In this module we are going to setup, configure and test an entire network topology on your stand-alone PC using Virtualization. This article is useful for Learning and testing Networks, Also helpful for making home labs for industry certification exams such as Cisco and Linux certifications.

In this module we will -

1. Install GNS3 and VMware on LInux.
2. Configure Cisco Router.
3. Use Wireshark and PackEth test and troubleshoot the network.

Things that you’ll need -

1. Licensed version of VMware Workstation (get 30-days trial version from http://vmware.com/
2. Graphical Network Simulator – GNS3 http://gns3.net/
3. Cisco IOS that are supported by GNS3/dynamips.
4. Damn Small Linux – DSL http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/download.html/

Installing GNS3 on Ubuntu Linux:

1. Download GNS3 source package on the Desktop
2. Install GNS3 as follows -
3. Extract the contents of the .tgz file using the command

tar -xvf ~/Desktop/<file_name>.tar.gz

(eg. tar -xvf ~/Desktop/GNS3-0.7-src.tar.gz)

4. Login as root using the command

sudo su

5. It is always a good practice to have a static path configured for all the GNS3 files and projects. I use /home/gns3/ directory.

mkdir /home/gns3

Move the extracted files to /home/gns3/

mv GNS3-0.7-src/* /home/gns3/

To make gns3 available as an executable binary -

echo "gksu /home/gns3/gns3" > /bin/gns3
chmod 777 /bin/gns3

6. Now gns3 can be launched by using the command gns3 anywhere in the terminal and is launched with super-user previlidges.
7. Now install dynamips using the command

   sudo apt-get install dynamips

Installing VMware Workstation:

The VMware workstation .bundle file is installed by using the command

./vmware.bundle

The VMware workstation is installed with all the default options. We are using VMware workstation v7.

Launch VMware Workstation as super user using the command

gksu vmware

As we can see in the above network diagram we need 4 different Virtual networks for different hosts on the network vmnet2, vmnet3, vmnet4, vmnet5.

The virtual network editor is opened by clicking on Edit → Virtual Network Editor

The Various Host-only VMnet adapters are added -

The new virtual Network Adapters could be verified by using the command -

/sbin/ifconfig

Note: The Virtual Network Adapter vmnet1 and vmnet8 are used for Bridge and NAT communication respectively and should not be modified.

After clicking on save, various virtual network adapters are created as shown in the picture below


• vmnet2 – 192.168.2.0 (Use local DHCP, Connect to Host Virtual Adapter)

• vmnet3 – 192.168.3.0 (Use local DHCP, Connect to Host Virtual Adapter)

• vmnet4 – 192.168.4.0 (Use local DHCP, Connect to Host Virtual Adapter)

• vmnet5 – 192.168.5.0 ((Use local DHCP, Connect to Host Virtual Adapter)

Creating a Virtual Machine :

Four Virtual Machines are created on VMware workstation as follows -

1. Download Damn Small Linux .iso file.
2. Open VMware workstation as super-user.
3. Click File → New → Virtual Machine
4. Select Custom(Advanced)
5. Chose the highest Hardware Compatibility
6. Select the Installer Disk Image (ISO) and use the damn small linux iso path
7. Chose Linux and ‘Other linux 2.6x Kernel’ from the drop down list as version.
8. Rename it as dsl2 and specify the path to save the virtual machine.
9. Select the No. of processors and cores.
10. Use 100 Mb Memory space(RAM).
11. In network Connection Select “Do not use a network Connection”.
12. In I/O adapter type, use recommended LSI Logic.
13. Select Create New Virtual disk.
14. Virtual Disk type as SCSI.
15. Maximum Disk size at 8 GB.
16. Keep the default Disk file name.
17. Now click on Customize Hardware and do as follows -
18. Click on Add
19. Select Network Adapter
20. Choose “custom: Specific Virtual Network” and select the vmnet2.
21. Click on finish.
22. Click on Save.
23. Select “Automatically power on this virtual machine after creation” and click Finish.
24. The Virtual Machine is now powered on.

Any other operating system can be used instead of Damn Small Linux, But since DSL is a live CD, the memory usage is considerably low. To interact with the guest virtual machine, use ctrl + g and to interact with the host machine use ctrl+alt. The virtual machine is stopped by ctrl + E.

Similarly 4 virtual machines are created but with different Virtual Network Adapters(vmnet).

DSL1 = 192.168.2.0/24 (vmnet2)
DSL2 = 192.168.3.0/24 (vmnet3)
DSL3 = 192.168.4.0/24 (vment4)
DSL4 = 192.168.5.0/24 (vmnet5)

Configuring GNS3:
GNS3 is launched using the command

 gns3.

