TITLE:

A TECHNICAL REPORT
UNDERTAKEN AT

ARIT OF AFRICA,

354 MURITALA MOHAMMED WAY, YABA, LAGOS STATE.

SUBMITTED BY

NAME: Yinusa Ahmed Olanrewaju

MATRIC: FUO/22/0417

DEPARTMENT: Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences

SCHOOL: FOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY, OSOGBO, OSUN STATE.

I
 DEDICATION

I dedicate my dissertation work and commitment with special gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT)
for his mercies to see me through and for the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to have a
successful Internship, my family and those who supported me, to those whose words of
encouragement and push for tenacity ring in my ears.

II
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to thank Almighty Allah, for bringing me here and giving me the understanding to
comprehend and learn all about everything here. I would also like to thank my committee
members and staff coordinators who were more than generous with their expertise and precious
time. I also want to use this opportunity to acknowledge my parents and relatives for their
support and love throughout this period. A very special thank you to them and everyone who has
contributed one way or the other to my stay at the Arit of Africa (Networking Department).

To the Head of Networking Section, Engr. Williams Odueke for the leadership empowerment,
insights and work ethics he bestowed, not forgetting Engr. Michael, Engr. Dayo and other senior
colleagues in the network section for the physical, mental and every form of test carried out to
face any network problems or issues. Special Regard to the Head of Human Resources Section
Mrs. Ozor for her words of encouragement whenever we are overwhelmed at work and on other
personal-related matters. Alongside Mr. Seyi, Mr. Ahmed and Miss. Tosin, for all the work
experience, push and drive, to face any kind of problems brought to us by various staff.

Finally, I want to deeply appreciate Fountain University for granting the opportunity of this
platform to be able to learn and practically carry out all the knowledge my esteemed lecturers
had taught me.

III
 OVERVIEW

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was established by the Federal
Government to enable students to have practical experiences in their approved courses of study
and to prepare them for industry work. SIWES was aimed at exposing students of higher
institutions to acquire Industrial skills and work situations which they are likely to meet after
graduation. This technical report is based on the experience I gained during my period of
industrial Training at Arit of Africa Ltd., where I was assigned to work in Networking
Department and. In Networking, I was able to learn and know about Router configuration,
Switch configuration, Server configuration, Network components installation, Configuration
backup and maintenance of Router, Record keeping of link downtimes resulting from late power-
up, power outage, Troubleshooting and Fixing of faulty network devices, Maintenance and
monitoring of wireless access points, learnt about protocols (e.g. FTP, SNMP, STP, SSH) and
their importance in the environment, learnt about different security concepts and details such as
CIA(Confidentiality Integrity Availability) Triad, Access Control and Firewalls, learnt about
Networking Programmability and Automation terms like SDN (Software-Defined Networking),
APIs and Ansible, also learnt how to implement a network automation tool onto networking
devices.

All these importantly describe the activities carried out for 6 months and the experience gained
during the period of training coupled up with the challenges encountered which will be stated
below.

IV
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE…………………………………………………………………………………………... I

DEDICATION………………………………………………………………………………….. II

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT …………………………………………………………………….. III

OVERVIEW ………………………………………………………………………………….....IV

CHAPTER ONE: …………………………………………………………………………….....1

1.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF SIWES……………………………………….......1

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES ...............................................................2
1.3 ORGANIZATION HISTORY ..............................................................................3
1.4 MISSION AND VISION OF ORGANIZATION ................................................ 3
1.5 NETWORKING DEPARTMENT ........................................................................4
1.5.1 ORGANOGRAM OF THE NETWORK DEPARTMENT ...................4
1.5.2 ROLES OF THE NETWORKING DEPARTMENT ............................5
1.6 DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN
INTERN...6

CHAPTER TWO: ........................................................................................................................ 12

2.1 DETAILED ACCOUNT OF WORK EXPERIENCE ......................................... 12

2.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................. 16

CHAPTER THREE: .................................................................................................................. 20

3. DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION ............................................... 20

3.1 Experience Gained ................................................................................... 20

3.2 Tools and Equipment Analysis................................................................ 21

3.3 Personal Growth and Challenges .......................................................... 21

CHAPTER FOUR: ............................................................................................................... 22

4.1 CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………………….. 22

V
 4.2 LIMITATIONS ......................................................................................................... 23

4.3 RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................... 24

4.4 LIST OF ACRONYMS USED AND THEIR MEANINGS .................................. 25

VI
 CHAPTER ONE

1.5 GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO SIWES

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), also known as Industrial Training is
a compulsory skills training program designed to expose and prepare students at Nigerian
Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Colleges of Technology and Colleges of
Agriculture, for the industrial work situation they’re likely to meet after graduation.

