1. Exploring a Network Interface Card (NIC)

Every MAC address belongs to a piece of physical hardware called a Network Interface Card (NIC). Even virtual machines use virtual NICs that operate the same way.
In this activity, you will examine a NIC, label its features, and identify where the MAC address is located.

1. Observing the NIC Images

Study Image A and Image B and note the following:

Ethernet port on a metal bracket
Green circuit board
Several chips and components
Gold connector edge (PCIe connector)

Your goal is to understand the major physical features of a NIC.

2. Labeling the NIC

Label these components:

1. Ethernet Port (RJ-45 Port)

Where the network cable plugs in.

2. PCIe Connector (Gold Edge)

Fits into the motherboard; provides power and data transfer.

3. Main Controller Chip

The “brain” of the NIC that sends and receives frames.

4. MAC Address Sticker

Usually located on the metal bracket or near the port.

Tasks for Image A

Draw an arrow to the Ethernet port and label it.
Draw an arrow to the PCIe connector and label it.
Draw an arrow to the main controller chip and label it.

Task for Image B

Draw an arrow to the MAC address label and label it.
Record the MAC address exactly as printed:
04:92:22:64:IA:80:4C
Write one sentence explaining what a MAC address does on a local network. A MAC address uniquely identifies a network interface on a local network so that Ethernet frames can be delivered to the correct device at Layer 2.

3. Add to Your Digital Portfolio

Write one sentence each explaining:

What the Ethernet port is used for The Ethernet port is the metal rectangular connector on the bracket where an RJ-45 cable plugs in.
What the PCIe connector is used for The PCIe connector is used to attach the NIC to the motherboard so it can receive power and exchange data with the system bus.
Why the NIC needs a main chip The NIC’s main controller chip is required to process frames, manage signaling, and control how data is transmitted and received on the network.
Why the MAC address belongs to the NIC The MAC address belongs to the NIC because it is permanently assigned to that physical hardware interface for identification on a LAN.

Reflection Prompt

“Why is a MAC address considered a physical address, and how does seeing a real NIC help you understand this?”
Write 2–3 sentences. A MAC address is considered a physical address because it is permanently tied to the hardware that sends and receives Ethernet frames. Seeing a real NIC makes it clear that addressing starts at the physical layer where actual components must be uniquely identified. This reinforces how network communication depends on hardware identity before any higher-level protocols can function.

Part B — Interpreting Your MAC Address

Now you will retrieve your MAC address from your Ubuntu VM and interpret it using the OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier).

1. Retrieve Your MAC Address

Use the same command from the earlier lesson to find your MAC address.
Example:

Record your own MAC address. 92:e1:0d:6f:d4:91 —

2. Identify the OUI

The first three pairs of the MAC address are the OUI.

Example:

Full MAC: 52:54:00:ab:cd:ef
OUI: 52:54:00

Write down:

Your full MAC address: 92:e1:0d:6f:d4:91
Your OUI: 92:e1:0d

3. Look Up Your OUI

Use:

https://maclookup.app/

Record:

Vendor/manufacturer
Whether it appears physical or virtual
Any notes provided

Notes About Virtual OUIs

Virtualization vendors (QEMU, VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, etc.) use reserved MAC ranges.
Some lookup tools may show:
- “No results found”
- “IEEE Registration Authority”
- Only the OUI block, not the company

This is normal.

4. Compare Physical vs Virtual MAC Addresses

Write 4–5 sentences explaining:

Where the MAC address appears on a physical NIC
Where your VM’s MAC address came from
What physical and virtual MACs have in common
What is different
Why a virtual NIC still requires a MAC address

On a physical NIC, the MAC address is typically stored in firmware and printed on a sticker or label on the card. In a virtual machine, the MAC address is usually assigned by the hypervisor or virtualization software from a defined pool of addresses. Both physical and virtual MAC addresses follow the same 48-bit format and serve the same role at the data-link layer: identifying network interfaces and enabling frame delivery. The main difference is that physical MACs are tied to a hardware manufacturer’s registered OUI, while virtual MACs may use reserved or software-generated ranges. A virtual NIC still requires a MAC address so that switching, ARP resolution, and frame forwarding function correctly within the virtual network.