Go to Edit → Preferences

1. Create directories project, images, capture beneath /home/gns3 directory.
2. We keep /home/gns3/project as project directory for all our projects and /home/gns3/images for all the cisco IOS in the general settings.
3. In the dynamips section the dynamips executable path is set to /usr/bin/dynamips. Click on test to verify if dynamips is working.
4. /home/gns3/capture for all the wireshark captures.
5. Qemu for asa firewall path is entered as /home/gns3/qemuwrapper/qemuwrapper.py

Now copy the Cisco IOS into the /home/gns3/images directory. Go to edit → IOS images and Hypervisors and add the cisco IOS image file.

Now we are ready to create the topology.

Drag and drop the two routers and four cloud nodes into the work space. Now configure the router and clouds as shown in the snap shots and connect them.

Configuring RIP protocol to enable routing between the two routers as follows:

Open telnet console session for Router1 and Router2 -

1. Answer ‘No’ for initial configuration option.
2. ‘>’ is non-privileged mode, type ‘enable’ to enter into privileged mode ‘#’.
3. Type ‘show ip int brief’ to get the brief list of all the interfaces present on router.
4. To configure the router type ‘config terminal’
5. To configure the interface IP address use the command ‘int fa <intface_id>’ Eg. Int fa 0/0
6. ‘Ip address <ip add> <subnet_mask>’ to assign the ip. Eg. ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
7. Similarly assign to all the three interfaces.
8. Note: use the command ‘no shutdown’ on all the interfaces and ‘exit’ command to come back to the global configuration mode.
9. All the interfaces of both the routers must be assigned appropriate IP addresses and ‘no shutdown’ command is a must.
10. Type ‘do write’ to save the configuration. You need to do this often to save the configuration so that it stays during next start-up.

Now to start routing.. Use the following commands in global configuration mode:

1. Router rip’ to enable RIP routing.
2. ‘Version 2’ to use RIP v2
3. ‘Network <ip address>’ to enable rip on those particular IP configured interfaces.
4. Do these steps on both the routers and the routing will start.

Note:

you may have to set the default gateway for the Virtual boxes to the router’s interface IP.
You can also add Ethernet Switches provided in the GNS3 to build switched networks.

Now we can sniff on the router using Wireshark on the interfaces by right clicking on the router interface and clicking on capture. The routing issues can be easily debugged.

Thus now the Virtual linux boxes with different subnets are able to communicate with each other.

To take a step further, you can use PackEth package to frame a packet and send it to the router using the host virtual interfaces. Various protocol hacks could be performed on the router and the guest virtual machine.

We’ve been hearing a lot about the IPL controversies these days, so what is actually happening with the cricket game? IPL, match-fixing?
Lets see, what people have said about these IPL controversies on Twitter

@oANUo
#ipl LM just found a growing need and grew a business model on it. Since the numbers were big, everybody had to dirty their hands.

@prithinarayanan
Did ya’ll just wake up? RT @ndtv: IPL: Now, match-fixing allegations hit IPL2. Allegations of betting and matchfixing during IPL 2

@deepakbudki
Tharoor expressed concern for poor in Parliament that is why he invested in IPL to make money for them and then give them THEIR DAILY BREAD.

@archanasn
Tharoor is the kind of leader we NEED and dont have!! IPL is the kinda thing we dont need but HAVE!!

@TheVijayMallya
IPL divided by politics-united by kingfisher ! Love it. Thanks !

@chetan_bhagat
IPL already had cricket plus Bollywood, now politics too. What else could Indians want? India’s biggest reality show.

@rajizm
@sardesairajdeep PM taking personal interest in IPL, is he not bothered about INFLATION/NAXALISM/TERRORISM/CHINA ?

@sul_mannur
Dear Sasi Tarur, Forget IPL, it is a money game! why don’t you think about a “Driking Water Project” to all Kerala Villages.

@anishmg
IPL is turning out to be Indian Punishment League for many. Minister resigning, Commissioner on the verge of sacking, IT raids in full swing

@abnish27
IPL – 57 matches, 171hrs of ckt on the field….Off the field: 54 parties, 270 hrs of partying n close to 1,29,600 bottles of beer consumed

@muraliavarma
If Indian Politicians ran IPL,Teams wud be named – Dalit Daredevils,Muslim Super Kings,Hindu Royals,Minority chargers, OBC Knight riders

@piscesguy_007
I think opposition parties should more concentrate on the development and advancement of India instead of IPL

@imdacatalyst
@KanchanGupta People r in da most GRAVE condition,prise rise has made a HOLE in my pocket too..bt i guess da govt. is more interested in IPL

@ADCisHere
In the midts of all dis controversies,i wish brand IPL doesnt get hampered,coz England may hav invented cricket,bt its INDIA who made IPL.