The scheme also affords students the opportunity of exposing and familiarizing themselves to the
needed experience in handling equipment and machinery that are usually not available in their
institution.

Before the establishment of the scheme, there was a growing concern among industrialists that
graduates of institutions of higher learning lacked adequate practical background studies
preparatory for employment in industries.

Thus, employers believed theoretical education in higher institutions wasn’t responsive to the
needs of the employers of labor.

SIWES introduction, initiation and design was done by the Industrial Training Fund (I.T.F) in
1993 to acquaint students with the skills of handling employer’s equipment and machinery.

The Industrial Training Fund (I.T.F) solely funded the scheme during its formative years.
However, due to financial constraints, the fund withdrew from the scheme in 1978.

The Federal Government, noting the significance of the training of the skills training, handed the
management of the scheme to both the National Universities Commission (N.U.C) and the
National Board for Technical Education (N.B.T.E) in 1979. The SIWES scheme and program is
a setting that allows a variety of students in engineering, science-based courses, to undergo 6
months of Industrial training.

1
 1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

• Provides the location for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial
skills and experiences in their course of study.

• Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery
that may not be available in their institutions.

• Makes the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhances students
contact for later job placement.

• Provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work situations
thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.

• To provide placements in industries for students of tertiary institutions of learning

approved by relevant regulation authority e.g. National Universities Commission (NUC),
National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and National Commission for Colleges
of Education (NCCE) to acquire work experience and industrial skills relevant to their
course of study.

• To make the transition from tertiary institution to the labor market smooth and enhance
students’ contacts for later job placements.

• Prepares the students for the industrial work situation they’re likely to meet after
graduation.

• Enlists and strengthens employers’ involvement in the entire educational process and
prepares students for employment after graduation.

2
1.5 ORGANIZATION HISTORY
I. Arit of Africa: Established as a leading ICT service provider in West Africa, Arit of
Africa specializes in comprehensive IT infrastructure and networking solutions.
Partnering with global brands like Cisco, Huawei, and Microsoft, Arit delivers high-value
technology services to diverse clients across industries.

II. Products and Services: Core offerings include enterprise IT solutions, network design,
cloud computing, and on-site support. The networking department supports both internal
infrastructure and client networks, ensuring efficient, reliable, and secure network
operations.

III. Business Volume and Size: With a substantial customer base across the West African
region, Arit maintains a significant market presence and has a workforce of over 200
employees.

1.4 MISSION AND VISION OF ORGANIZATION

1.4.1 Mission:

Arit of Africa is committed to delivering innovative, customer-centric ICT solutions that

empower organizations, enhance productivity, and drive business growth across Africa.

1.4.2 Vision:

To be a leading provider of world-class technology solutions in Africa, fostering digital

transformation and contributing to the continent’s economic development through sustainable,
scalable IT solutions.

3
 1.5 NETWORKING DEPARTMENT

1.5.1 ORGANOGRAM OF THE NETWORK DEPARTMENT

4
 1.5.2 ROLES OF THE NETWORKING DEPARTMENT

The Networking Department at Arit of Africa plays a critical role in ensuring reliable, secure,
and efficient network operations both internally and for clients. The department’s responsibilities
can be broken down into several key functions such as:

• Network Design and Architecture: The team designs and recommends scalable and
unambiguous network topologies tailored to clients' needs. This involves assessing
business requirements and translating them into network designs, using Cisco, HP and
Huawei equipment, which provide reliable, high-performance networking solutions.

• Troubleshooting and Technical Support: The department is often deployed on-site and
off-site to troubleshoot network issues for clients. The focus is on ensuring seamless
connectivity, minimizing downtime, and implementing solutions to rectify issues that
impact business operations.

• Network Simulation and Testing: The team uses tools like Packet Tracer, GNS3 to
create, test, and simulate network configurations prior to deployment. This reduces errors
and ensures configurations meet client requirements. It also makes it easier for when it is
time for implementation of the physical configuration as it is usually used as a guideline
or blueprint.

• Network Security: Ensuring security across all network layers is a priority, involving
regular checks on access protocols (such as SSH) and using monitoring tools (like
Wireshark) to detect anomalies in network traffic.

