Network Basic Commands: TCP/IP Configuration & Troubleshooting

 Objectives 

• Identify tool used for discovering a computer’s network configuration,  
• Gather information, including the connection, hostname, MAC (Layer2) address, and TCP/IP Network (Layer 3),  
• Compare the network information to that of other PC’s on the network.  

Background 

You will need a Windows machine (NT/2000/XP/7/8) for this lab with MS-DOS prompt. The lab will not affect any of the network settings on your computer. 

You will perform this lab on a computer(s) connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) which is also connected to the global Internet. You can use a single remote connection via a dial-up modem, DSL, or any other. You will need the IP address information which the instructor should provide. If you are using Windows 98/Me, consult your instructor.  

Step 1:   

Connect to the Internet. Establish and verify connectivity to the Internet. This step ensures the computer has an IP address. 

Step 2: 

 

 Gather TCP/IP configuration information. 

a.Use the Start menu to open the command-prompt (Start> Programs> Accessories> Command Prompt or Start>Programs>Command Prompt). 

b.Type ipconfig and press the Enter key. Remember that the command ipconfig is not case sensitive. 

Above the picture, the screen shows the IP configuration of the computer. It has an Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection where the Media State is disconnected. Note that if you are running the command on a PC connected to a wired LAN, the command will show IP configuration for this interface. Since the machine on which the command was run is connected to the WLAN, therefore, it shows the IP address, subnet mask, and the default gateway for the Wireless LAN (Wifi) interface. The IP address and the default gateway should be in the same network or subnet; otherwise, this host wouldn’t be able to communicate outside the network.