A CASE STUDY REPORT

SIMPLE OFFICE NETWORKING USING DHCP

Submitted by

Thaniya Sunkesula – RA2211028010169

K. Bharath Reddy – RA2211028010188

K. Sri Vyshnavi – RA2211028010189

G.N.S.S.Aditya – RA2211028010192

for the course

21CSC302J – COMPUTER NETWORKS

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF NETWORKING AND

COMMUNICATIONS SCHOOL OF COMPUTING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

KATTANKULATHUR - 603 203.

NOVEMBER 2024
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this case study report for the course 21CSC302J – Computer Networks entitled in
“SIMPLE OFFICE NETWORKING USING DHCP” is the Bonafide work of
Thaniya Sunkesula[RA2211028010169],K.Bharath Reddy[RA2211028010188],K.Sri
Vyshnavi[RA2211028010189],G.N.S.S.Aditya[RA2211028010192] who carried out the case
study under my supervision. Certified further, that to the best of my knowledge, the work
reported here in does not form any other project report or dissertation on the basis of which a
degree or award was conferred on an earlier occasion on this or any other candidate.

Mrs Justina Michael Dr.M Lakshmi

TEACHING ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & HEAD
Department of Networking Department of Networking
And communications And communications
SRM institute of Science and SRM institute of Science and
Technology Technology
Abstract

This case study details the design and implementation of a network for an Enterprise, focused on
operating independently from headquarters while meeting essential communication and security
needs. Using Cisco Packet Tracer, the network integrates a router, switch, and wireless access
points, creating a structured, scalable environment. The network is segmented into VLANs for
three departments— Admin/IT, Finance/HR, and Customer Service/Reception—enabling secure
data separation and optimized management. DHCP is configured for automatic IPv4 address
allocation, and inter-VLAN routing allows for secure inter-departmental communication. Wireless
connectivity within each department enhances flexibility, while VLAN configuration strengthens
security. The network was tested and validated using Cisco Packet Tracer, ensuring that the design
meets performance and security standards. This implementation demonstrates a practical, scalable
approach for small business networking, addressing the branch's current operational needs and
providing a foundation for future growth.

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Table of Contents

Abstract ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
1. Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------ 5
2. Network Design------------------------------------------------------------- 6
3. Setting Access Points in each Department------------------------------- 8
4. Switching Configuration--------------------------------------------------- 12
5. Routing Configuration------------------------------------------------------ 14
6. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)------------------------- 19
7. Results and Evaluation------------------------------------------------------ 23
8. Conclusion ------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
9. References--------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
10. Appendices--------------------------------------------------------------------- 25

Table of Figure: -

Fig2.1 – Topology of full network ---------------------------------------------- 6

Fig3.1 – WIFI 10
Fig3.2 – WIFI 10
Fig3.3 – WIFI 11
Fig5.1 – router config 14
Fig6.1 – PC0 desktop 19
Fig6.2 – printer config 20
Fig6.3 – smartphone 21
Fig7.1 – ping command 23

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1. Introduction

1.1Background

In today’s rapidly evolving network landscape, the "Branch Network Deployment" project
addresses the essential need for a dedicated and secure network infrastructure for an
Enterprise’s office, focused on buying and selling goods. The office is designed to operate
independently from the headquarters, ensuring uninterrupted local operations and secure data
management. This network aims to support key business functions for three departments—
Admin/IT, Finance/HR, and Customer Service/Reception—each with distinct requirements
for connectivity and data security. Leveraging Cisco technology for routers and switches, this
project prioritizes an organized, resilient, and future-ready network to meet the demands of
this growing branch office.

1.2 Objectives

The primary objectives of the "Branch Network Deployment" project are to design efficient,
scalable network infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of a small branch office. The
project focuses on implementing VLANs to isolate each department, ensuring data
segmentation and security, while establishing wireless access for user mobility. Key goals
include configuring DHCP for automatic IP allocation, enabling seamless inter-department
communication via inter-VLAN routing, and applying necessary security protocols. This
network design aims to provide a reliable, secure, and adaptable infrastructure that supports
current operations while preparing for potential expansions and technological advancements
as the branch grows.

