Network Distribution in NIT Hamirpur:

Analysis and Future Prospects

By :
Kumar Rajeev Ranjan (07438)
Nikhil Khullar (07527)
 Network Distribution in NIT Hamirpur:
Analysis and Future Prospects
Abstract: We present a case study on the
architecture of network distribution in our
campus through LANs, Wi-fi and VoIP
connections. We present how the proxy server is
set up to distribute the internet coming from ISP
to the various users through intermediate
switches and routers. Owing to the bottleneck
created because of the constraints in the transfer
capacity of normal cables as opposed to the
connecting optical fibre cables, the network
performance tends to get degraded. We suggest
alternative configurations by which the problem
can be countered.
We will discuss the process of resolution of
uniform resource locators into server-specific IP
addresses via DNS. Finally, we also aim to
address the ongoing problems in internet
connectivity in the hostels and suggest possible
solutions.
I. Introduction
Networks have been evolving over the years and
we need to mould ourselves according to the
changing times. Human networks in the olden
times were the roads used by horsemen to
convey the messages of the kings and today, we
have hundreds of forms of communication, some
of which can deliver millions of messages in a
flash. We are heading towards future networks
with two basic requirements:
1. High speed and reliability, and
By :
Kumar Rajeev Ranjan (07438)
Nikhil Khullar (07527)
2. Mobility.
The former can be realised with optical fibres
and the latter with various wireless links.
Following these trends, our case study aims to
suggest measures to counter the growing
network needs at National Institute of
Technology, Hamirpur.
II. Architecture
Firstly, the central inter-network line comes
from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to the
router, which routes the incoming signals to the
core-switch, which is presently located in the old
computer centre. Depending upon the distance
between a node(distribution switch) and the core
switch, the type of connecting media is chosen.
For a distance lesser than 100 metres,
UTP(Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables are
employed while for larger distances,
OFC(Optical Fibre Cables) are used. Further,
depending upon whether the distance exceeds a
particular limit, choice between single-mode and
multi-mode fibre is made. The single-mode fibre
is preferred for longer distances.
After selecting the relevant type of connecting
media, the signals reach the various switches on
the way to their respective destinations. The
following diagram shows the broad architecture
of Local Area Networks (LANs) :

III. Network Distribution
A proxy server is a server (a computer system or
an application program) that acts as an
intermediary for requests from clients seeking
resources from other servers, evaluates the
requests according to its filtering rules and if the
request is validated by the filter, the proxy
provides the resource by connecting to the
relevant server and requesting the service on
behalf of the client. It may optionally alter the
client's request or the server's response, and
sometimes it may serve the request without
contacting the specified server. In our campus,
the central proxy server is connected to subnets
(collections of routers and transmission lines)
and various local IP address schemes are
adopted to distinguish them e.g. for the various
hostels, the gateway addresses are:
 DBH and SBH – 172.16.20.2
 KBH and VBH – 172.16.12.2
 MMH – 172.16.16.2
 PGH+Quart.- 172.16.32.2
 Computer Centre : 172.16.24.1(.2/.3)
 Departments – 172.16.44.1
There is a unique global IP by which we are
identified by the outside world. Now, from a
specified port of a specific machine having a
unique IP address, a request comes to the proxy
server. It is then processed and if found valid,
the proxy server communicates with the
requested server and the response is transferred
back to the requesting client.
IV. Working and Issues Involved
Whenever we write a URL, or an FQDN in our
browser's address bar, a DNS comes into action
which translates domain names meaningful to
humans into the numerical (binary) identifiers
e.g. when we enter: http://www.google.com/ ,
the DNS translates into address of the Google's
server for that location using split server
concept.
The major issue involved here that has been
consistently degrading network performance in
the past few months is Address Resolution V. Statistics
Protocol (ARP) spoofing or ARP Poisoning.
This can be simply understood by the following From the statistics, it can be inferred that there
example: has been almost no usage between 25th and 29th
January, 2010.Also, it shows that during the
Suppose we make an entry in /etc/hosts on a days when people were facing internet problems,
Linux machine saying that google.com resolves bandwidth was being used. This clearly proves
to 127.0.0.1, now whenever we will try to visit that ARP and related attacks are being
google.com, we'll eventually end up at localhost. attempted.
Similar concept is followed for ARP Poisoning.
The attacker sends malicious packets which
force the domain names to be resolved in such a
way that all requests eventually end up on his
machine. The clients feel that the internet
service is not working, whereas the attacker is
not letting it work. The scenario becomes further
adverse when the attacker spoofs his identity
while attacking.

V. Conclusion

To enhance the speed and reliability, the

transmission of signals from the core switch to
the distribution switches should be done using
optical fibre cables.
The following counter measures can be adopted
for preventing attacks on the network and for
ensuring optimal usage:
1. MAC to IP binding
2. Delay Pool Implementation (Bucket
System)
3. Authenticated Access (Quota System)

VI. References:
1. Optical Communication, Thomas Weng
and Darren Dao.
2. Networking, Tanenbaum
3. Wikipedia (ARP Poisoning)
4. PRTG Traffic Grapher
Network Distribution in NIT Hamirpur:
Analysis and Future Prospects

By:
Kr. Rajeev Ranjan 07438
Nikhil Khullar 07527
NIT Hamirpur (HP)
 Introduction to Networks

• Networks and their evolution.

• Inter-Network.
• Requirements of future.
• High speed and reliability
• Mobility
LA Networks at NIT Hamirpur
Networking at NIT Hamirpur (contd.)
Statistics as recorded today, 1:27 A.M.

Courtesy: alumni.nith.ac.in Port: 8080

Statistics (Contd.)
Statistics (Contd.)
Statistics (Contd.)
Issues

•Bottleneck
•Differences in capacities of UTP and OFC
•ARP Poisoning
•Network Choking by excessive downloads
Conclusion:

To enhance the speed and reliability, the transmission should be

done using optical fibre cables.

The following counter measures can be adopted for preventing

attacks on the network and for ensuring optimal usage:
•MAC to IP binding
•Delay Pool Implementation (Bucket System)
•Authenticated Access (Quota System)