@akhilshahani
Lalit Modi cant resign. He knows too much about IPL (Illicit Politicians League )

@pur_rao
IPL scam has given a very good tool to pack off all the corrupt, find them and send them packing, if only the Govt is clean

@maniishmehta
BJP has demanded that ministers linked with IPL controversy must resign. Ministers not MPs because they don’t want their own men to resign.

@vijchik
Few more reasons not to miss IPL final !!! .THIS IS THE LAST TIME THESE PLAYERS WILL BE PLAYING TOGETHER AND THE LAST TIME IPL MAY OCCUR

@sukritimudit
@NidhiNDTV politicians are attracted to anything which had money. last yr they did not allow IPL to happen in india now they eat,drink it

@girish_rb
Are many IPL matches fixed? Are we all fools to follow the results or waste our time watching entire matches?

@gayatrikalbag
What’s with the Lalit Modi/IPL tangle? Will someone untangle this holy mess please C’mon guys he’s just another ordinary guy like you n me!

@nithyarb
when the entire country is reeling frm power crisis, spiralling prices, crime, corruption & nepotism, all the tabloids care about is IPL !

@pkfiros
every criminal behind IPL should be brought before d law their illegal funds must be attached to d public exchequer

@chirunaik
Ipl becomes Indian political league. First cricketers, corporates, then models and film stars and finally politicians.

@karth81
Modi was surrounded by Preity,Shilpa,Katrina,but now surrounded by IT officials.He is gone from the Axe Effect to the Tax Effect! #IPL

@mmsinanu
IPL is not the way to make our nation a developed country.IPL should be banned.itz the only way 2 whiten the black money.BAN IPL soon…….

@BobbyThannickal
IPL can not escape from liability just by giving Modi as a scapegoat

@johnymon
Shockingly, those involved in fixing the matches are superstars of Indian cricket and even an international player, who is a captain #IPL

@soumitradg
@amu_26 there is no money in discussing naxal, assam-flood, chinese dam on brhmaputra. so WE are discussing IPL

@SAVEMII
plz finish ur episode with lalit modi or IPL..WE r fed up with these types of news everytime we switch to news channel

@gajji
things are coming out of IPL closet… may people awake and defy the cricket mesmerism… And yes, today parliament was great ..

@vabavdekar
Cash strapped Maharashtra govt. loses Rs 5cr entertainment tax by classifying #IPL as a sports activity and not entertainment….

@ashenai
Is lalit modi’s tweet revealing kochi ownership details the most “powerful tweet” ever? Its the tweet that is bringing down an empire #ipl

@softykid
@toralvaria whatever happened at IPL is a well organized Robbery and it will be a nightmare for IT people if they start digging

@amsrjn
The root cause of corruption in BCCI IPL r those who run it. The fact is Cong will never ever take the risk of challenging Shady Pawar.

@anuragpcd
It is not sufficient to step down innocent Shashi throor. There is corruption in IPL on high level. Govt. should take over BCCI.

@kapoor_karan
Some director should come up with a movie on corruption in IPL where police raids franchiseswhile final match is on and #LKM shot in climax

@nishantwizard
lot of fuss over n abt IPL n Lalit Modi,tax defaulter may be he is,but he has done d incredibly excellent job of making IPL a grand Success

@kulkisli
crickt tantamounts 2 religion of india..wid da advent of IPL we saw COMMERCIALISATION of cricket.. nw witnessing CRIMINALISATION of da same

Now its your turn, share your views about the IPL controversies below

Following is an article that was published in The Hindu about Binny, a cochin based Freelancer

Twenty five-year-old Binny V.A. from Kochi is a youngster who takes pride in revealing that he is a college dropout. Soon after he flipped through the syllabus for Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) course, a few years back, Binny realised that he was already way too ahead of the course material. Today, Binny is one of the most successful freelance Web developers in Kerala.

“I started dabbling in IT tools right from my Plus One days. When I completed Plus Two and joined college, I found that the college syllabus was totally outdated. It did not take long for me to realise that I would be wasting my time if I pursued the course,” said Binny on the sidelines of BarCamp Kerala here on Sunday.

Binny’s presentation at the BarCamp on ‘Development – What they don’t teach you in college (Everything Important)’ was an instant hit. The session covered topics on the latest tools and languages used in Web development.

“These are typically things that will never be taught in a college classroom but that companies teach during the recruits’ training period. The IT field is developing so fast, by the time a university decides on a syllabus and prints books, they will be outdated,” said the whacky Web developer.