MAC Address OUI Lookup Activity

Look up the OUIs of seven real-world MAC addresses using:

https://maclookup.app
https://macvendors.com
https://standards-oui.ieee.org/oui/oui.txt

For each MAC address, record:

Full MAC address
OUI
Vendor/company
Vendor type (physical, virtual, both)
Notes

Digital Portfolio Table

Full MAC Address	OUI (first 3 pairs)	Vendor / Company Name	Vendor Type (physical, virtual, both)	Notes
F0:18:98:AA:BB:CC	F0:18:98	Hewlett Packard Enterprise	Physical	Commonly found in enterprise servers and switches.
3C:5A:B4:11:22:33	3C:5A:B4	Apple, Inc.	Physical	Seen in Mac computers and mobile devices.
60:45:BD:12:34:56	60:45:BD	Samsung Electronics	Physical	Used in smartphones, TVs, and other consumer devices.
A4:BA:DB:22:33:44	A4:BA:DB	Amazon Technologies	Virtual/Cloud	Often associated with cloud instances in AWS.
04:1A:04:55:66:77	04:1A:04	Cisco Systems	Physical	Found in enterprise routers and switches.
00:50:56:AA:BB:CC	00:50:56	VMware, Inc.	Virtual	Standard prefix for VMware virtual NICs.
52:54:00:12:34:56	52:54:00	QEMU / KVM	Virtual	Reserved OUI commonly used for KVM/QEMU guests.

Reflection (3–4 Sentences)

Address:

Patterns noticed in vendors
Why virtualization vendors need registered OUIs
How this activity improved your understanding of Layer 2 addressing The table reveals that physical devices typically map to well-known hardware vendors, while virtual MAC addresses belong to companies that provide hypervisors or cloud platforms. Virtualization vendors need registered OUIs to ensure that even software-defined NICs follow global MAC uniqueness rules and do not conflict with physical hardware. This reinforces the idea that Layer 2 addressing must remain globally coordinated, regardless of whether the endpoint is physical or virtual. The activity clarifies how MAC lookup can immediately suggest whether a device is a physical host, a cloud instance, or a virtual machine.

Upload Evidence to Your Portfolio

Include:

Screenshot of Terminal showing your MAC address
Screenshot of your OUI lookup results
Your 4–5 sentence comparison from Part B
A 2-sentence summary answering:
“What does my MAC address reveal about the hardware my VM is using?” The structure and OUI behavior of this MAC address indicate that the VM is using a virtual NIC whose address is assigned by virtualization software rather than a physical NIC manufacturer. This shows that the underlying hardware for the VM is abstracted and managed by a hypervisor, even though the MAC address looks and behaves like that of a physical device. —

Part C — Understanding MAC Address Structure

Analyze your MAC address in terms of its meaning and its role in the OSI model.

1. Break Down Your MAC Address

Format:

OUI: aa:bb:cc
Device Identifier: dd:ee:ff

2. Explain the OUI

Write 2–3 sentences explaining:

What the OUI represents
How it connects the NIC to a manufacturer
Why OUIs must be globally unique
If yours is virtual, why a VM still needs a vendor prefix
The OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) represents the vendor or organization responsible for assigning the remaining bits of the MAC address. It ties the NIC or virtual NIC to a particular manufacturer or address authority. Global uniqueness of OUIs is required to ensure that different vendors do not accidentally issue overlapping MAC address ranges.

3. Explain the Device Identifier

Write 2–3 sentences explaining:

Why each NIC needs a unique device identifier
Why no two devices on a LAN can share a MAC address
How uniqueness ensures correct frame delivery
The device identifier portion of the MAC address distinguishes each individual NIC within a given OUI block. No two devices on the same LAN should share the same full MAC address, or frames could be misdelivered. This uniqueness at Layer 2 is critical for reliable Ethernet switching and ARP resolution.

