Investigating Network Connection Settings Using a computer connected to a network

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Investigating Network Connection Settings Using a computer connected to a network

What is the hardware device used to make this connection (network card, onboard port, wireless)? List the device’s name as Windows sees it in the Device Manager window.
What is the MAC address of the wired or wireless network adapter? What command or window did you use to get your answer?
For a wireless connection, is the network secured? If so, what is the security type?
What is the IPv4 address of the network connection?
Are your TCP/IP version 4 settings using static or dynamic IP addressing?
What is the IPv6 address of your network connection?
Disable and enable your network connection. Now what is your IPv4 address?

The correct answer and explanation is:

To address this task, here are the detailed steps and explanations for each question:

1. Hardware Device Used to Make the Connection

  • Answer: The hardware device used for the network connection could be a network interface card (NIC), onboard Ethernet port, or a wireless adapter. The exact name can be found in Windows Device Manager under the “Network adapters” section. Examples might include:
    • Intel(R) Ethernet Connection I219-V (for a wired Ethernet connection)
    • Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz (for a wireless connection)
  • Explanation: The Device Manager displays all hardware connected to the computer, including network devices. These devices can be standalone cards, onboard hardware, or USB-based adapters.

2. MAC Address of the Network Adapter

  • Answer: The MAC address can be obtained using the ipconfig /all command in the Command Prompt or by checking the adapter’s details in the “Network and Sharing Center” under adapter settings.
  • Example Command: ipconfig /all Look for the “Physical Address” under the desired network adapter.
  • Explanation: The MAC address (Media Access Control) is a unique identifier for a network device, used to identify the device on the local network.

3. Wireless Network Security

  • Answer: If using a wireless connection, check the network security by:
    • Right-clicking the wireless network name in the taskbar and selecting “Properties.”
    • Viewing the “Security Type,” which might be WPA2-Personal or WPA3.
  • Explanation: Wireless networks should use encryption (WPA2/WPA3) to secure communications and prevent unauthorized access.

4. IPv4 Address of the Network Connection

  • Answer: Use the ipconfig command in Command Prompt and find the IPv4 address under the active network adapter.
  • Example Output: IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.10
  • Explanation: The IPv4 address is the primary identifier for a device on an IP network, allowing communication between devices.

5. Static or Dynamic IP Address

  • Answer: Check whether the settings are static or dynamic:
    • Open “Network and Sharing Center.”
    • Select “Change adapter settings.”
    • Right-click the active network and choose “Properties.”
    • Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
    • If “Obtain an IP address automatically” is selected, the IP is dynamic (assigned by DHCP). If manual values are entered, the IP is static.
  • Explanation: Most home and business networks use DHCP (dynamic addressing) for ease of management. Static IPs are used for specific roles like servers.

6. IPv6 Address of the Network Connection

  • Answer: IPv6 can also be found using the ipconfig command under the active network adapter. The IPv6 address is listed as “IPv6 Address.”
  • Example Output: IPv6 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : fe80::1c15:5e34:66b9:9829%15
  • Explanation: IPv6 is the next generation of IP addressing, offering a much larger address space than IPv4.

7. Disable and Enable Network Connection

  • Answer: To disable and enable the network:
    • Open “Network and Sharing Center.”
    • Select “Change adapter settings.”
    • Right-click the active adapter and select “Disable.”
    • Re-enable it by right-clicking and selecting “Enable.”
  • Check the new IPv4 address using the ipconfig command. If using DHCP, the address might change.
  • Explanation: Disabling and enabling the network adapter resets its connection to the network, potentially assigning a new IP address from the DHCP server.

Final Documentation

Write these answers into a Word document and expand with a 300-word explanation of the findings, including the importance of network settings, addressing, and security. Submit this document as per the assignment instructions.

Let me know if you need help drafting the full Word document or reviewing your answers!

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