With a steady clientele and enough projects to keep him busy, Binny is more than satisfied with his freelancing career so far. Although forming a company could improve his scope and reach, he only sees it as a possibility for now. “Today, companies come seeking my service. If I form a Web development company, it might help me scale up my career. But as of now, I am only viewing it as a possibility,” said Binny.

- The Hindu

Geex Interview: A cochin Based Freelance Web Developer, Binny VA

Who are you? What you do?

I am Binny V A – a freelance web developer. I concentrate on LAMP
technologies. I also do some client side coding – as a matter of fact,
Javascript is my favorite language. These days, most of the work I do
is wordpress related – creating plugins, customizing plugins, theme
customizations etc.

What kind of Technologies you work with?

I’m working on Linux. Its awesome. And if you are a programmer, there
is no excuse for using windows

Best Frame Work in your opinion?

Best PHP framework, IMO, is Code Ignighter. But I have a a framework
that I created that I use in most of my projects -
IFrame.
Making a custom frameworks and getting depended on it was a mistake. I
have ‘Not Invented Here’ Syndrome
Best JavaScript framework is, of course, jQuery. Again, I have a
custom frame work JSL
Ruby – Ruby on Rails. Fortunately, I haven’t created any custom
frameworks for that
Python – Django.

Which SCM do you prefer? : Git or SVN?

Git. Definitely Git. I have switched most of my projects to Git. Only
ones that are left are really old of WordPress plugins(WordPress.org
only supports SVN – so far)

your typical day looks like?

Get up around 8 or 9(sometimes later)
Check Email/Twitter/Facebook/etc.
Code (Something always need doing).
Lunch.
Check Email/Twitter/Facebook/etc.
See film/serial/anime/something
Some more coding.
5:30-7:00 Badminton. If the neighbors are playing. Because its very
hard to play Badminton by yourself.
General browsing – google reader, digg, slashdot, etc.
Dinner.
Code.
Sleep(2/3 AM).

Of course, this is not set in stone. I often have to travel which
changes the schedule a lot.

your fav apps or the tools u can’t live without?

Linux tools
------------
Kate/Kwrite
Konsole (Plus a lot of shell tools - too many to list)
Firefox
Amarok
Tweetdeck
Konqueror
Apache
(I'm excluding PHP, Perl, Ruby, etc
- not sure if it can be called an App.)

Web Apps
------------
Gmail
Google Reader
Twitter
Google Calender
Google

Your favourite OS ?

Linux. The only choice for serious programmers

Small picture of your workplace ?

your favourite Prog. Languages?

Javascript. No question.

your Future plans?

Continue freelancing. Try to convert a couple of my projects into
products. Maybe start a company – and that’s a big maybe. I hate the
red tape that comes with starting a company. And I’m lazy.

why do u prefer freelancework?

The freedom. I can go to any and all events I am interested in. Work
as much or as little as I like. Its Awesome. With a capital A.

how did u become a freelancer? what inspired u?

When I was working at a company, I took small ‘side jobs’. Soon, those
side jobs began to pay more than what the company gave me. Its was
pretty dump to stay at the company after that. So I got out.

do u hav any mentors? or someone who guided u?

Can’t say that I have. Met most of the good programmers after I became
a freelancer and fairly proficient at programming. My only mentor was
the internet.

about the other stuffs you do (other than freelancing)?

I volunteer with a lot of organizations – because of all the free
time. That include…
MAD(http://makeadiff.in)
EPLFC(http://epflc.incochin.in)
ILUG Cochin
OWASP
Etc.

your educational background? what and where did you study?

I’m a college dropout – and proud of it

Few lines about the events u’ve organized like the Barcamp, Tweetups ?

Those are unconferences – they generally organize themselves .
Anyway, I can’t take the credit. There were a lot of awesome guys that
did most of the work. I was more of a ‘technical consultant’ for the
website.
But I am always glad that I got into it. I met a lot of awesome people
at these events.

you have any more questions? write it down below so that binny will be able to respond to it. Stay Tuned for More Interviews From GeexHQ

@EugeneTehYJ
Ok, what’s going on. Google just launch their Buzz, and now they are going to offer broadband. lol. Google Empire.

@lmoberglavoie
i have to admit, #google is fairly genius in choosing the name #buzz. it’s quite the self-fulfilling prophecy. subtler than “screwufacebook”

@Ditchwalk
Google’s heavy-handed/authoritarian introduction of Buzz = Microsoft’s panic when they missed the internet. Google is now behind the curve.

@ortdavid

@deepfriedbrain
My first impression of Buzz – It’s like a Birthday present that you didn’t actually like! You wish you had not even opened it.