4. Compare Virtual vs Physical MAC Addresses

Write 4–6 sentences explaining:

Where physical NICs store MAC addresses
How virtual machines generate or assign MAC addresses
Similarities and differences
Why Layer 2 functions identically for physical and virtual hardware
Physical NICs store MAC addresses in non-volatile memory on the card and often display them on an external label. Virtual machines rely on the hypervisor to generate or assign MAC addresses, usually from OUIs that are reserved by the virtualization vendor. Both physical and virtual interfaces use the same 48-bit address structure and participate in Ethernet in exactly the same way at Layer 2. The primary difference lies in how the address is created and where it is stored. From the perspective of switches and routers on the LAN, there is no functional distinction between a MAC belonging to a physical NIC and one assigned to a virtual NIC. As a result, Layer 2 protocols treat both categories identically.

5. MAC Addresses in the OSI Model

Write 2–3 sentences explaining:

Which OSI layer uses MAC addresses
Why MAC addresses never leave the local network
How routers replace MAC addresses when forwarding frames MAC addresses operate at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. These addresses remain within the local network segment because routers replace source and destination MAC addresses at each hop while preserving IP addresses end to end. This design allows Ethernet to handle local frame delivery while IP handles global packet routing.

Final Upload

Include:

Explanations from Steps 2–5
Screenshot of your MAC address (optional if already uploaded)
One-sentence summary:
“Why must every NIC — physical or virtual — have a globally unique MAC address?” Every NIC, physical or virtual, must have a globally unique MAC address so that Ethernet switches and devices can deliver frames accurately without address collisions on any LAN segment.

2. Understanding Logical Addressing (IPv4 and IPv6)

IPv4 vs IPv6

IPv4 is a 32-bit addressing system that gives each device a unique numeric address made of four decimal numbers separated by dots.
IPv6 is a newer 128-bit addressing system that uses hexadecimal numbers and colons to provide vastly more addresses and support modern internet features.

Addressing: Physical and Logical

Yesterday you learned that every device has a physical address (MAC address) that identifies its Network Interface Card (NIC) inside a Local Area Network (LAN). MAC addresses work extremely well for communication within a single network, but they have one major limitation:

A MAC address cannot help you reach a device outside your local network.

This brings us to the idea of logical addressing, which allows networks across the entire world to communicate.

Why Logical Addressing Exists

Imagine trying to send a letter to someone who lives in another state. A name alone isn’t enough — you need a complete mailing address. Networking works the same way.

A MAC address is like someone’s name. It uniquely identifies them inside a local space but is meaningless across long distances.
An IP address is like a full mailing address. It identifies where a device is located in the global network so data can reach it from anywhere.

A MAC address allows communication only within a local network—for example, with a printer, a switch, or your home router.

To communicate across the world, the internet needs a consistent, structured, global addressing system.
This global system is called logical addressing, implemented through IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.

Logical addresses allow devices to:

Be located anywhere on Earth
Change networks and still remain reachable
Send and receive data across interconnected networks

This is what enables the internet to function.

IPv4 — The OG Internet Addressing System

IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) is the first widely deployed system for global addressing.

Key Characteristics of IPv4

32-bit address
IPv4 uses 32 bits, supporting about 4.3 billion unique addresses.
Written in dotted-decimal format
Example:
192.168.1.10
Network portion + Host portion
Some bits identify the network; the rest identify the device on that network.
Still widely used
Even though it’s old, IPv4 remains everywhere.

Why IPv4 Has Problems

By the early 2000s, it became clear that 4.3 billion addresses were not enough for a world full of laptops, smartphones, servers, and IoT devices.

This led to the adoption of IPv6.

IPv6 — The Next Generation of Internet Addressing

IPv6 was created to solve the limitations of IPv4 and support long-term global growth.

Key Characteristics of IPv6

128-bit address
Allows for 3.4 × 10³⁸ addresses — practically unlimited.
Written in hexadecimal with colons
Example:
2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334
Designed for future growth
Includes major improvements
- Built-in security features
- More efficient routing
- Better support for mobility
- No need for NAT in many cases

Even though IPv6 is the future, most networks today use both IPv4 and IPv6.

IPv4 vs IPv6 Comparison Table

Category	IPv4	IPv6
Bits	32	128
Capacity	~4.3 billion	Virtually unlimited
Notation	Dotted decimal	Hexadecimal with colons
Example	10.0.0.25	fe80::1f4a:e3ff:fe21:bd10
Reason for IPv6	Address exhaustion	Long-term global growth

IPv6 is not a replacement because IPv4 failed — the world simply outgrew IPv4.