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2. Network Design

2.1 Topology
The network configuration designed for the "Branch Network Deployment" project adopts a
simplified hierarchical topology to achieve efficiency, manageability, and security for a small
branch office. This design includes two primary layers: the core and access layers. At the core
layer, a single router facilitates centralized routing, inter-VLAN communication, and
manages internet access for the branch. A switch operates at the access layer, connecting
different departments and organizing them into distinct Virtual Local Area Networks
(VLANs) for Admin/IT, Finance/HR, and Customer Service/Reception. Each VLAN
provides logical segmentation to ensure data privacy and network efficiency.

The access layer supports end-user devices, including PCs and wireless access points for each
department, connecting to the central switch to ensure seamless connectivity and mobility.
DHCP configuration on the router allows automatic IP assignment across all VLANs,
reducing manual configuration. This topology provides a structured, scalable layout, suitable
for the branch's needs, and facilitates smooth communication between departments while
maintaining data segregation and security.

Figure 2.1: Topology of full network

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 COMPONENTS

The network design for the "Branch Network Deployment" project incorporates the following essential
devices:
1. Router (1):
 A single 2911 Router is deployed at the core layer to manage inter-VLAN
communication, DHCP services, and internet connectivity.
 Configured to enable dynamic IP allocation and inter-departmental routing.

2.Switch (1):
 Positioned at the access layer, the 2960-24TT Switch connects all wired devices
and provides VLAN segmentation for the three departments: Admin/IT,
Finance/HR, and Customer Service/Reception.
 Configured to support VLANs for data separation and security
3.Printers (3):
 Each department has a dedicated printer connected to the network, configured to
operate within its respective VLAN to maintain data privacy.
4.Access Points (Aps):
 Three wireless access points, one for each department, are deployed to provide
wireless connectivity for mobile devices.
 Configured with separate SSIDs to align with departmental VLANs, ensuring
secure and isolated access for wireless devices.

5.End -User Devices (PCs):

 Three PCs, one assigned to each department, are deployed for essential
departmental operations and communication.
 Each PC connects to the designed VLAN, allowing secure departmental
data sharing.
.

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6.Wireless End Devices (Mobile, Laptop, Tablet):
 Wireless devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones connect through
the department- specific wireless access points.
 DHCP ensures these devices receive dynamic IP addresses for seamless wireless
connectivity.

These components form a streamlined, well-structured network, optimizing connectivity, security,

and ease of management. This architecture meets the branch office’s requirements, allowing inter-
departmental communication while maintaining data integrity and scalability for future growth.

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 2.2 IP Addressing Scheme

Base Network: 192.168.1.0

Number of Subnets: 3
Subnet Mask After Borrowing 2 Bits:
255.255.255.192 Block Size: 64

Broadcast
Department Network ID Subnet Mask Host Address Range
Address
Admin/IT 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.192 192.168.1.1 - 192.168.1.62 192.168.1.63
Finance/HR 192.168.1.64 255.255.255.192 192.168.1.65 - 192.168.1.126 192.168.1.127
Customer
192.168.1.128 255.255.255.192 192.168.1.129 -192.168.1.190 192.168.1.191
Service
TABLE 2.3.1

This IP addressing scheme provides dedicated network segments for each department, ensuring secure
data separation and efficient management within the branch network.

Setting Access Points in each Department

To enable wireless communication for each department, set up dedicated wireless access points
configured with unique SSIDs and secure passphrases. Here’s how each department's wireless setup
was implemented:

o Admin/IT Department:

 SSID: Admin-WIFI
 Security Protocol: WPA2-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 with Pre-Shared Key)
 Passphrase: Admin@123
This SSID and security configuration ensure that only authorized Admin/IT users with the
passphrase can connect to the network.

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o Finance/HR Department:

 SSID: Finance-WIFI
 Security Protocol: WPA2-PSK
 Passphrase: Finance@123
 Similarly, this secure setup allows only Finance/HR users to connect, ensuring
department- specific access and protecting sensitive financial data.

o Customer Service/Reception Department

 SSID: CS-WIFI
 Security Protocol: WPA2-PSK
 Passphrase: CustomerService@123
 The Customer Service/Reception team has its own SSID and passphrase, ensuring that
guests and employees in this department can connect without accessing the internal
networks of other departments.

