Packet Tracer - Network Representation

Objectives
The network model in this activity incorporates many of the technologies that you will master in your CCNA
studies. It represents a simplified version of how a small to medium-sized business network might look. Feel
free to explore the network on your own. When you are ready, proceed through the following steps and
answer the questions.
Note: It is not important that you understand everything you see and do in this activity. Feel free to explore
the network on your own. If you wish to proceed more systematically, follow the steps below. Answer the
questions to the best of your ability.

Instructions

Step 1: Identify common components of a network as represented in Packet

Tracer.
The icon toolbar at the bottom left hand corner has various categories of networking components. You should
see categories that correspond to intermediary devices, end devices, and media. The Connections category
(with the lightning bolt icon) represents the networking media supported by Packet Tracer. There is also an
End Devices category and two categories specific to Packet Tracer: Custom Made Devices and Multiuser
Connection.
Questions:

List the intermediary device categories.

1.
Type your answers here.
Without entering into the internet cloud or intranet cloud, how many icons in the topology represent endpoint
devices (only one connection leading to them)?
Type your answers here.
Without counting the two clouds, how many icons in the topology represent intermediary devices (multiple
connections leading to them)?
Type your answers here.
How many end devices are not desktop computers?
Type your answers here.
How many different types of media connections are used in this network topology?

GUIDE
1. **List the intermediary device categories:**
- Routers
- Switches
- Hubs
- Wireless Access Points (WAPs)
- Firewalls

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Packet Tracer - Network Representation

2. **Without entering into the internet cloud or intranet cloud, how many icons in the topology represent
endpoint devices (only one connection leading to them)?**
- To answer this, you would count all the devices that have only one connection, typically end devices like
computers, printers, or IP phones.

3. **Without counting the two clouds, how many icons in the topology represent intermediary devices (multiple
connections leading to them)?**
- Count the devices that have multiple connections. These would typically be switches, routers, or access
points.

4. **How many end devices are not desktop computers?**

- Identify and count all the endpoint devices that are not desktop computers, such as laptops, printers, IP
phones, etc.

5. **How many different types of media connections are used in this network topology?**
- Count the different types of connections, such as Ethernet cables, fiber optics, wireless connections, etc.
Type your answers here.

Step 2: Explain the purpose of the devices.

Questions:

a. In Packet Tracer, only the Server-PT device can act as a server. Desktop or Laptop PCs cannot act as a
server. Based on your studies so far, explain the client-server model.

Type your answers here.

b. List at least two functions of intermediary devices.

Type your answers here.

c. List at least two criteria for choosing a network media type.

GUIDE
### a. In Packet Tracer, only the Server-PT device can act as a server. Desktop or Laptop PCs cannot
act as a server. Based on your studies so far, explain the client-server model.
d.
e. The **client-server model** is a network architecture where client devices (like desktops, laptops, or
mobile devices) request services or resources from a server. The server is a more powerful machine
dedicated to providing resources, managing data, and performing tasks for the clients. In this model:
f. - **Clients** are typically the end-user devices that request and consume services or data (like web
browsers requesting web pages).
g. - **Servers** are devices that store, process, and serve data or services to clients (like web servers
hosting websites or file servers storing files).

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Packet Tracer - Network Representation

h.
i. The model is designed to centralize resources and management, making it easier to scale, secure, and
manage the network.
j.
k. ### b. List at least two functions of intermediary devices.
l.
m. 1. **Routing**: Routers direct data packets between different networks, ensuring they reach their
destination efficiently by choosing the best path.
n.
o. 2. **Switching**: Switches connect devices within the same network and use MAC addresses to forward
data to the correct destination device within a local area network (LAN).
p.
q. ### c. List at least two criteria for choosing a network media type.
r.
s. 1. **Bandwidth Requirements**: The required data transfer rate determines whether to use high-speed
options like fiber optic cables or standard Ethernet cables.

2. **Distance**: The distance between devices influences the choice of media. Fiber optic cables are ideal for long
distances, while twisted-pair cables are more suited for shorter distances within a building.
Type your answers here.

Step 3: Compare and contrast LANs and WANs.

Questions:

a. Explain the difference between a LAN and a WAN. Give examples of each.

Type your answers here.

b. In the Packet Tracer network, how many WANs do you see?

Type your answers here.
c. How many LANs do you see?
Type your answers here.
d. The internet in this Packet Tracer network is overly simplified and does not represent the structure and
form of the real internet. Briefly describe the internet.

Type your answers here.

e. What are some of the common ways a home user connects to the internet?
Type your answers here.
f. What are some common methods that businesses use to connect to the internet in your area?
g. Your answers here. ### a. Explain the difference between a LAN and a WAN. Give examples of each.
h.

