Week 10: Build a switch router Network with Cisco Packet Tracer | 41092 - Network Fundamentals Lab

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through building a switch router network using Cisco Packet Tracer. By the end of this tutorial, you'll understand the fundamental concepts of networking and how to implement them in a simulation environment. This is particularly relevant for students in network fundamentals courses and those looking to get hands-on experience with network configuration.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment

1. Download and Install Cisco Packet Tracer

   • Visit the Cisco Networking Academy website and create an account if you don't have one.
   • Download the latest version of Cisco Packet Tracer compatible with your operating system.
   • Install the application by following the on-screen instructions.

2. Open Cisco Packet Tracer

   • Launch the application after installation is complete.

Step 2: Creating a New Project

1. Start a New Project

   • Click on "File" in the top menu and select "New".
   • A blank workspace will appear where you can design your network.

2. Save Your Project

   • Click on "File" and then "Save As".
   • Name your project appropriately (e.g., "Switch Router Network") and choose a location to save it.

Step 3: Adding Devices to the Workspace

1. Add a Switch

   • Locate the "Switch" icon in the device types panel on the bottom left.
   • Drag and drop the switch into the workspace.

2. Add a Router

   • Find the "Router" icon.
   • Drag and drop the router next to the switch.

3. Add End Devices

   • Select "End Devices" from the device types.
   • Place PCs or laptops as needed in your network design.

Step 4: Connecting Devices

1. Select the Correct Cable

   • Use the "Connections" icon (looks like a lightning bolt).
   • Choose the appropriate cable: use straight-through cables for connecting different device types (e.g., switch to PC) and crossover cables for connecting similar devices (e.g., switch to switch).

2. Connect the Devices

   • Click on the switch and then on one of the PCs to create a connection.
   • Repeat this process to connect the router to the switch and any additional devices.

Step 5: Configuring the Router

1. Access the Router CLI

   • Click on the router and select the "CLI" tab.
   • You’ll be prompted with a command line interface.

2. Basic Configuration

   • Enter the following commands to configure the router:

   enable
   configure terminal
   hostname Router1
   interface g0/0
   ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
   no shutdown
   exit
   

   • This sets up the router’s hostname and IP address.

Step 6: Configuring the Switch

1. Access the Switch CLI

   • Click on the switch and select the "CLI" tab.

2. Basic Configuration

   • Enter the following commands:

   enable
   configure terminal
   hostname Switch1
   interface vlan 1
   ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
   no shutdown
   exit
   

   • This sets the switch's hostname and IP address.

Step 7: Testing Connectivity

1. Ping Test
   • From a PC connected to the switch, open the command prompt.
   • Type ping 192.168.1.1 to check connectivity to the router.
   • Ensure that you receive replies, confirming the connection is successful.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to build and configure a switch router network in Cisco Packet Tracer. Key steps included setting up your environment, adding devices, configuring the router and switch, and testing connectivity. For further learning, consider exploring VLAN configurations, routing protocols, or expanding your network by adding more devices. Happy networking!