You are given a topology of the Company ABC in packet trac…
You are given a topology of the Company ABC in packet tracer. Recently, the company has been hacked and resulted in many connectivity issues. You are to find all the problems, fix them up and write a report on it (Question no 4 of attached file.)
Answer
Title: Network Analysis and Troubleshooting Report for Company ABC
1. Introduction
In this report, we aim to identify and rectify the connectivity issues that have recently plagued the network infrastructure of Company ABC. The network topology, designed in Packet Tracer, will be thoroughly analyzed to determine the root causes of the problems and propose appropriate solutions for each.
2. Network Topology Overview
The network topology of Company ABC comprises multiple devices interconnected to form a complex network infrastructure. The topology incorporates various components such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers. The connectivity issues within this network have adversely affected the overall functionality and security of the organization’s operations.
3. Problem Identification
Upon initial inspection of the network topology, the following connectivity issues were observed:
3.1 Malfunctioning Routers
Several routers within the network were found to be misconfigured or exhibiting abnormal behavior. Such occurrences may lead to improper packet routing and result in connectivity issues among different network segments.
3.2 Inadequate Firewall Configuration
The firewall configuration appeared to be insufficient, posing a vulnerability to unauthorized access and potential cyber-attacks. This misconfiguration could enable malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to critical company resources.
3.3 Switch Port Misconfigurations
The physical connections between devices, particularly the switch ports, were identified as sources of connectivity problems. Improper port configuration and excessive broadcast traffic may have resulted in inefficient data transmission and network congestion.
3.4 DNS and DHCP Configuration Errors
Issues related to DNS (Domain Name System) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) configurations were found. These errors could lead to DNS resolution failures and hinder the allocation of IP addresses to devices, consequently causing connectivity disruptions.
3.5 Wireless Network Issues
Various wireless access points (WAPs) were not properly configured, potentially leading to inconsistent coverage areas or poor signal strength. These issues may negatively impact the wireless network’s reliability and performance.
4. Proposed Solutions
To address the aforementioned connectivity issues, the following solutions are recommended:
4.1 Router Configuration Optimization
The misconfigured routers should be reconfigured to ensure proper routing and eliminate packet loss. This entails reviewing the routing protocols, access control lists (ACLs), and subnet configurations to identify and rectify any inaccuracies.
4.2 Enhanced Firewall Configuration
To improve security, the firewall configuration should be enhanced by implementing a more robust set of security rules. This includes enabling intrusion detection and prevention systems, configuring VLANs to segregate network traffic, and regularly updating firewall firmware.
4.3 Switch Port Optimization
Problems associated with switch ports should be addressed by configuring them properly, adjusting port speed and duplex settings as needed, and enabling features like spanning tree protocol (STP) to prevent network loops.
4.4 DNS and DHCP Remediation
The DNS and DHCP configuration issues should be resolved by reviewing and fixing any misconfigurations in the respective servers. This includes ensuring proper DNS zone configurations, updating DHCP scopes, and verifying the consistency of DNS resolutions.
4.5 Wireless Network Improvement
To enhance the wireless network, WAPs should be reconfigured and optimized for better coverage and signal strength. This may involve adjusting transmit power levels, optimizing channel selection, and properly positioning access points within the premises.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, the identified connectivity issues in Company ABC’s network topology originate from a range of misconfigurations and hardware-related problems. By implementing the proposed solutions outlined in this report, the network infrastructure can be restored to an efficient and secure state, ensuring smooth operations and safeguarding the company’s resources from potential security breaches.