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Packet Tracer - Network Representation

i. - **LAN (Local Area Network):**

j. - A LAN is a network that covers a small geographic area, such as a single building or a campus. It
connects computers and other devices within a limited area to share resources like files, printers, and
internet access.
k. - **Example:** A network within a school, office, or home where multiple computers are connected to a
central switch or router.
l.
m. - **WAN (Wide Area Network):**
n. - A WAN covers a much larger geographic area, often spanning cities, states, or even countries. It
connects multiple LANs together, allowing devices in different locations to communicate.
o. - **Example:** The internet itself is the largest WAN, connecting networks across the globe. Another
example could be a corporate network that connects office locations in different cities.
p.
q. ### b. In the Packet Tracer network, how many WANs do you see?
r.
s. To determine the number of WANs in a Packet Tracer network, you would typically look for connections
that span different geographic locations, possibly connecting different LANs. This could include
connections to an internet cloud or a WAN symbol.
t.
u. ### c. How many LANs do you see?
v.
w. To identify the number of LANs in a Packet Tracer network, you would look for groups of devices
connected to a common switch or router, all within the same local area. Each distinct group of connected
devices typically represents a separate LAN.
x.
y. ### d. The internet in this Packet Tracer network is overly simplified and does not represent the structure
and form of the real internet. Briefly describe the internet.
z.
aa. The **internet** is a global network of interconnected computers and networks that communicate using
the Internet Protocol (IP). It enables the exchange of information and services through various protocols,
such as HTTP, FTP, and email. The internet consists of millions of private, public, academic, business,
and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and
optical networking technologies. It allows users to access websites, share files, send emails, and engage
in countless other online activities.
bb.
cc. ### e. What are some of the common ways a home user connects to the internet?
dd.
ee. 1. **Broadband (Cable/DSL):** Most home users connect to the internet using broadband connections,
either through a cable modem or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line).
ff.
gg. 2. **Fiber Optic:** Increasingly, fiber optic connections are being used for faster internet speeds.
hh.

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Packet Tracer - Network Representation

ii. 3. **Wireless (Wi-Fi):** Home users often connect their devices to a home router via Wi-Fi, which itself is
connected to the internet through a broadband or fiber connection.
jj.
kk. 4. **Mobile Networks:** Users can also connect to the internet via their mobile phone’s 4G/5G network.
ll.
mm. ### f. What are some common methods that businesses use to connect to the internet in your
area?
nn.
oo. 1. **Dedicated Leased Lines:** Businesses often use leased lines for a stable and secure internet
connection, providing a fixed bandwidth directly from the service provider.
pp.
qq. 2. **Fiber Optic Connections:** Many businesses opt for fiber optic connections for higher speeds and
reliability.
rr.
ss. 3. **Ethernet over Copper (EoC):** Some businesses use Ethernet over Copper, which provides a
balance of cost and speed, often used for mid-sized enterprises.
tt.
4. **Satellite Internet:** In more remote areas, businesses may rely on satellite internet for connectivity
where traditional wired options are not available.

Challenge Question
Now that you have had an opportunity to explore the network represented in this Packet Tracer activity, you
may have picked up a few skills that you would like to try out. Or maybe you would like the opportunity to
explore this network in more detail. Realizing that most of what you see and experience in Packet Tracer is
currently beyond your skill level, here are some challenges you might want to attempt. Do not worry if you
cannot do them all. You will be a Packet Tracer master user and network designer soon enough.
 Add an end device to the topology and connect it to one of the LANs with a media connection. What else
does this device need to send data to other end users? Can you provide the information? Is there a way
to verify that you correctly connected the device?
When you add an end device to a topology and connect it to a LAN with a media connection, the device
needs an IP address to communicate with other devices on the network. This IP address can be assigned
manually (static) or obtained automatically through a DHCP server. Additionally, the device requires a
subnet mask to determine the network portion of the IP address, which allows it to communicate within its
local network. For the device to send data outside its local network, such as to devices on different LANs
or over the internet, it needs a default gateway, typically the IP address of the router connecting the LAN
to other networks. To verify the connection, you can test network connectivity by pinging another device
on the network, checking the IP configuration, or using Packet Tracer's simulation mode to observe data
packet flow.
 Add a new intermediary device to one of the networks and connect it to one of the LANs or WANs with a
media connection. What else does this device need to serve as an intermediary to other devices in the
network?
When you add a new intermediary device, like a router or switch, to a network and connect it to a LAN or
WAN, the device needs a few additional things to function properly. First, it needs to be assigned an IP
address so that other devices on the network can find and communicate with it. This IP address helps the
device know where it is in the network and how to route or switch data. Second, if it's a router, it needs to

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Packet Tracer - Network Representation

be set up with routing information so it knows how to send data between different networks. For a switch,
it needs to know the MAC addresses of devices in the network to correctly forward data to the right
destination. Finally, you should configure any necessary settings like security or network protocols to
ensure it operates correctly and securely. To check if it's working, you can test the connections and use
network tools to make sure the data is being properly routed or switched through the new device.
 Open a new instance of Packet Tracer. Create a new network with at least two LANs connected by a
WAN. Connect all the devices. Investigate the original Packet Tracer activity to see what else you might
need to do to make your new network functional. Record your thoughts and save your Packet Tracer file.
You may want to revisit your network later after you have mastered a few more skills.
End of Document

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