Lab 6 Warnings / Debrief

Purpose / Objectives of Lab 6

Setting up networks is an essential operation for a system administrator. Maintaining network connectivity and securing the network are also essential operations for a system administrator.

In this lab, you will learn the basics of networking by using your Virtual Machines and your c7host machine. You will first set up a virtual private network among those machines. In addition, you will learn to set up network names (to associate with server's IP Addresses), associate network services with port numbers for troubleshooting purposes, and setup firewall policies via the iptables command.

Main Objectives

1. Configure a private (virtual) network for your VMs and your c7host machine
2. Configure network interfaces for your Virtual Machines using both graphical and command-line utilities.
3. Use local hostname resolution to resolve simple server names with their corresponding IP Addresses
4. Backup more recent files (eg. incremental backup) using the find command and a date/time-stamp file
5. Use common networking utilities to associate network services with port numbers for troubleshooting purposes
6. Gain initial exposure to the iptables command used to configure and maintain a firewall for protection and troubleshooting
7. Configure iptables to allow/disallow/forward different types of network traffic

Common Mistakes / Warnings

Be Aware of the Following Issues
Be aware of these common mistakes that students make that can cause problems for their future labs.

Preparing for Lab Sign-Off

Students should be prepared with all required commands (system information) displayed in a terminal (or multiple terminals) prior to calling the instructor for signoff.

In order to properly complete your lab and move to the next lab, you must have your instructor "sign-off" on your lab

• Each "signed-off" lab (before due date) is worth 1% of your final grade.
• Signing-off on labs help to spot errors that can cause problems with future labs.
• Do you ask the instructor what to check for! Read at the bottom of the lab the requirements, and have all proof available for instructor to view at same time.
• Failing to be prepared and asking instructor what to check when assignment is mark will result in deduct of marks!
• For example, open multiple terminals with command results. If properly set-up ahead of sign-off, the process should only take instructor approx 20 seconds to sign-off your lab.
• If you do not have your lab-logbook, you MUST show your work and your lab log-book to your instructor for sign-off in the next class. This may cause a late penalty if past the required due date.