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These configurations meet the company’s requirement for secure, department-specific wireless networks,
allowing each department to operate independently yet securely within the overall network. By using
WPA2-PSK, you’ve ensured strong encryption, which protects against unauthorized access and data
breaches.

Figure 3.1 - WIFI

Figure 3.2 -WIFI

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Figure 3.3- WIFI

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 4.1Switch Configuration

4.1Switch Configuration

To configure VLANs on the switch, VLAN 10 is created for Admin/IT, VLAN 20 for Finance/HR,
and VLAN 30 for Customer Service, with specific access ports assigned to each VLAN.

Commands:

Switch (config) #int range

fa0/2-4 Switch (config-if-
range) fa
& Incomplete command.
Switch (config-if-range) #switchport mode
access Switch (conf1g-1f-range)
#switchport access VLAN 10 3 Access
VLAN does not exist. Creating VLAN 10
Switch (config-if-range) #
Switch (config-if-range) #int range
fa0/5-7 Switch (config-if-range)
#switchport mode access
Switch (contig-11-range) #switchport access VLAN 20
Access VLAN does not exist. Creating
VLAN20
Switch (config-if-range) #
Switch (config-if-range) #
Switch (config-if-range) $int range fa0/8-
10 Switch (config-if-range) #switchport
mode access
Switch (config-if-range) #switchport access VLAN 30
* Access VLAN does not exist. Creating
VLAN 30 Switch (contig-11-range) #do
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wr
Building
configuration...
(OK]
Switch (config-if-range)
#exit Switch (config) do
show start Using 1539
bytes
version 15.0
no service timestamps log datetime msec no service timestamps debug datetime me no service
password-encryption hostname Switch
spanning-tree mode spanning-tree extend
system-id interface FastEthernet0/1
interface FastEchernet0/2

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5. Router Configuration

5.1 Router Configuration

Figure 5.1-router config

5.2Interface Configuration and VLANs

Sub-interfaces have been configured on the main GigabitEthernet0 interface (e.g., gig0/0.10,
gig0/0.20, and gig0/0.30) to represent VLANs for each department. This setup isolates each
department within its own VLAN while enabling inter-VLAN communication through the router.
Each sub-interface is tagged with VLAN encapsulation using dot1Q, followed by a VLAN ID (e.g.,
dot1Q 10 for Admin, dot1Q 20 for Finance, and dot1Q 30 for Customer Service), allowing the router
to identify and manage traffic for each VLAN across the network.

IP Address Assignment for VLANs:

Each sub-interface is assigned an IP address within its own subnet to serve as the default gateway for
devices in each VLAN. For example, VLAN 10 uses 192.168.1.1, VLAN 20 uses 192.168.1.65, and
VLAN 30 uses 192.168.1.129, all with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.192.

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DHCP Configuration for Each Department for Automatic IP Addressing:

The DHCP service is enabled on the router with separate DHCP pools configured for each department:

 Admin-Pool for VLAN 10, with network 192.168.1.0/26, default gateway 192.168.1.1,
DNS server 192.168.1.1, and domain name Admin.com.
 Finance-Pool for VLAN 20, with network 192.168.1.64/26, default gateway 192.168.1.65,
DNS server192.168.1.65, and domain name Finance.com.
 CS-Pool for VLAN 30, with network 192.168.1.128/26, default gateway 192.168.1.129,
DNS server 192.168.1.129, and domain name CS.com.

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This configuration enables devices in each VLAN to receive IP addresses and settings like gateway and DNS
automatically via DHCP, simplifying network management

Commands:

Router (config-if) #
Router (config-if) #exit
Router (config) f
Router (config) #
Router (config) fint gig0/0.10
Router (Conf1g-gub1f) #
SLINK-5-CHANGED: Interface GigabitEtherneto/0.10, changed state to up
SLINEPROTO-S-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface GigabitEcherneco/0.10, changed state to up
Router (config-subif) #
Router (contig-subif) fencapaulation dot 1Q
* Incomplete command.
Router (config-subif) #encapsulation dot10 10
Router (config-subif) #ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.192
Router (conf1g-sub1f) $
Router (config-subif) exit
Router (config) #
Router (config) #int g1g0/0.20
Router (contig-subif) +
&LINK-S-CHANGED: Interface GigabitEthernet0/0.20, changed state to up
ALINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface GigabitEcherneto/0.20, changed state to up
Router (contig-aubif) #encapaulation dot10 20
Router (config-subif) $
Router (config-subif) #ip address 192.168.1.65 255.255.255.192
Router (config-subif) fdo wr
Building configuration...
[OK]
Router (config-subif) #
Router (config-sub1f) $ex
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Router (config) #
Router (config) Fint 0100/0.30
Router （contig-sub2f）
SLINK-5-CHANGED: Interface GigabitEtherneto/0.30, changed state to up
#LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface GigabitEchernet0/0.30, changed state to up
Router (config-subif) #encapsulation dot10 30
Router （contig-subit） #ip address 192.268.1.129 255.255.255.192
Router (config-subif) fdo wr

