computer-networks-lab-1-introduction-to-packet-tracer
computer-networks-lab-1-introduction-to-packet-tracer
Network tools are essential for monitoring, troubleshooting, and managing networks. Here's an overview of some commonly used
tools in both Windows and Linux:
Both operating systems offer robust tools for network management, and many of these tools are cross-platform. If you'd like, I can
dive deeper into any specific tool or help you with practical examples!
Devices: These could be desktops, laptops, or other computing devices that will be part of the network.
Networking hardware: A router and a switch are fundamental. The router connects your LAN to the internet, while the switch
connects various devices within the LAN.
Cables: Ethernet cables are needed for wired connections. Make sure to have enough for each device you plan to connect.
External storage and printers: These are optional, if your enterprise requires shared resources.
Wired LAN: Ethernet cables connect devices to the switch and router. This option is generally more secure.
Wireless LAN: Wi-Fi can be used for a more flexible setup but may require additional security measures.
Figure
A: Design of a simple network in Cisco Packet Tracer.
4. Configure IP addressing
IP addressing is a critical aspect of network setup. Decide whether to use static or dynamic IP addresses. Static IPs are often used for
servers and network devices, while dynamic IPs can be assigned to workstations through DHCP.
For static IPs, you’ll need to manually enter IP addresses for each device. This is often done through each device’s settings menu. It’s
also possible to enable DHCP for dynamic IPs on your router via its admin panel to automatically assign IPs to connected devices.
6. Initial testing
Once all devices are connected, perform an initial round of tests. Check if all devices can communicate with each other, access the
internet, and use shared resources. Resolve any issues before moving to the next step.
What is an IP Address?
Last Updated : 17 Dec, 2024
Imagine every device on the internet as a house. For you to send a letter to a
friend living in one of these houses, you need their home address. In the digital
world, this home address is what we call an IP (Internet Protocol) Address.
It’s a unique string of numbers separated by periods (IPv4) or colons (IPv6)
that identifies each device connected to the internet or a local network.
Here’s the definition:
What is an IP Address?
An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a unique string of numbers
assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the
Internet Protocol for communication. It serves as an identifier that allows
devices to send and receive data over the network, ensuring that this data
reaches the correct destination.
Types of IP Address
IP addresses can be classified in several ways based on their structure,
purpose, and the type of network they are used in. Here’s a breakdown of the
different classifications of IP addresses:
1. Based on Addressing Scheme (IPv4 vs. IPv6)
IPv4:
This is the most common form of IP Address. It consists of four sets of numbers
separated by dots. For example, 192.158.1.38. Each set of numbers can range
from 0 to 255. This format can support over 4 billion unique addresses. Here’s
how the structure is broken down:
Four Octets: Each octet represents eight bits, or a byte, and can take a
value from 0 to 255. This range is derived from the possible combinations of
eight bits (2^8 = 256 combinations).
Example of IPv4 Address: 192.168.1.1
o 192 is the first octet
o 168 is the second octet
IPv6:
IPv6 addresses were created to deal with the shortage of IPv4 addresses. They
use 128 bits instead of 32, offering a vastly greater number of possible
addresses. These addresses are expressed as eight groups of four hexadecimal
digits, each group representing 16 bits. The groups are separated by colons.
Example of IPv6 Address: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
o Each group (like 2001, 0db8, 85a3, etc.) represents a 16-bit block
of the address.
For detailed information, refer to this article – IPv4 vs. IPv6
2. Based on Usage (Public vs. Private)
Public IP Addresses
A Public IP address is assigned to every device that directly accesses the
internet. This address is unique across the entire internet. Here are the key
characteristics and uses of public IP addresses:
Uniqueness: Each public IP address is globally unique. No two devices on
the internet can have the same public IP address at the same time.
Accessibility: Devices with a public IP address can be accessed directly
from anywhere on the internet, assuming no firewall or security settings
block the access.
IP
Class Address Range Maximum number of networks
1. Objective
2. Resources Required
Computer
3. Introduction
This lab introduces Packet Tracer 5 which is a network simulator provided by Cisco.
Network Simulator: Network Simulator creates the software portion of the hardware only so you
can’t use them with real networks. The process done by it is called Simulation. Most widely used network
simulators are OPNET, NS (both are general-purpose) and Packet Tracer (for Cisco devices). Using
Simulator allows us to (only) test networks before deploying inthe real world. Also they usually don’t
have all the functionalities available in real-life devices.
The purpose of simulator is to duplicate the software functionality of a device. Packet Tracer is a
standalone, medium-fidelity, simulation-based learning environment for networking novices to design,
configure, and troubleshoot computer networks at a CCNA-level of complexity. Packet Tracer supports
student and instructor creation of simulations, visualizations, and animations of networking phenomena.
