This is my TryHackMe walkthrough, created to document my learning journey and share solutions with the community. The writeups include a mix of hints, step-by-step explanations, and final answers to help players who get stuck, while still encouraging independent problem-solving.
Intro To Networking Room - An introduction to networking theory and basic networking tools
Overview
- Room URL: https://tryhackme.com/room/introtonetworking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to complete: 20
Walkthrough
1. Introduction
No hints needed!
2. The OSI Model: An Overview
Which layer would choose to send data over TCP or UDP? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: 4
Which layer checks received information to make sure that it hasn't been corrupted? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: 2
In which layer would data be formatted in preparation for transmission? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: 2
Which layer transmits and receives data? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: 1
Which layer encrypts, compresses, or otherwise transforms the initial data to give it a standardised format? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: 6
Which layer tracks communications between the host and receiving computers? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: 5
Which layer accepts communication requests from applications? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: 7
Which layer handles logical addressing? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: 3
When sending data over TCP, what would you call the "bite-sized" pieces of data? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: Segments
[Research] Which layer would the FTP protocol communicate with? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: 7
Which transport layer protocol would be best suited to transmit a live video? Answer with the number of the layer: e.g. if the answer would be "the application layer", then you would enter "7".
=> Answer: UDP
3. Encapsulation
How would you refer to data at layer 2 of the encapsulation process (with the OSI model)?
=> Answer: Frames
How would you refer to data at layer 4 of the encapsulation process (with the OSI model), if the UDP protocol has been selected?
=> Answer: Datagrams
What process would a computer perform on a received message?
=> Answer: De-encapsulation
Which is the only layer of the OSI model to add a trailer during encapsulation?
=> Answer: Data Link
Does encapsulation provide an extra layer of security (Aye/Nay)?
=> Answer: Aye
4. The TCP/IP Model
Which model was introduced first, OSI or TCP/IP?
=> Answer: TCP/IP
Which layer of the TCP/IP model covers the functionality of the Transport layer of the OSI model (Full Name)?
=> Answer: Transport
Which layer of the TCP/IP model covers the functionality of the Session layer of the OSI model (Full Name)?
=> Answer: Application
The Network Interface layer of the TCP/IP model covers the functionality of two layers in the OSI model. These layers are Data Link, and?.. (Full Name)?
=> Answer: Physical
Which layer of the TCP/IP model handles the functionality of the OSI network layer?
=> Answer: Internet
What kind of protocol is TCP?
=> Answer: Connection-based
What is SYN short for?
=> Answer: Synchronise
What is the second step of the three way handshake?
=> Answer: SYN/ACK
What is the short name for the "Acknowledgement" segment in the three-way handshake?
=> Answer: ACK
5. Networking Tools Ping
What command would you use to ping the bbc.co.uk website?
=> Answer: ping bbc.co.uk
Ping muirlandoracle.co.uk
What is the IPv4 address?
=> Answer: 217.160.0.152
What switch lets you change the interval of sent ping requests?
=> Answer: -i
What switch would allow you to restrict requests to IPv4?
=> Answer: -4
What switch would give you a more verbose output?
=> Answer: -v
6. Networking Tools Traceroute
What switch would you use to specify an interface when using Traceroute?
=> Answer: -i
What switch would you use if you wanted to use TCP SYN requests when tracing the route?
=> Answer: -T
[Lateral Thinking] Which layer of the TCP/IP model will traceroute run on by default (Windows)?
=> Answer: Internet
7. Networking Tools WHOIS
What is the registrant postal code for facebook.com?
=> Answer: 94025
When was the facebook.com domain first registered (Format: DD/MM/YYYY)?
=> Answer: 29/03/1997
Which city is the registrant based in?
=> Answer: Redmond
[OSINT] What is the name of the golf course that is near the registrant address for microsoft.com?
=> Answer: Bellevue Golf Course
What is the registered Tech Email for microsoft.com?
=> Answer: msnhst@microsoft.com
8. Networking Tools Dig
What is DNS short for?
=> Answer: Domain Name System
What is the first type of DNS server your computer would query when you search for a domain?
=> Answer: Recursive
What type of DNS server contains records specific to domain extensions (i.e. .com, .co.uk*, etc)*? Use the long version of the name.
=> Answer: Top-Level Domain
Where is the very first place your computer would look to find the IP address of a domain?
=> Answer: Hosts File
[Research] Google runs two public DNS servers. One of them can be queried with the IP 8.8.8.8, what is the IP address of the other one?
=> Answer: 8.8.4.4
If a DNS query has a TTL of 24 hours, what number would the dig query show?
=> Answer: 86400
9. Further Reading
No hints needed!