Setting Up Your Network Lab

A proper lab environment is essential for learning network penetration testing. This lesson guides you through creating an isolated, realistic network for safe practice.

Lab Architecture

A comprehensive network lab includes an attack machine running Kali Linux, a virtual switch for the lab network, and multiple target systems including Windows DC, Linux server, and web server.

Essential Components

Attack Platform

Kali Linux provides pre-installed tools: Nmap for scanning, Wireshark for packet capture, Metasploit for exploitation, Burp Suite for web testing.

Target Systems

Practice against Metasploitable (intentionally vulnerable Linux), DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application), Windows VMs with known CVEs, and Vulnhub machines (community-created challenges).

Network Isolation

Critical: Never connect lab machines to production networks. Isolation strategies include host-only networking, NAT with firewall rules, separate physical network, and VLAN segmentation.

Tool Configuration

Verify Nmap installation and test basic scans. Configure Wireshark for non-root captures. Initialize Metasploit database with PostgreSQL.

Lab Exercises

Start with these fundamental exercises: Network Discovery to map your lab, Port Scanning to identify open services, Packet Capture to analyze traffic flows, Banner Grabbing to identify service versions.

Document everything as good notes accelerate learning and simulate real engagement documentation.