interface GigabitEthernet0/0
no ip address duplex auto speed auto
intertace GigabitEthernet0/0.10
encapsulation dotiQ 10
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.192
Interface GigabitEtherneto/0.20
encapsulation dot10 20
ip address 192.168.1.65 255.255.255.192
interface GigabitEthernet0/0.30
encapsulation dot10 30
1p address 192.168.1.129 255.255.255.192
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
no 1p address duplex auto speed auto
shutdown
interface GagabatEtherneto/2
no ip address duplex auto speed auto
shutdown
interface VLAN no id
address shutdown

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Commands for router:

Router (config) #
Router (config) #
Router (config) #ip dhep pool Admin-Pool
Router (dhcp-config) #
Router (dhcp-config) #network 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.192
Router (dhcp-config) #default-router 192.168.1.1
Router (dhcp-conf1g) #dng-sexver 192.168.1.2
Router (dhcp-config) #domain-name Admin.com
Router (dhcp-config) #exit
Router (config) f
Router (config) #
Router (dhcp-config) ex
Router (config) #
Router (contig) #ip dhcp pool CS-pool
Router (dhcp-config) #network 192.168.1.128 255.255.255.192
Route (dhcp-config) default 192. 162.15021-
129 Router (dhcp-contig) fdomain-name cs.com
Router (dhcp-config) #
Router (dhcp-config) #

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6. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol):

Figure 6.1- pc0 desktop

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Figure 6.2- printer config

21
Figure 6.3- smartphone

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23
7.Results and Evaluation

7.1Performance Metrics

Performance metrics, including network latency, throughput, redundancy testing, DHCP response
time, inter-VLAN routing performance were measured during testing to ensure optimal network
operation.

Figure 7.1- ping command

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8. Conclusion

8.1Summary

In summary, the network design and implementation for the company’s network have been
successfully executed. Key accomplishments include a well-structured network that meets the
organization’s requirements for departmental segmentation, wireless connectivity, secure IP
addressing through DHCP, and VLAN-based isolation for different departments. The setup allows
for seamless inter-VLAN communication, robust security through WPA2-PSK for wireless
networks, and automatic IP distribution to host devices. Testing in Cisco Packet Tracer confirmed
the functionality of each configuration, ensuring the network meets project specifications. The
resulting network is secure, efficient, and scalable, aligned with the needs of the company’s
operations.

8.2Lessons Learned

Throughout the project, several valuable lessons were learned:

 Importance of VLANs: Effective VLAN segmentation simplifies network management,

enhances security, and aligns with departmental organization.
 Wireless Security: Implementing WPA2-PSK with strong passphrases for each
department’s SSID is essential for securing wireless communication.
 DHCP Efficiency: Configuring DHCP pools for each VLAN streamlined IP address
management and reduced manual configuration.
 Testing is Essential: Testing all configurations using Cisco Packet Tracer is crucial for
identifying potential issues and ensuring reliability before deployment.
 Scalability for Future Growth: Designing the network with scalability in mind ensures
that future expansion can be handled smoothly without extensive redesign.

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9. References

[1] Cisco Networking Academy, Routing and Switching Essentials v6 Companion Guide,
Cisco Press,2016.

[2] Cisco Systems, Cisco Packet Tracer User Guide, Cisco Press, 2020.

[3] IEEE Standards Association, IEEE Standards for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks,
IEEE,2018.

10.Appendices

Abbreviations:

 DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

 IP - Internet Protocol
 SSID - Service Set Identifier
 VLAN - Virtual Local Area Network
 WPA2-PSK - Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 - Pre-S

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