\subsection*{Practice 2.1: IEEE 802.3 Standard and Ethernet Network Characteristics (Subtemas 2.1 y 2.2)}

\begin{objetivopractica}
The student will examine Ethernet frame structure and understand the IEEE 802.3 standard by analyzing real Ethernet traffic using Wireshark, while also exploring wired ethernet characteristics including 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps networks. This practice will demonstrate how Ethernet frames carry data and how different network speeds affect performance and capabilities.
\end{objetivopractica}

The practice begins with the student opening Wireshark and starting packet capture on their ethernet network interface. If the student's computer uses wireless connection, they should connect an ethernet cable to observe wired network traffic that follows the IEEE 802.3 standard.

\definicion{IEEE 802.3}{The international standard that defines Ethernet networking protocols for wired local area networks}

The student generates ethernet traffic by performing simple network activities such as opening a web browser or accessing shared network resources. This activity creates ethernet frames that can be captured and analyzed to understand the standard's implementation.

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura21_ethernet_capture.png}

In Wireshark, the student examines the ethernet frame structure by selecting any captured packet and expanding the "Ethernet II" section in the packet details panel. This section shows the frame header information that IEEE 802.3 defines for local network communication.

\definicion{ethernet frame}{A data structure that carries information across ethernet networks according to IEEE 802.3 specifications}

The student identifies the destination MAC address field, which appears first in the ethernet frame header. This 6-byte address specifies which network device should receive the frame. The student observes how this address differs from IP addresses and serves local network identification purposes.

\definicion{MAC address}{A unique 48-bit identifier assigned to network interface controllers for ethernet communication}

The source MAC address field follows the destination address and identifies the network device that sent the frame. The student examines how MAC addresses use hexadecimal notation and remain consistent for each network interface.

% \href{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXX}{Ethernet frame analysis and speed characteristics}

The student examines the EtherType field that indicates what type of data the frame carries. Common values include 0x0800 for IPv4 packets and 0x86DD for IPv6 packets. This field helps receiving devices process frame contents appropriately.

The practice includes checking their computer's current ethernet connection speed. On Windows, they access Network Adapter Properties through the Control Panel. On Mac, they use System Information to view network interface details. This information shows the current link speed and capabilities.

\definicion{link speed}{The maximum data transmission rate supported by an ethernet connection}

The student opens GNS3 and creates a network demonstration with different ethernet speeds. They simulate 10 Mbps networks using hub devices that represent original ethernet technology with shared bandwidth among all connected devices.

\definicion{10BASE-T}{The ethernet standard that provides 10 Mbps transmission over twisted pair cables}

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura21_speed_demo.png}

The student configures a 100 Mbps network section using switch devices that support Fast Ethernet technology. They connect multiple PCs to demonstrate the performance improvements and observe how 100 Mbps networks typically support full-duplex communication.

\definicion{100BASE-TX}{The Fast Ethernet standard that provides 100 Mbps transmission over Category 5 cables}

For the 1000 Mbps demonstration, the student creates a Gigabit Ethernet network using modern switch equipment. They observe how this speed handles high-bandwidth applications effectively and supports advanced features.

\definicion{1000BASE-T}{The Gigabit Ethernet standard that provides 1000 Mbps transmission over Category 5e or Category 6 cables}

The practice includes examining network operation by testing connectivity between devices at different speeds and observing how modern ethernet switches automatically negotiate the highest common speed between connected devices.

The student examines controller card functionality by understanding how network interface cards handle frame transmission and reception. They observe network elements such as switches and their role in ethernet network operation.

The practice concludes with the student creating a comprehensive summary of IEEE 802.3 ethernet characteristics and speed evolution. They understand how the standard provides reliable communication while different speeds serve various network requirements.

\begin{rubrica}
The student must submit a report containing clear evidence of completing the practice. The document should include screenshots, explanations of observations, and reflection on the learning achieved. The submission must demonstrate that the student understood the concept and was able to apply it with the indicated software.
\end{rubrica}

\subsection*{Suggested Report Format}

\textbf{Title:} Practice 2.1 - IEEE 802.3 Standard and Ethernet Network Characteristics \\
\textbf{Objective:} Written by the student according to what they understood. \\
\textbf{Development:} Clear narration of actions performed. \\
\textbf{Evidence:} Screenshots or other data obtained. \\
\textbf{Conclusions:} Technical reflection on what was learned. \\
\textbf{Personal Opinion:} Student's free opinion about the usefulness or difficulty of the practice.