• Client Association and Consultancy: Acting as consultants, the networking department

often collaborates with client companies to provide solutions that enhance their network
infrastructure. They assist clients in understanding network architecture, which aligns
with both performance goals and security standards.

5
 1.6 DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN INTERN

This section covers the specific duties I performed during my internship, emphasizing tasks
related to network device configuration, protocol management, simulation, and support tasks.

1. Network Device Configuration

• Cisco Routers: I was responsible for setting up and configuring various Cisco routers.
This included defining IP ranges using DHCP, configuring DNS settings, implementing
VLANs, and managing routing protocols.

CISCO 1841 ROUTER

6
 CISCO CATALYST 2000 SERIES ROUTER
• Cisco Switches: I was also responsible for the configuration and verification of various
Cisco Switches using the different switching protocols, assigning IP addresses to end-
hosts (PCs, Laptops, Phones etc.) and implementing STP.

CISCO CATALYST 2960 SERIES SWITCH

• Huawei Devices: I also gained little experience with Huawei networking equipment,
learning to configure these devices to support hybrid networks.

7
 Huawei S57205-28P-LE-AC SWITCH

2. Protocol Management

• TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and ARP: Managed and configured fundamental protocols to
ensure devices could communicate effectively within the network. This involved
understanding how each protocol works and applying best practices to optimize network
performance and make support for File Transfer between devices connected to the
network.

• Security Protocols: Assisted in configuring secure protocols like SSH for remote access
and SNMP for monitoring device health and performance, ensuring secure, monitored
access to the network.

3. Network Simulation and Testing

• Packet Tracer: Created simulated networks using Packet Tracer to test configurations
before deployment. This ensured that setups met requirements, and any potential issues
were addressed in a simulated environment rather than in live production. This optimizes
the performance of the network and reduces the probability of errors in the physical
implementation.

8
 EXAMPLE OF WORK-DONE WITH PACKET TRACER

• Wireshark Packet Sniffing: Analyzed network packets to understand the 3-way

handshake process, gaining insights into how data flows and identifying potential security
concerns. This helps to show how packets of data are being sent and received between
devices using specific protocols to organize them.

9
 EXAMPLE OF PACKET SNIFFING USING WIRESHARK IN PORT 443

4. Client Support and Troubleshooting

• On-Site Visits: Joined team members on visits to client sites, assisting with
troubleshooting network issues with either the networking devices or the organization of
devices and configuring equipment to meet client requirements. This gave practical
experience with problem-solving in real-world environments. This also provided more
information on different networking devices (e.g. HP and Microsoft).

• Remote Troubleshooting: Used remote tools (such as AnyDesk) to access client

networks and troubleshoot issues off-site, allowing for timely support and problem
resolution without needing to be physically present, making it very flexible and efficient.

10
 5. Automation and Programming Oversight

• Observed and Supported Automation and Programming tasks performed by senior

network engineers (both in the office and at the site).
• Gained Exposure and Knowledge to tools and concepts used in both network automation
and programming.

11
 2.1 DETAILED ACCOUNT OF WORK EXPERIENCE

This is the breakdown in weeks to cover tasks over time, showing growth in knowledge and
adaptation in responsibilities given to me:

WEEK 1-2: Orientation and Introduction to Networking Basics

- I began my journey by understanding the very basics of networking such as the
devices used in networking (such as routers, switches, servers, IP phones and so
on)
- Learned the kind of medium used for transfer of data (UTP cables, Fiber-Optic
cables and Coaxial Cables) and their use-cases in real-life situations.
- Learned about the OSI model and the TCP/IP model which illustrates what each
device/software does in each layer and its functions.
- Learned about the ports/interfaces on each of the devices and how to determine
what device to connect to each of the ports (i.e. routers to routers and switches to
switches, we use the gigabit Ethernet port for best practice).

TCP/IP MODEL AND PORTS USED IN EACH LAYER

WEEK3 - 6: Introduction to Networking Protocols and Basic Device Configuration

- Learned the different important protocols used between networking devices and
data transfer.
- Learned how to implement DHCP for dynamic IP allocation to both networking
devices and end hosts (PCs, Laptops, Phones etc.) and how to reserve IP
addresses for future devices yet to either be bought or configured into the
network.
12
 - Learned how to implement DNS for domain resolution for every IP address for
every website.
- Learned how to implement ARP for address mapping of devices being connected
to the network and know how much traffic is being sent and received by each
device.
- Learned how to implement FTP for file-transfer between devices connected to the
network.