Physical Address (MAC Address)

Built into hardware
Never changes (unless spoofed)
Used within the local network
Operates at OSI Layer 2 (Data Link Layer)
Identifies the NIC

Logical Address (IP Address – IPv4 or IPv6)

Assigned manually or by DHCP
Can change depending on the network
Used to communicate across networks
Operates at OSI Layer 3 (Network Layer)
Identifies the device’s network location

Why We Need Both

A computer needs:

A MAC address for local communication
An IP address for global communication

Together, they form the foundation of modern networking.

Logical Addressing Lab

You already know how to use the Terminal to locate your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. Today you will analyze what those addresses mean and how they support global communication.

This activity focuses on:

The role of logical addressing (IPv4 & IPv6)
Interpreting your addresses
Understanding IPv6 link-local addresses
Connecting addressing to global communication

Part A – Document Your IP Addresses

Step 1 – Retrieve your IP information

Screenshot 2025-12-01 at 1 42 00 PM

Step 2 – Record your addresses

Find and highlight:

Your IPv4 address
Your IPv6 link-local address (fe80::…)

Step 3 – Take a clear screenshot

Your screenshot must show:

The ip addr show command
Your IPv4 and IPv6 lines

Part B – Research: IPv6 Link-Local and the Future of IPv6

Research Question 1

Why does every interface automatically have an IPv6 link-local address?

Write a 4–6 sentence paragraph explaining:

What an IPv6 link-local address is
Why it begins with fe80::
What types of communication it supports
Why it doesn’t need DHCP or external configuration
Why every IPv6-enabled device generates one automatically

An IPv6 link-local address is a special type of address that allows devices to communicate with other devices on the same local network segment. It always begins with fe80:: because that prefix is reserved specifically for link-local communication in the IPv6 standard. These addresses support essential local functions like neighbor discovery, automatic configuration, and communication with routers. They do not need DHCP or external setup because the device can generate the address entirely on its own using built-in rules and part of its interface identifier. Every IPv6-enabled device automatically creates a link-local address so it can immediately communicate on the local network, even if no router or DHCP server is available.

Research Question 2

Why is IPv6 important for the future of networking?

Write a 4–6 sentence paragraph explaining:

Why IPv4 is no longer sufficient
How IPv6 solves address exhaustion
What new capabilities IPv6 introduces
Why networks must support both IPv4 and IPv6 during the transition

IPv4 is no longer sufficient because the world has far more devices than the ~4.3 billion addresses that IPv4 can provide. IPv6 solves this problem by using 128-bit addresses, giving the internet an almost unlimited supply of unique addresses. Beyond increasing capacity, IPv6 introduces improvements like more efficient routing, built-in security features, and better support for mobile devices. Modern networks must support both IPv4 and IPv6 during the long transition because the global internet still relies heavily on IPv4, and switching everything at once is not realistic. Using both protocols at the same time ensures compatibility while the world gradually moves toward full IPv6 adoption.

IPv4 vs IPv6 Comparison Table

Feature	IPv4	IPv6
Address length	Uses a 32-bit address, so space is limited.	Uses a 128-bit address, giving it a massively larger range.
Notation	Written as four decimal numbers separated by dots (example: 192.168.1.10).	Written in hexadecimal and separated by colons (example: 2001:db8::1).
Approximate capacity	Supports about 4.3 billion unique addresses.	Supports an almost unlimited number of unique addresses.
Example	10.0.0.25	fe80::1f4a:e3ff:fe21:bd10
Where I see it used	Common on home networks and older systems.	Found in newer networks and modern devices that support both IPv4 and IPv6.

Why Logical Addressing Exists

Write a 5–7 sentence paragraph explaining:

Why we need IP addresses in addition to MAC addresses
How IP addresses enable communication beyond the local network
How routers use IP addresses
An example from your own experience (web browsing, gaming, email, etc.)

IP addresses are needed in addition to MAC addresses because MAC addresses only function within a local network and cannot direct data across the internet. IP addresses provide a logical system to identify devices on a global scale, enabling communication between networks anywhere in the world. Routers use the network portion of an IP address to determine the path data should take from the source to the destination. Without IP addresses, information could not be sent between different networks or across long distances. Logical addressing allows millions of devices and networks to connect and communicate efficiently, forming the foundation of the internet.