Like any simulation, Packet Tracer relies on a simplified model of networking devices and protocols.
Real computer networks remain the benchmark for understanding net- work behavior and developing
networking skills. Packet Tracer was created to help address the "digital divide" in networking education,
where many students and teachers lack access to equipment, bandwidth, and interactive modes of
learning networking. We invite you to use the help files and tutorials to learn about the major features of
the program, which include the items in the following table Packet Tracer 5.0 uses two representation
schemes for your network: The Logical Workspace and the Physical Workspace. The Logical Workspace
allows you to build a logical network topology, without regard to its physical scale and arrangement.
The Physical Workspace allows you to arrange devices physically in cities, buildings, and wiring
closets. Distances and other physical measures will affect network performance and other characteristics
if wireless connections are used. In Packet Tracer 5.0, you first build your logical network, and then
you can arrange it in the Physical Work- space. Most of your time will be spend working in the Logical
Workspace.
The layout of Packet Tracer is divided into several components similar to a photo editor. Match the
numbering in the following screenshot with the explanations given after it:
Area 1: Menu bar – This is a common menu found in all software applications; it is used to open, save,
print, change preferences, and so on.
Area 2: Main toolbar – This bar provides shortcut icons to menu options that are commonly accessed,
such as open, save, zoom, undo, and redo, and on the right-hand side is an icon for entering network
information for the current network.
Area 3: Logical/Physical workspace tabs – These tabs allow you to toggle between the Logical and
Physical work areas.
Area 4: Workspace – This is the area where topologies are created and simulations are displayed.
Area 5: Common tools bar – This toolbar provides controls for manipulating topologies, such as select,
move layout, place note, delete, inspect, resize shape, and add simple/complex PDU.
Area 6: Real-time/Simulation tabs – These tabs are used to toggle between the real and simulation modes.
Buttons are also provided to control the time, and to capture the packets.
Area 7: Network component box – This component contains all of the network and end devices available
with Packet Tracer, and is further divided into two areas:
Area 7a: Device-type selection box – This area contains device categories.
Area 7b: Device-specific selection box – When a device category is selected, this selection box
displays the different device models within that category
The Logical Workspace is where you will spend the majority of your time building and configuring your
network. In conjunction with Real-time Mode, you can use thisworkspace to complete many of the labs
you encounter in your CCNA coursework. First, you will want to create devices. This is done by
choosing devices from the Network Component box. Then, you can do any of the following:
Add modules to your devices to install additional interfaces. Note that you must turn off a
device (by clicking its power button) before you can add a module.
Connect your devices by choosing the appropriate cables (also found in the Net- work Component
box).
Configure device parameters (such as the device name and IP address) through graphical
dialogue boxes or the Cisco IOS (in the case of routers and switches).
Make advanced configurations and view network information from the CLI interface on a router
or switch.
6. Creating Devices
To place a device onto the workspace, first choose a device type from the Device-Type Selection box.
Then, click on the desired device model from the Device-Specific Selection box. Finally, click on a
location in the workspace to put your device in that location. If you want to cancel your selection, press
the Cancel icon for that device. Alternatively, you can click and drag a device from the Device-Specific
Selection box onto the workspace. You can also click and drag a device directly from the Device-
Type Selection box and a default device model will be chosen for you.
To quickly create many instances of the same device, press and hold the Ctrl button,click on the device
in the Device-Specific Selection box, and then release the Ctrl button. The device is now locked and
you can click on the workspace multiple times to add multiple copies of the device. Cancel this
operation by pressing the Cancel icon for that device. To duplicate devices, you can press and hold
the Ctrl button and then drag a device on the workspace or select the devices and then use the Copy and
Pastebuttons.
Most Packet Tracer 5.0 devices have modular bays or slots into which you can insert modules. In the
workspace, click on a device to bring up its configuration window. By default, you will be in the Physical
Device View subpanel of the device. An interactive picture of the device is on the right of the panel, and
7. Procedure
1. Open Packet Tracer 5 from Desktop or Start Menu. The following window appears.
2. Click on Switch in lower left part, click on 2950T and then again click in the main
window. The switch will appear in the main window.
3. Place four PCs Generic (in End Devices) in the main window.
4. Find suitable connections in Connections to have the following topology. Double-click on PC0
and goto Dektop tab.
5. Click on IP Configuration and enter 192.168.1.2 as the IP address and 255.255.255.0 as subnet
mask. 192.168.1.3 for PC1. Enter any IP address for PC3 and PC4 (in same network).
6. To check communication, go to Desktop tab of any PC, click on the Command Prompt and use
any networking command (ping, tracert etc).