Laboratory 3 - Field Trip!
Objectives
- Learn how the MSU campus network is organized
- See first-hand how an NOC (network operations center) runs
- Get some exposure to the equipment that is used in a large-scale
LAN and how it interfaces with the Internet
Preparation
No prep or pre-lab required for this one. Just make sure that you show up
over at the ITC (in the basement of Renne Library) by 10:15 (for the Tuesday
lab) or 8:15 (for the Thursday lab). Bring something to take notes.
In Lab Activities
The staff at ITC will be conducting a tour of their network operations center
and server room, and they will explain how the MSU network is connected to the
Internet. Pay attention, take some notes, and ask questions - I expect you to
understand the campus network topology and be able to describe it and to
explain how we are connected to the Internet.
Lab Write-Up
Your lab write-up should include the following information:
- Name and lab section
- A list of five things that you found interesting during the tour
- A list of three questions you have regarding the MSU campus network or
three topics about which you would like to learn more
- An explanation of the different ways in which the campus network is
connected to the Internet
- An explanation of the process that is involved when you want to access
the campus network from outside
The lab write-up is due by the end of the day Wednesday (i.e. 11:59 PM) for
the Tuesday lab section and by the end of the day Friday for the Thursday lab
section.