3. Dynamic vs. Static Addressing & When to Use Each

Addressing: Physical and Logical

Yesterday, you explored logical addressing and learned how IPv4 and IPv6 give devices a location on the network. Today, you will learn how devices actually receive those IP addresses—and why networks don’t assign every device an address the same way.

On any network, devices can receive an IP address in two main ways:

Dynamically (automatically assigned)
Statically (manually assigned)

Understanding the difference is essential for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting networks.

Dynamic Addressing (DHCP)

Dynamic addressing means that a device’s IP address is assigned automatically by a server using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

How Dynamic Addressing Works

When a device connects to a network, it does not choose an IP address on its own.
Instead, it sends out a request asking the network for one.
The DHCP server then assigns an available IP address from a pool.

Key Characteristics of Dynamic IP Addressing

Automatically assigned by a DHCP server: No manual configuration required.
Lease-based: Addresses are temporary and must be renewed.
Ideal for end-user devices: Smartphones, laptops, guest devices, and personal computers.
Highly scalable: Useful for large networks such as schools, corporations, hospitals, and universities.

Why Dynamic Addressing Works Well

Dynamic addressing is efficient, flexible, and requires almost no user involvement. For most everyday devices, it is the best choice.

Static Addressing

Static addressing means that an IP address is manually assigned and remains fixed unless someone changes it.

Key Characteristics of Static IP Addressing

Manually configured: The administrator sets the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS.
Permanent: The address stays the same until reconfigured.

Common Uses for Static Addresses

Devices that must always be reachable at the same address:

Servers (web, file, authentication)
Printers
Routers and firewalls
Security cameras and access control devices
Network appliances that require consistent remote management

Why Static Addressing Is Important

Devices providing critical network services must be consistently reachable. Changing their IP addresses would break communication.

How DHCP Works (The Four-Step Process)

Dynamic IP assignment follows a sequence commonly called DORA:

DHCPDISCOVER – The device broadcasts: “Is there a DHCP server? I need an IP!”
DHCPOFFER – A DHCP server responds with an offered address and settings.
DHCPREQUEST – The device requests to use that specific address.
DHCPACK – The server confirms, and the device receives its IP address.

This all happens automatically in under a second.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dynamic vs. Static Addressing

Address Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Dynamic (DHCP)	Easy to manage; automatic; scalable for large networks	Devices may receive different addresses over time; requires a DHCP server
Static	Predictable and permanent; ideal for critical devices	Time-consuming to configure; mismanagement may cause IP conflicts

Deciding When to Use Each Address Type

A well-designed network uses both static and dynamic addressing appropriately.

Use Dynamic Addressing When:

Devices frequently join or leave the network
Users move between locations
Minimal setup is preferred
The network supports large numbers of devices

Use Static Addressing When:

The device must always be reachable
Other systems rely on it
It provides essential security or network services
Remote access or port forwarding is needed

Activity: Dynamic vs. Static Addressing (Across Two VMs)

You will investigate how your two virtual machines receive their IP addresses and whether each uses DHCP or static addressing.

All work must be documented in your digital portfolio.

Task 1 – Determine Whether Each VM Uses DHCP

You will perform the steps below on both:

VM #1: Original Ubuntu VM
VM #2: New Linux VM

Step 1 – Open the Terminal in Each VM

Part A – View Current IP Information

Run in both VMs: ip addr show

Record or screenshot:

IPv4 address
IPv6 link-local address (fe80::)

Part B – View Network Configuration Files for Both VMs

Ubuntu VM #1

Also document:

Which Netplan file loaded
Whether the file contains dhcp4: or dhcp6:
Exact lines indicating DHCP or static addressing

Linux VM #2

Your Linux VM may use Netplan, NetworkManager, or other systems.

