Projects — Module 01: Introduction to Computer Networks¶

These project ideas are specifically relevant to Module 01 concepts. For the full project list covering all modules, see the topic-level PROJECTS.md.

Beginner Project: Network Topology Mapper¶

Description: Write a Python script that reads a list of IP addresses (or a CIDR range) and for each live host, uses ping (via subprocess) to measure RTT. Produce a simple text-based report showing which hosts are alive and their average ping RTT. This exercises your understanding of ICMP, IP addressing, and the distinction between "host unreachable" and "no ICMP response."

Concepts from Module 01: - ICMP and how ping works - IP addresses as Layer 3 identifiers - The meaning of timeouts (host down vs. ICMP filtered)

Estimated Time: 2–3 hours

Starting Point: Use Python's subprocess module to invoke ping. Parse the output. The ipaddress standard library module helps iterate over CIDR ranges.

Success Criteria: - [ ] Takes a CIDR block or list of IPs as input - [ ] Correctly identifies alive vs. non-responding hosts - [ ] Reports average RTT for alive hosts - [ ] Handles timeout correctly (doesn't crash on non-responding hosts) - [ ] The README of your project explains whether "no response" means the host is down

Intermediate Project: OSI Layer Analyzer¶

Description: Load a sample .pcap file using Scapy and write a Python script that categorizes each packet by protocol at each OSI layer. Produce a summary table showing: what percentage of packets are Ethernet/IP/TCP vs. UDP vs. ICMP, the top 5 destination ports, and the top 3 source IP addresses by packet count.

Concepts from Module 01: - OSI layer model and PDU names - Encapsulation (each layer visible in the packet) - Protocol identification at each layer

Estimated Time: 4–5 hours

Starting Point: Install Scapy (pip install scapy). Download a sample .pcap from the Wireshark sample captures page. Use rdpcap() to load it.

Success Criteria: - [ ] Correctly identifies Ethernet, IP, TCP, UDP, ICMP layers in each packet - [ ] Produces a protocol distribution table - [ ] Lists top destination ports - [ ] Code handles packets that don't have all layers (e.g., ARP packets have no IP header)

Note on Full Capstone¶

The topic's full Capstone Project (Module 12) synthesizes concepts from all modules including this one. Module 01 concepts — topology design, device selection, layered architecture — appear directly in the capstone's network design phase.

See Module 12: Capstone Project for the full brief.