WEEK 7 – 8: Advanced Device Configuration and Protocol Management

- Learned how to implement ICMP to support network pinging to verify the

connection between devices in the network and verify that the devices can all
communicate with each other.
- Learned how to implement SSH to access and manage devices over the network
and encrypt the data transferred between the devices being used by both the client
and the server. This makes the data to be secure and inaccessible to unauthorized
personnels.
- Learned how to implement VLANs to reduce the amount of networking devices
(routers, switches etc.) needed to make multiple networks and connect end hosts
(PCs, Laptops etc.) to virtual networks. This also reduces the security risks in a
network and reduces the broadcast traffic in the network.
- Learned how to implement STP to reduce loops from occurring in the network
between devices (both end hosts and networking devices) to prevent network
traffic and cuts off redundant links.
- Learned how to implement both static routing and dynamic routing which are
used to route data across networks, and it reduces gridlock in the network,
provides adaptability to network topologies and also provides the optimal path for
the data packet.
- Observed, Assisted and Learned how to troubleshoot networking-related issues
and how to resolve the issue. I was also given assignments to troubleshoot some
devices having some problems and try to resolve them.

13
 WEEK 9 – 11: BASIC SECURITY CONFIGURATION AND SIMULATION
- Learned and Implemented SNMP and SSH using tools like PuTTY in order to
monitor and manage devices in the network to look out for suspicious or
malicious actions going on in the network.
- Observed and learned how to use Packet Tracer to simulate networks, device
configurations and verification, troubleshooting simulation for certain problems.
- Learned how to implement network setups using all the required devices.
- Learned how to correct topologies to reduce the devices in the network and still
have an optimal network. This was to de-cluster the network.
- Learned how to configure devices on the network on Packet Tracer and make sure
they can communicate with each other using ICMP.
- Learned how to configure VLANs and connect devices to them and make sure
they can communicate with each other.
- Learned how to implement inter-VLAN routing between devices in different
VLANs.
- Learned how to configure network segmentation and dynamic IP allocation using
DHCP in the VLANs.

WEEK 12 – 14: TESTING, CLIENT-VISITS AND TROUBLESHOOTING

- Learned about virtual ports used for each protocol (such as port 23 for SSH and
port 443 for web server).
- Learned about those ports being vulnerabilities for the network and how to
prevent them.
- Learned how to use Wireshark to observe data packets being sent and received
between devices in the network.
- Used Wireshark to understand the 3-way handshake used to establish a connection
between devices before the data packet is successfully sent and received by
devices (both end hosts and networking devices). This was valuable information
when trying to troubleshoot a particular network traffic occurring in the office.

14
 - Joined team-members on on-site visits to clients (Tech companies, Universities
etc.) for hands-on troubleshooting and device setup.
- I was able to improve my skills in identifying, fixing and verifying issues in
network-related situations.
- Assisted with off-site troubleshooting through remote access tools, learning to
resolve issues effectively and efficiently, even from a distance.

FINAL WEEKS: NETWORK ARCHITECTURE PROJECT, PROJECT

PRESENTATION AND FEEDBACK

- Assigned a project to create a 3-tier architecture simulation for a client. This

involved configuring core, distribution and access layers to ensure scalability,
security and efficiency of the network
- Learned about the different tiers used in network management and their use-cases.
- Learned how to implement the architecture in Packet Tracer using the devices
provided in the software.
- Learned how to scale the office building and optimize the position of each device
and the distance between each of them using the blueprint provided by the fellow
senior engineers.
- Verified connectivity across network layers and the configurations of each device
in the simulation.
- Conducted tests to confirm network integrity and security.
- Documented steps and processes used to present to the client.
- Presented and reviewed the architecture with the Senior Network Engineer (Mr.
Williams) in order to make adjustments before finalizing it and make it available
for the client.
- Presented the network architecture to the client, explaining how each of the
layers/tiers operates with the others and each of the devices used in the simulation
and contributes to the overall network efficiency.

15
 - Addressed client questions, demonstrating my understanding of the network’s
function and scalability and received feedback on how the setup could be tailored
to meet their requirements.

2.2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The 3-tier network architecture project provides a detailed overview of the technical
requirements, configurations, and objectives achieved.

1. OBJECTIVES:
• The goal was to design a 3-tier architecture that divides the network into
layers, enhancing security and scalability.
• The core layer handles high-speed data transfer; the distribution layer
ensures efficient routing between VLANs, and the access layer connects
end-user devices.

2. DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION

• Core Layer: Configured high-performance routers with fully optimized
settings to support data flow and transfer between distribution and access
layers. Protocols like TCP/IP and ARP are fine-tuned to ensure that data
packets are able to reach their destination quickly.
• Distribution Layer: Set up layer-3 switches (also known as multi-layered
switches) to manage inter-VLAN dynamic routing. The configurations
included DHCP, STP and DNS settings to enable dynamic IP assignments,

16
 prevent loops from occurring, remove redundant links from the network in
the future and efficient domain resolutions.
• Access Layer: Set up access switches to connect end-user devices and
applied VLAN settings to separate traffic for security and bandwidth
management. Assigned ports to each end-user/host device in the
simulation and verified connected.

3. TESTING AND VALIDATION

• Conducted simulation testing in Packet Tracer to verify connectivity, data
flow and fault tolerance in each layer of the architecture. Modified and
saved the configuration for future reference of the network simulation.
• Used Wireshark to observe traffic patterns, ensuring each layer was
configured to handle expected loads without bottlenecks or security
vulnerabilities.
• Used some vulnerabilities tools (such as Nmap, Tenable NESSUS and
Nikto) to test some commonly known attack signatures on the network
simulation to test the security.
• Added more error-handling for more cases.
• Submitted the simulation to the engineers in the office for review for
further testing and validation.

4. CLIENT PRESENTATION
• Presented the project to the client, explaining the role of each of the
layers/tiers demonstrating its functionalities through a live Packet Tracer
simulation.
• Answered the clients’ questions regarding the implementation of the
network and its management.
• Oversaw the first stages of the implementation of the network architecture
in the office and assisted the fellow engineers and interns on the
assignment.

17
 • This provided the client with a clear understanding of the network’s
structure and how it could meet their organizational needs.

5. OUTCOME
• The project demonstrated my technical skills and ability to communicate
ideas to clients,
• The feedback and insights received from the client provided a deeper
understanding of real-world expectations and requirements, further
preparing me for a more professional networking role.

18
 EXAMPLE OF A 3-TIER ARCHITECTURE IN NETWORKING

19
 3. DISCUSSION, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

3.1 Experience Gained: The information and knowledge gained towards the end of the SIWES
experience.

- Introduction, Configuration and Implementation of Protocols into networking

devices.
- Configuration and Verification of networking devices (i.e. properly connected
cables, best practice connections etc.).
- Management of Devices (networking devices and end-user devices).
- Learned TCP/IP and OSI models and which model to use when simulating and
implementing networks.
- Different Types of Networks (LAN, WAN etc.).
- Dynamic and Static Routing.
- Dynamic IP allocation and Prevention of Loops in the network.
- Different Cables used in networking (such as Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
cables, Fiber-Optic cables and Coaxial cables) and each of their use cases.
- FTP for file transfer.
- SNMP for Network Management.
- EIGRP for providing faster convergence and reduced bandwidth usage compared
to traditional distance-vector protocols such as RIP.
- VLAN for the implementation of virtual networks to reduce the cost of
purchasing more networking devices and still provide optimal functionalities.
- Subnetting in order to implement VLANs to the devices.
- Basic Security Concepts and Details (such as CIA Triad, Access Control and
Firewalls) and implement in both simulation and physical networks for better
network security and integrity.
- Basic Networking Programmability and Automation such as SDN, APIs, Python
Programming and Ansible being used for the automation of network configuration
and programmability.
- Troubleshooting and Fixing issues related to networking.

20
 3.2 Tools and Equipment Analysis:

- Packet Tracer used for simulation of LANs, VLANs, WANs, device

configurations and Troubleshooting concepts.
- Wireshark for Understanding the establishment of device connectivity, data packet
transfer and flow, packet analysis.
- Configuration of Cisco Networking Devices (routers, switches, servers, APs).
- Configuration of Huawei Networking Devices (routers and switches).

3.3 Personal Growth and Challenges:

- Initial Collaborative Skills and Communication.

- Technical Troubleshooting issues.
- Solutions applied to networking issues (such as EIGRP when trying to reduce
bandwidth usage of each device in the network.)
- Inadequate manpower i.e. very few members of the networking team to be able to
work efficiently.

21
 CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION, LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 CONCLUSION

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at Arit of Africa offered an invaluable
opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of networking. During the course of this
internship, I developed a solid foundation in network configuration, troubleshooting, and
management, aligning my skills with industry standards and preparing me for a career in network
engineering.