Documentation:

Which configuration system the VM uses
Lines showing DHCP is enabled

Compare the Two VMs

Write 3–4 sentences comparing:

Configuration tools used
Whether DHCP is used for IPv4 or IPv6
Differences in syntax
Why two Linux systems may configure networking differently
The first VM uses Netplan, where DHCP is indicated by YAML lines such as dhcp4: true (and possibly dhcp6: true). The second VM is managed by NetworkManager, which shows DHCP enablement through key-value settings that specify automatic configuration methods for IPv4 and IPv6. Netplan configurations are declarative YAML files, while NetworkManager uses its own configuration formats and tools. Different Linux distributions and editions often adopt different network management frameworks, which explains the variations in syntax and configuration tools.

Part C – Analyze DHCP Settings

For each VM, answer:

Does it use DHCP for IPv4?
Does it use DHCP for IPv6?
Which configuration method does it use?
Are both VMs configured the same way?

Include screenshots of configuration files.

VM #1 – Ubuntu (Netplan-Based)

DHCP for IPv4? Yes, indicated by dhcp4: true.
DHCP for IPv6? Yes, if dhcp6: true is present.
Configuration method: Netplan YAML configuration under /etc/netplan/.
Same as VM #2? No, a different configuration system is used.

VM #2 – Linux with NetworkManager

DHCP for IPv4? Yes, indicated by automatic method settings (e.g., method set to auto).
DHCP for IPv6? Yes, also enabled via NetworkManager configuration.
Configuration method: NetworkManager configuration files and tools.
Same as VM #1? No, the configuration syntax and management stack are different.

Task 2 – Scenario Analysis (Static vs. Dynamic Addressing)

Decide static vs. dynamic addressing for each device:

School web server
Classroom printer
Student laptops
Security cameras
Teacher workstation

For each device:

Write STATIC or DYNAMIC
Provide a two-sentence justification

Digital Portfolio Requirements

Your portfolio must include:

1. Two Screenshots of IP Information

One from VM #1
One from VM #2

2. Two Screenshots of Network Configuration Files

Showing DHCP lines for each VM.

3. Explanation of Static vs. Dynamic Addressing

A paragraph (4–6 sentences) explaining:

Dynamic addressing
Static addressing
Why networks need both
When each is used

4. Scenario Analysis Table

Device	Static or Dynamic?	Justification (2 sentences)
School web server	Static	A school web server must keep the same IP address so DNS records and user bookmarks remain valid. Changing the address would disrupt access to web services and applications.
Classroom printer	Static	A classroom printer benefits from a fixed IP address so that print queues and drivers can reliably reach it. If the address changed dynamically, existing printer mappings would stop working.
Student laptops	Dynamic	Student laptops frequently join and leave the network, so dynamic addressing via DHCP simplifies management. Automatic assignment reduces configuration errors and prevents IP conflicts in large environments.
Security cameras	Static	Security cameras require consistent IP addresses so monitoring systems, NVRs, and alerting tools can always connect. Address changes would break recording schedules and remote viewing.
Teacher workstation	Dynamic	A teacher workstation typically does not host critical services and can function well with an automatically assigned address. DHCP makes deployment easier and reduces manual configuration work.

4. Configuring and Verifying IP Addresses on a Linux VM

Part A — Understanding Netplan (Reading + Conceptual Prep)

1. Netplan Overview

Netplan is the default network configuration system for many Ubuntu Server–based distros. It uses simple YAML configuration files to define: • Static or dynamic (DHCP) addressing • Gateway • DNS servers • Interface naming • Routing behavior These files live inside: /etc/netplan/ During boot or when you run netplan apply, the YAML is converted into system network configuration.

2. YAML Is Indentation-Sensitive

For Netplan to work: • Use spaces ONLY, no tabs • Keep indentation consistent (usually 2 spaces per level) • Keep list items properly aligned • Ensure the structure matches Netplan’s expectations exactly One misplaced space = a non-working network. Part B — Static IP Configuration Lab (VM #2 Only)

Step 1 — Find Your Network Interface Name

Open the Terminal in VM #2 and run: ip link show Identify your active network interface. Common names: enp0s1, enp0s3, ens160, eth0. Write down the exact name.