@hcervantes
This means users of Buzz may inadvertently reveal their most frequent contacts, which is an issue for people with anonymous sources.

@freedryk
How Buzz organizes status updates; it’s sorted by last activity, so if someone comments on a year old post, that post goes to the top???

@martinvars
At dinner last night Marissa Meyer of Google told me that Buzz targets organizations more than social networks. Makes sense.

@yahoo
Two years after #Yahoo! launched #Buzz, Google follows suit. Check out the original: http://buzz.yahoo.com/

@jaymstr
Finding myself ignoring Buzz. I want to like it, but it presents a huge workflow issue.

@lebreeze
Google Buzz subtly takes your Twitter feed and sticks it in your parents’/employer’s/ex-girlfriends’ email inbox so they don’t miss a thing.

@mikealber
See lots of potential for Buzz Maps on Google Buzz. Starting to understand why geolocation is indeed the next big thing for social media

@kuridem
Google #Buzz: it’s like twitter… only by Google… Why didn’t #Google just buy #twitter?

@The_Ron
CONFUSED… Is BUZZ a replacement for the WAVE that I haven’t gotten to look at yet? Short Explaination anyone??

@codevalley
Android users wud hav noticed an update for google maps, which adds #buzz to it. It will take #foursquare and #gowala head-on

@cretzel
Looks like Google is heading for the next big thing: Google Buzz http://www.google.com/buzz #buzz

@santosheg
The #Wave could only manage to be a ripple…. let’s see if the #Buzz can turn into a roar #in

Google's Buzz = Facebook + Twitter ?

@joshuakagi
I think Google is making a mistake with Buzz. Just turned it off. I go to my inbox to be productive, not to see more social noise.

@ginatrapani
Comparing Buzz to Wave is like comparing Google Reader to Google Docs. Different products with different purposes.

@Dynamomagician
For everyone asking what google buzz is.. Basically it’s a cross between twitter and facebook .. But you need to set up a gmail account.

@zackfugate
Playing with Google Buzz. Kinda cool I guess… it really steals a lot from Facebook. Google should know there are already enough networks.

@ray
I think Google Wave + Google Buzz = Google Fizzle

@AlmightyWatashi
I’m willing to use Google Buzz if they stop spamming my inbox with every comment somebody does. Buzz already informs me about it

@jloomstein
So much going on. Now I have to get Google Buzz. When am I suppose to work? Live?

@myster
Is anyone excited about Google Buzz? I still haven’t figured out what the hell I’m doing with Google Wave.

@objectgraph
This location based Google Buzz is kinda scary. Remember never post anything sitting inside your home to public #googlebuzz

@ryanjgagne
Playing around with Buzz some more. Starting to like it. love how it can integrate with Google maps to display the location of a buzz

Location Based Buzz

@fjohnette
Thanks to Google Buzz, now when I update my status it goes to 4 different places. Geez.

@ShadowEyes
Buzz, you’re useful but if I can’t either update you with hootsuite, or use you to update all my other social sites, you’re dead to me #buzz

@mubeen4u
if you like #buzz more than twitter #shooturself

@HelloKit
Can I disable Buzz? I don’t need another Facebook.

@Callan_Paola
my thought on Google Buzz is that if you want me to commit to a new SM network then you are going to have to convince me why I need it…

@aanooj
Merging something designed for public broadcasting (Buzz) with something inherently private (Gmail) was just looking for trouble.

@petejuvinall
I’m wondering if engineers designed Buzz….google. Great on ideas, short on usability.

@Syndic
Ok, I use google reader and twitter clients. Everyone I follow on google buzz is sharing that EXACT content with me already. Buzz=redundant?

@WISEuv
Bloggers are bringing up how dangerous things like the new Google Buzz are for victims trying to keep their privacy (and safety) secure.

What do you think about Google Buzz? Have you tried it out? Do you think it is a potentially helpful business tool?

To feature your tweets in Geexhq.com, tweet with #geexhq (Hash Tag) in Future

Entrepreneurship is happening in India but there isnt enough of it, because entrepreneurship is generally driven by young people who have the drive and flexibility. In India the distribution of young people coming out of college is heavily skewed towards IT, crowding out other sectors. And other people who can participate in entrepreneurial ecosystems are comfortable with their decent paying MNC jobs, not only these but there are lot more reasons. We need to see some big success stories in India before entrepreneurial ecosystem blossoms, So we thought this story about the young entrepreneurs from kerala might help inspire a lot of youngsters and students

Raised $200K when in college

Before completing his college studies, Sanjay(now the CEO of Mobme) simply quit his engineering and went on to register his new startup company on December 2006 called Mobme,a firm providing technology solution to telecom players and raised $200K with the help of Angel Funding when in college. Before 6th semester they had tie-ups with Onmobile, Hungama, Nazara, Mauj, India Times almost all others in the content business. They also sealed the malayalam movie industry & held rights for all the major artists. While all this happened, they had also registered in Technopark, Trivandrum as Kerala’s first student incubated company & had strong support from IIITM-K, STPI, Kerala Government & most importantly, the education department & their university. So their attendance shortages also stopped giving them bad dreams. They chose the start-up route & left the idea of getting high marks in college. At the time of startup all they had was some small bit of money, atleast one person who was good at ideation, implementation and selling, a great team and enourmous amount of guts.