Through structured tasks and projects, I learned the complexities of configuring networking
devices, particularly Cisco and Huawei routers and switches, which are widely used in enterprise
environments. The experience gained in configuring protocols such as TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS,
and SNMP provided me with a practical understanding of how each protocol functions within a
network, and how these protocols work together to ensure seamless connectivity. Working with
simulation tools like Packet Tracer allowed me to design, test, and troubleshoot networks before
deployment, reinforcing the importance of accuracy and testing in real-world applications.

In addition to technical skills, the internship also helped to improve my professional and
interpersonal skills. Initially, I found it challenging to collaborate closely with the team due to a
lack of prior work experience and my own introverted nature. However, with time and support
from colleagues, I was able to adapt to the collaborative environment, learning to communicate
effectively, contribute meaningfully to group projects, and confidently interact with clients on
troubleshooting tasks. These experiences not only built my confidence but also provided insights
into the importance of teamwork and effective communication in achieving successful project
outcomes.

Moreover, observing the implementation of network automation introduced me to the future of

networking, where automated systems enhance efficiency, consistency, and scalability in
managing large network infrastructures. Although my role in automation was primarily
observational, the exposure gave me a preliminary understanding of concepts like Software-
Defined Networking (SDN) and the role of automation tools in network management, which are
becoming increasingly crucial in the industry.

22
Overall, my SIWES experience has been both challenging and rewarding. It has expanded my
technical abilities to a level equivalent to a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), giving
me a competitive edge as I pursue further career opportunities in networking. Furthermore, the
skills I developed in troubleshooting, network security, and network design have equipped me
with a comprehensive understanding of essential industry practices.

In conclusion, my time at Arit of Africa has been transformative, laying a strong foundation for
my future in ICT and networking. This experience has not only clarified my career path but has
also instilled in me confidence in facing complex challenges in a professional environment,
assuring me that I am prepared for the demands of the tech industry.

4.2 LIMITATIONS

During my internship at Arit of Africa, I encountered a few limitations that impacted the scope
and depth of my learning experience.

1. Limited Hands-on Experience with Network Automation: Although I was exposed to

network automation through observing senior team members, my direct engagement with
automation tools was restricted. This limited my ability to fully grasp the implementation
of automation technologies. More involvement in automation processes would have
provided a stronger foundation in modern networking practices.

2. Time Constraints on Client-Site Visits: As a junior team member, my on-site client

troubleshooting opportunities were brief. These short visits limited my ability to dive
deeply into real-time problem-solving and to observe the full spectrum of troubleshooting
processes. Extended site visits would have allowed for a more comprehensive
understanding of client-specific network requirements and a greater opportunity to
implement solutions in live environments.

3. Resource Accessibility: Certain advanced tools and configurations were only accessible
to senior engineers due to security and policy restrictions. While this ensured network
integrity, it limited my exposure to specialized equipment and high-level configurations,
which are critical in managing complex networking environments.

23
 4.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

For Arit of Africa:

- Enhanced Automation Exposure: Future interns would benefit from more

involvement in automation processes.
- Extended Client Engagements: Longer client visits would allow interns to
engage more fully with the troubleshooting and configuration process.
- More Manpower: More Network Engineers on ground would make the work
done faster and easier for the organization and this will also create more time for
intern supervision.

For Interns:

This is a list of recommended links to follow for other students willing to work towards
networking.

Networking guides: https://learningnetworking.cisco.com

https://tutorialspoint.com

https://www.youtube.com/@JeremysITLab

https://www.youtube.com/@NetworkChuck

24
 4.4 LIST OF ACRONYMS USED AND THEIR MEANINGS

- OSI MODEL – Open Systems Interconnection

- HP – Hewlett Packard
- GNS3 – Graphical Network Simulator
- SSH – Secure Shell
- DHCP – Domain Host Configuration Protocol
- DNS – Domain Name System
- VLAN – Virtual Local Area Network
- TCP – Transmission Control Protocol
- IP – Internet Protocol
- ARP – Address Resolution Protocol
- SNMP – Simple Network Management Protocol
- EIGRP – Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol
- RIP – Routing Information Protocol
- MAC – Media Access Control
- CIA TRIAD - Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
- SDN – Software Defined Networking
- API - Application Programming Interfaces
- APs – Access Points
- LAN – Local Area Network
- WAN – Wide Area Network

25