\subsection*{Practice 3.1: Basic Network Devices and Domain Concepts (Subtemas 3.1 y 3.2)}

\begin{objetivopractica}
The student will examine the basic operation of repeaters and concentrators in local communication networks while understanding collision and broadcast domains. This practice will demonstrate how basic network interconnection devices operate and how different network devices affect collision and broadcast domain formation.
\end{objetivopractica}

The practice begins with the student opening GNS3 and creating a new project named "Network Devices and Domains." They will simulate the operation of basic network devices and observe how these devices affect network domains.

\definicion{repeater}{A network device that amplifies and retransmits signals to extend the reach of network connections}

\definicion{concentrator}{A network device that provides a central connection point for multiple network devices, also known as a hub}

The student creates a basic repeater simulation by placing two PC devices far apart in the GNS3 workspace and connecting them through an intermediate device that represents a repeater. This configuration demonstrates how repeaters enable communication over distances that exceed normal cable limitations.

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura31_repeater_setup.png}

The student configures IP addresses on both PCs using a simple addressing scheme such as 192.168.1.10 and 192.168.1.20. They test connectivity using ping commands to verify that the repeater successfully forwards signals between the two endpoints.

\definicion{signal amplification}{The process of strengthening network signals to compensate for degradation over long cable runs}

For the concentrator demonstration, the student creates a network hub simulation using GNS3's hub device. They connect multiple PCs to this central hub and observe how it provides a single connection point for multiple network devices.

The student tests the concentrator network by having multiple PCs communicate simultaneously. They observe that the hub creates a single collision domain where all connected devices share the same bandwidth and must coordinate their transmissions.

\definicion{collision domain}{A network segment where data collisions can occur when multiple devices transmit simultaneously}

% \href{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXX}{Network devices and collision domains}

The practice includes examining shared bandwidth characteristics by performing simultaneous ping tests from multiple PCs connected to the hub. The student notices that network performance decreases as more devices become active simultaneously.

\definicion{shared bandwidth}{A network characteristic where multiple devices divide the total available transmission capacity}

The student creates a collision domain demonstration by connecting four PCs to a single hub device. This configuration creates one large collision domain where all devices must coordinate their transmissions to avoid data collisions.

The student generates network traffic that creates collisions by having multiple PCs send data simultaneously. They observe how devices detect collisions and implement backoff algorithms to retry transmissions after random delays.

\definicion{backoff algorithm}{A mechanism that helps devices avoid repeated collisions by waiting random time periods before retransmitting}

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura31_collision_domain.png}

To demonstrate collision domain segmentation, the student replaces the hub with a switch device and reconnects the same four PCs. They observe how the switch creates separate collision domains for each port, eliminating collisions between different device pairs.

The student tests the switched network by performing simultaneous communication between multiple PC pairs. They notice that switch-based networks allow multiple conversations to occur simultaneously without interference.

For broadcast domain analysis, the student examines how broadcast messages behave in both hub and switch configurations. They use ping broadcast commands or ARP requests to generate broadcast traffic and observe how it propagates through the network.

\definicion{broadcast domain}{A network segment where broadcast messages reach all connected devices}

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura31_broadcast_domain.png}

The student observes that both hubs and switches forward broadcast messages to all connected devices, creating a single broadcast domain that encompasses the entire network segment. This behavior contrasts with collision domain segmentation provided by switches.

The practice includes examining ARP protocol operation to understand broadcast domain behavior. The student captures ARP requests and responses using Wireshark to see how devices use broadcast messages to discover MAC addresses.

\definicion{ARP}{Address Resolution Protocol - used to discover MAC addresses corresponding to IP addresses}

The student documents the relationship between collision domains and broadcast domains by creating diagrams that show how different network devices affect each domain type. They understand that these concepts address different aspects of network performance and design.

The practice concludes with the student creating a comparison chart that shows how hubs and switches affect collision and broadcast domains. They understand how proper network design uses domain segmentation to improve performance and reduce conflicts.

\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 3.1 - Basic Network Devices and Domain Concepts \\
\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.