The genesis of Sanjay’s Idea

The genesis of Sanjay’s idea came up during a casual chat with his friend who was running a company. “More than the fact that he was running a company, what struck me was that he came from very similar backgrounds as mine. I decided then and there that if he could do it, I can also do it”, said Sanjay. Later in 2005, he along with his friends did a marketing activity for a service provider by bringing out a unique connection with attractive features for college students. Three months and sale of 14,000 connections after, Sanjay and friends were sitting pretty with almost Rs. 8 lakh. Rs 4 lakh disappeared in a month when the group had the fun of their lifetime. The remaining Rs. 4 lakh became the seed money for their dream project.

The next one year was spent on collecting and absorbing information on the way telecom industry was run. “By the time we launched the company, we had a clear idea about what we want to do and where we will be going in 10 years time”, said Sanjay. The core group of five friends is still with him in running the company. For him, the life as an entrepreneur has been an extreme one. “One day he was out in the streets of Mumbai penniless and then there he was in the jazziest of clubs in Dubai another day”.

Mentors

For new startups, those contemplating on which way to go, It is great to hav mentors, someone who can guide them in the right direction and help pitch more ideas.With a mentor onboard there is a better chance for the survival of a startup

Check out the list of Mentors Mobme had:-

• George Brody, CEO Globerangers(USA)
• RC Dutt, incubation Specialist, TechnoPark
• Anil Thricovil, CEO Alamy Images
• Murali Gopalan, Senior VP, UST Global
• Nandakumar, CEO Suntec
• Ashish Thomas, VP Singtel
• Mammootty, Actor (Malayalam Superstar)
• Kris Gopalakrishnan, CEO Infosys
• Shekhar Kirani, Senior VP Verisign

Their Team

We all know that majority of the world’s successful business and entrepreneurs didnt do it alone, for eg: Apple, Microsoft, Google, Twitter and many on the list. Similarly Mobme has a great team, Sanjay Vijayakumar(CEO), Sony Joy(COO) and Vivek Steve Francis(CFO)

Awards and Recognition

These young entrepreneurs created a lot of buzz throughout the country with their innovative ideas.They have also won a lot of Awards and recognition.

• Won the Nasscom 100 IT innovators award 2007
• Finalist at Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Program
• WSJ Live Mint’s 10 Start-ups to watch out for 2008
• ISBA Entrepreneurship Award 2008
• Nasscom Innovation Award 2008
• Invited by the India former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Isnt that great? Students should be encouraged to startup these kind of business soon after college, also help them find good mentors. Ever had any such startup experiences? share your thoughts below

Source: Internet and TheHindu

CCNA is a very popular certification that focuses on networking. Although it’s no longer Cisco’s lowest-level credential (the CCENT is), it’s still considered entry-level, and those who earn it should keep their job expectations modest. To start your career with Networking, Cisco’s CCNA certification is an excellent start. It provides insight on basic Networking protocols, Routing protocols, Switching, and security issues.

Exam Requirements:

1. You could become CCNA(Cisco Certified Network Associate) in two different ways-
   • Write two Exams ICND-1(CCENT) and ICND-2 or
   • Write a single CCNA exam.
2. There is no pre-requisite for the exam unlike other certifications and it is easily understood by anyone even if he’s not familiar with Networking Concepts. This is the reason why Cisco certifications are so popular, they go from the very basic to Expert Level.
3. The cost for every exam in the cisco’s world would never be less than Rs.12,000 INR (Depends upon dollar rate). Since its a Global Certificate and Cisco incurs a lot for preparing the questions and test patterns, to test both the theory and practical knowledge.
4. Exam could be taken at any Person Vue test center.
5. Usually only 1 exam attempt is allowed, Better checkout offers from the vue exam centre. Often Cisco gives offers like low exam fee, exam re-attempt, etc.
6. Also check out CCNA study group for more info.

