Lab 5: Access Control Lists ✓ Solved

Lab 5 Access Control Listsname

Build the following network in GNS3 as shown in the figure below.

Using the tables below, configure the router and the interfaces as shown below.

Verify that all hosts can ping each other. If you can’t ping troubleshoot the problem before continuing with the lab. The ability to ping is a prerequisite to continuing the lab.

Configure the access list based on the information show below. Stop Traffic from PC 2.

Apply the access to the interface gi0/0.

Run the following command R1#show access-lists.

Paper For Above Instructions

Network security is a vital aspect of contemporary information technology infrastructure. The configuration of Access Control Lists (ACLs) on routers plays a crucial role in enforcing security policies, controlling traffic flow, and ensuring that only authorized users have access to specific resources. This paper outlines the steps performed in Lab 5 concerning the configuration of Access Control Lists (ACLs) in a simulated networking environment using GNS3, detailing how to establish a basic network, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and apply specific ACL rules to control traffic between hosts.

Network Setup in GNS3

The first step in this lab was to build the designated network topology in GNS3. The specified routers and host devices were deployed according to the diagram provided in the lab instructions. Each device's configuration, including IP addresses and subnet masks, was then assigned as listed below:

  • Router Name: R1
  • Gi0/0 Address: 192.168.1.1/24
  • Gi1/0 Address: 192.168.2.1/24
  • PC1 Address: 192.168.1.6
  • PC2 Address: 192.168.1.7
  • PC3 Address: 192.168.2.6

Verifying Connectivity

After the network was set up, the next step was to ensure that all hosts could ping each other, a fundamental test of basic connectivity in networking. The ping command was performed across all devices. If a device could not successfully ping another, it indicated a failure in the connection which warranted troubleshooting. Common issues could include incorrect IP address configurations, subnet mask mismatches, or inactive interfaces. Each of these possibilities was examined step by step, ensuring that connectivity was established before proceeding further in the lab tasks.

Configuring Access Control Lists (ACLs)

The primary objective of this lab was to configure access control lists (ACLs) to restrict traffic between devices on the network. Specifically, the goal was to prevent PC2 (with the IP address 192.168.1.7) from communicating with PC3 (192.168.2.6). To accomplish this, the following command was entered into the R1 router:

R1(config)#access-list 1 deny 192.168.1.7

Here, the ACL was defined to deny traffic from the specific source IP address of PC2. After implementing this rule, it was necessary to apply the access list to the relevant interface on the router. The command:

R1(config)#interface Gi0/0

R1(config-if)#ip access-group 1 in

was executed to enforce the ACL rules on the incoming traffic of the Gi0/0 interface.

Testing and Validation

Subsequent to the application of the ACL, testing was essential to ensure that the restrictions were functioning as intended. The first question was whether PC2 could ping PC3. The response to this query should indicate that PC2 could not ping PC3, confirming that the ACL was operating correctly to restrict access. Conversely, PC1 (not restricted by the ACL) should still be able to communicate with PC3 without any issues. This validation was a critical step in understanding the effectiveness of the access control rules that were put in place.

Lastly, to ensure that the ACL was adequately defined and functioning, the command:

R1#show access-lists

was executed, providing a rundown of the applied ACLs and their corresponding effects. This command also illustrated the potential traffic passes that would occur due to the 'permit any' rule appended to the access list subsequently. This rule allows all other traffic that is not explicitly denied by preceding rules, thus monitoring access control's dual nature — both restrictive and permissive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lab 5 provided practical experience with configuring Access Control Lists within a GNS3 simulated environment. By understanding how to build a network, verify connectivity, and apply specific traffic restrictions, one can appreciate the comprehensive role ACLs play in network security. The setup and testing demonstrated essential troubleshooting skills critical for networking professions, ensuring a reactionary approach to maintaining robust security against unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic through.

References

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  • GNS3 Team. (2019). GNS3 Documentation. GNS3. Retrieved from https://docs.gns3.com
  • Pepper, G. (2021). Configuring and Using Access Control Lists. Network World. Retrieved from https://www.networkworld.com
  • Casey, J. (2019). Securing the Network: The Importance of ACLs. SecurityWeek. Retrieved from https://www.securityweek.com
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