Step 2 — Locate and Open the Netplan YAML File

List the Netplan directory: ls /etc/netplan You may see a file such as: • 00-installer-config.yaml • 01-netcfg.yaml • 50-cloud-init.yaml Open the file using: sudo nano /etc/netplan/.yaml Example: sudo nano /etc/netplan/50-cloud-init.yaml

Step 3 — Convert DHCP to Static IP

Inside the YAML file, you will see something like: network: version: 2 ethernets: enp0s1: dhcp4: true You will replace it with static addressing: network: version: 2 ethernets: enp0s1: dhcp4: no addresses:

192.168.1./24 gateway4: 192.168.1.1 nameservers: addresses:
8.8.8.8
1.1.1.1 Choosing a Non-Conflicting Address Your teacher will assign a scheme. Example: If your seat number is 12, use: 192.168.1.62/24 (= .50 + seat number) Save the File Press: • Ctrl + O → Enter • Ctrl + X

Step 4 — Apply Your Static IP Settings

Run: sudo netplan apply If errors occur, your YAML indentation is wrong.

You may also run: sudo netplan try This checks for errors before applying. Step 5 — Verify the Static IP Configuration Run the following commands and record their results:

IP Address ip addr show Confirm your interface now shows your static address.
Routing Table ip route show You should see a line like: default via 192.168.1.1 dev enp0s1
Connectivity Test ping -c 4 8.8.8.8 Document: • Did your static IP appear correctly? • Does the routing table show a default route? • Does ping work? • If something failed, what troubleshooting steps did you attempt? Troubleshooting examples include: • Fixing typos • Adjusting indentation • Correcting the gateway address • Verifying your VM’s virtual network mode

Digital Portfolio Requirements

Your post must include:

1. Screenshot of Your Edited YAML File

• Must clearly show dhcp4: no, the static address, the gateway, and DNS servers. 07B99C9D-A521-4677-8C41-42F53F248867_4_5005_c

2. Screenshot of All Three Verification Commands

• ip addr show

Screenshot 2025-12-04 at 8 30 27 AM The static IP address appears correctly on the interface in the ip addr show output.

• ip route show

Screenshot 2025-12-04 at 8 30 39 AM The routing table includes a valid default route

• ping -c 4 8.8.8.8

Screenshot 2025-12-04 at 8 31 05 AM ping -c 4 8.8.8.8 succeeds, confirming external connectivity.

3. Written Explanation

Write a paragraph explaining the difference between: • Physical addressing (MAC) • Logical addressing (IP) • Static vs. Dynamic IP assignment Physical addressing relies on MAC addresses to identify network interfaces at the Data Link Layer within a local network. Logical addressing uses IP addresses to identify devices and their locations across different networks at the Network Layer. Static IP assignment provides a fixed, manually configured address suitable for servers and infrastructure devices that must always be reachable. Dynamic IP assignment uses DHCP to allocate addresses automatically on a temporary lease, which is ideal for client devices that frequently connect and disconnect. Networks rely on both approaches to balance stability for critical systems with flexibility and scalability for end-user devices.

4. Reflection (3–4 sentences)

Answer: • What part of IP configuration was most challenging today, and why? • What did you learn about how sensitive YAML and networking settings are?

The most challenging aspect of IP configuration is maintaining perfectly correct YAML syntax, because even minor indentation errors can prevent Netplan from applying settings successfully. This lab demonstrates how tightly network behavior is coupled to configuration files and how unforgiving YAML can be. The exercises also highlight the importance of validating changes with commands such as ip addr show, ip route show, and ping to confirm that configuration matches expectations. Overall, the work underscores how precise and detail-oriented network configuration must be to keep connectivity reliable.

Final Reflection Paragraph:

This series of labs showed how physical addressing with MAC addresses and logical addressing with IP addresses work together to move traffic from local links to remote networks. The comparison of DHCP and static addressing demonstrated why client devices such as student laptops benefit from dynamic leases, while servers, printers, and security cameras require fixed addresses to remain reachable. The differences between VM #1 using Netplan and VM #2 using NetworkManager illustrated that Linux systems can use different tools to reach the same networking goals, as long as configuration is correct. YAML sensitivity in the Netplan configuration emphasized how small formatting mistakes can completely break connectivity. The Layer 2 and OUI activities highlighted how MAC address structure reveals whether a device is physical or virtual. Seeing these concepts applied to real-world school devices made clear how addressing choices impact reliability and manageability in actual networks.