Networking Conundrum 01

Fred is in Docklands and Jill is in Sittingbourne.

The network originally ran purely OSPF.

During a power cut, the network lost connectivity and the original configuration files could not be located.

A set of repairs were made by an inexperienced network engineer to restore the network.

Static routes have been added to Sittingbourne and Docklands to make the network operate end to end.

Somebody else has added RIP routing in an attempt to repair this network.

Although there is connectivity, ping times seem high.

If the static routes are removed, the network loses connectivity.

There is limited network connectivity across the core.

Can you repair this?

The Initial Repair Process

Packet Tracer 5 file:

You should begin by examining the running configurations of all routers and making a well-labelled diagram of the entire network.

Secondly, you should examine the routing tables of all four routers to see if you can discover any clues.

Check the status of all interfaces to see if there are any clues as to the problem.

You may wish to observe the OSPF intialisation process to get some clues.

You may wish to use debug commands to help discover the problem(s).

Map the existing connectivity for the network before you begin to make any changes.

Make the appropriate changes to the configuration(s) to restore end-to-end routing.

Use available tools to prove that end-to-end routing is operating at layer 7 of OSI.

Save your repaired network.

Improvements could be made to this network – what would they be?

Save the improved network and note your improvements.

What are typical end-to-end ping times now?

Remember to make notes in your log books to help problem solving in the future.