main Distribution Facility (MDF) |
| Interface Type(s) and Link Connections | GigabitEthernet0/0 Link to S1-MDF GigabitEthernet1/1
GigabitEthernet0/1 Link to S2-1151 GigabitEthernet0/1 |
| Logical Topology and Information | |
|---|---|
| IOS and System Image file name
or workstation OS version |
C1900 Software (C1900-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.1(4)M4
flash0:c1900-universalk9-mz.SPA.151-1.M4.bin |
| IP address | 192.168.1.1 GigabitEthernet0/0
10.10.10.1 GigabitEthernet0/1 |
| MAC address | 0001.63b1.2701 (bia 0001.63b1.2701 GigabitEthernet0/0
0001.63b1.2702 (bia 0001.63b1.2702 GigabitEthernet0/1 |
| VLAN address(es) | none |
| Network Device Configuration Information | |
|---|---|
| Backup File Location | External USB (see network administrator)
TFTP server space on Server 2-MDF |
| Network Configuration
Script (running-configuration) |
R1-MDF# show running-config
Building configuration...
Current configuration : 667 bytes
!
version 15.1
no service timestamps log datetime msec
no service timestamps debug datetime msec
no service password-encryption
!
hostname R1-MDF
!
license udi pid CISCO1941/K9 sn FTX1524CE1T
!
spanning-tree mode pvst
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.224
duplex auto
speed auto
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
ip address 10.10.10.1 255.255.255.224
duplex auto
speed auto
!
interface Vlan1
no ip address
shutdown
!
ip classless
!
line con 0
!
line aux 0
!
line vty 0 4
login
!
end
|
Identify elements of the model that map to IT-related content:
- Network documentation for troubleshooting
- Physical network topology
- Logical network topology