Preparation info:

1. Most of the questions will be logical and situation based, and there will be atleast 2 simulation based questions. The Simulation based questions have higher marks than other questions. However Cisco sets 80% as pass percentage. So it’s always better to prepare for the worst simulation based questions.
2. The exam is usually for 90 Minutes to answer 55-65 questions, which should be answered in a normal sequence. i.e. You cannot change the answer or skip the question. note: You cannot go back once you’ve answered the question.
3. Hands-on cisco router is very important, to try it there are three choices
   • You can buy your own router, else Checkout the used cisco router prices on ebay.
   • Also Join any Cisco authorised training centre.
   • Download GNS3 and learn simulating the routers the best way. (But you’ll need Cisco IOS).
4. Practice a lot on routers and subnetting. Do Not memorize the commands without practicing them. Remembering the commands is not enough but the proper usage of them needs to be understood. Since you might have less time for simulation based questions you may tend to forget the commands. Practise alone can save you
5. Before starting the exam, you would be given training on exam such as for simulation based questions, Often people skip this part and then lose time trying to figure out the Test simulation interface. So do NOT skip this part.
6. The Exam results will be declared instantly as soon as you finish the exam. So prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
7. After completing the CCNA exam, you would be allowed to use CCNA logo on your card and you would receive the certificate by mail within a few working days.

Hope this helps you a lot, have you taken the CCNA exam before? or Do you have something on your mind about these cisco certifications and networking? feel free to share your thoughts, comment below

Here we will examine the common network/server problem faced by users.. Before Starting, you need to Download the trace file here.. And you’ll need Wireshark for opening the trace files, download wireshark app here
While reading the following, simultaneously look at the trace file ( name of the file to be looked is mentioned within braces near each subtopic)

Slow Browsing: (Trace file: slow browsing.pcap)

The trace begins with slow DNS response. The client browser sends first DNS request at packet no.2 but there is no response from the DNS server 4.2.2.1 and so the client sends another DNS query about 1 sec later.  The DNS server 4.2.2.1 responds for the second query at packet No. 4.  The client on receiving the response initiates the HTTP communication with the server.  The response for the first DNS query arrives 1.6 sec later. Since the hostname has already been resolved the listening port (1031) is closed. The client sends an ICMP port unreachable message (Type:3 Code:3) back to the DNS server 4.2.2.1 (Packet No.10).  The delay might have caused due to slow route path selected by the first request and/or response packet.

Also note that the  server responded with [SYN][ACK] packet during handshake with a delay of .5 sec (Time diff between Packet No. 5 & 6).

Also note that there is a HTTP GET Request retransmission at packet No. 11 and 12 for packet No. 8. It’s about 9 sec delay! until the packet is received by the client browser. There are many more packet retransmissions in the packet capture which makes browsing slow.

Expert info shows 31 retransmissions, which is not expected.

Slow DHCP: (Trace File: Slow DHCP.pcap)

The client is configured to receive IP address information from DHCP server and has just sent out its first DHCP Discovery packet(Packet No.1) to the all-broadcast address. But there is no response, about 6 sec later the client sends the second DHCP discovery packet(Packet No.2) to know the DHCP server’s IP.  The client receives the DHCP Offer from 72.68.136.1  (Packet No.3) with a client IP offer.  Note the response was from a relay agent and not from the DHCP server… as it could be seen in the packet details when examined more carefully in the Boot-Strap protocol filed.  The DHCP server IP is also contained in the packet.  The client on not satisfied with the information provided and sends the DHCP packet(Packet No.4) with various parameters request list. – Subnet Mask, Router IP, DNS Server IP, Domain Name, Broad Cast Address, Host Name, Log Server IP, LPR server IP, NTP server IP, Xwindow font and display manager server IP. The client also requires Lease time of 12 Hrs, as seen in the packet No.4 options field of the Boot strap protocol.

The server responds(Packet No.5) with few and not all information requested by the client and a lease time of 1hr against client request of 12 hrs lease time. The client is still not happy with what is offered and sends DHCP request packet(Packet No.6) with same options in parameters request list and a lease time of 12 hrs. The server responds with DHCP ACK with replies to most of the requests by the client but 1 hr lease time. The client has to comfort with this packet.  The entire process took about 6 sec. The host system IP address was not set for 6 sec which is not good sign.

Failed FTP: (Trace File: Failed FTP.pcap)

A FTP session has failed; let’s examine the packets for error.  At Packet No. 28, the client had requested for Passive mode to the server of the established FTP connection. And the server responded with code:227 allowing client to make use of passive mode. The client on getting acknowledged, initiated a new connection.  The trace looks clean until packet No.33. The client sends [SYN] request to the server, but the server doesn’t respond with a [SYN][ACK].  The client resends the [SYN] request multiple times and gives up by sending an [FIN] packet to the server.  Later the client resets the connection.  The problem here seems to be at the server, which is trying to ignore the passive mode connection.

Unable to connect with the local server: (Trace File: Bad Network.pcap)

In this packet capture, the client 62.177.154.141 is sending DNS query to DNS server 62.177.154.141. But another device with ip 100.100.100.100 responds with ICMP message of destination unreachable and Fragmentation required. On analyzing the Packet No.1, the Don’t Fragment bit was not set! The packet size is quite small (78 Bytes) and is sending the data to the MAC address: 80:05:5d:7d:1b:a0. The ICMP message at Packet No.2 also comes from the same MAC address.  The client keeps sending DNS queries.  It seems some kind of spoofing attack being performed using the IP address 100.100.100.100.

Comments are welcome… Please let me know if u find more interesting stuffs in these trace files.

P.S : You’ll need Wireshark application to view the .pcap files.

Recently TEDIndia 2009 was held in (Mysore) India, a vast country that is reinventing itself and shaping the whole world.The first ever TED conference in India received overwhelming response from attendees, speakers, fellows and sponsors. India’s young individuals who have made remarkable achievements in their respective fields were gathered there.
Indian thought leaders who addressed the conference include Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor, management guru C.K. Prahalad, director Shekhar Kapur, Yogi Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, film actor Abhay Deol and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik.

Chris Anderson, TED curator and host, who visited India, said: “I am impressed with the diversity and the incredible stories that the speakers and attendees are bringing to TEDIndia. The response has surpassed our expectations.”

people from around the world attended the program and enjoyed their stay in India. Soon after the conference conclusion, people started tweeting and blogging their experience on TEDIndia 2009.Read more about the post conference thoughts from attendes

So After TEDIndia, now its TEDxChennai’s Turn

For people who dont know about TED

TED stands for Technology Entertainment and Design, and its all about “ideas worth spreading.” Originally started in 1984 with the purpose of bringing together the worlds of technology, entertainment, and design, the organization now brings together the world’s most fascinating speakers and doers in virtually all fields. TED challenges each of them to deliver “the talk of their lives,” in 18 minutes. Past speakers include Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Nandan Nilekani, Jane Goodall, Vilayanur Ramachandran, Sir Richard Branson, Philippe Starck and Bono and lot more.

Then, Who gets to Speak at the TED conference?

The program seeks remarkable thinkers and doers who have shown unusual accomplishment, exceptional courage, moral imagination and the potential to increase positive change in their respective fields. The program focuses on innovators in technology,entertainment , design, science, film, art, music, entrepreneurship. Applicants are generally between 21-40 years of age, though anyone over 18 and over 40 may apply. They must also be fluent in English; though moderate fluency will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

What is TEDxChennai?

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.

TEDxChennai has the same passion as TED, Licensed to a small community of young, enthusiastic and aspiring people headed by Mr.Kiruba their mission is to reach out and inspire people to learn, share and discuss “Ideas Worth Spreading” that have the power and potential to make a difference in our lives, our world and in Chennai.

The One Day Event will be held on 29th November 2009, at the ICSR auditorium, IIT Madras. The Speakers have been handpicked based on the same principles as TED. Take a look at the list of Speakers.

The Ticket Costs 1000 INR, you can grab your Tickets here.

In this post, we will learn to setup, configure and test an entire network topology on your stand-alone PC using Virtualization. This article is useful for Learning and testing Networks, Also helpful for setting up home labs for industry certification like Cisco and Linux.

In this module, we will –

• Create 5 Virtual Linux boxes using VMware and configure them on different subnets.
• Simulate 2 virtual Cisco routers using GNS3 and connect them using Ethernet.
• Configure Cisco routers for RIP routing and verify the connectivity.
• Use Wireshark to sniff the network traffic for troubleshooting.

Network Topology

So let’s get started –

Installing and configuring VMware:

1. Download and Install VMware workstation.
2. Configure 4 virtual Network adapters which are as follows -
   • DSL1 = 192.168.2.2 (VMnet2)
   • DSL2 = 192.168.3.2 (VMnet3)
   • DSL3 = 192.168.4.2 (VMnet4)
   • DSL4 = 192.168.5.2 (VMnet5)
3. Create 4 Linux virtual box(Damn Small Linux) using VMware workstation and assign different VMnet to each.

Installing and configuring GNS3:

1. Download and install GNS3 ( http://gns3.net/ ).
2. Simulate two Cisco routers and configure it using Dynamips Hypervisor.
3. Use ‘cloud’ to connect the Virtual Linux boxes by selecting NIO_gen_eth.
4. Verify the connectivity.

Use Wireshark to troubleshoot the Network connection.

Download full document here..Network-simulation