Configuring Two Routers with Switch using CLI in Cisco Packet Tracer

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of configuring two routers with a switch using the Command Line Interface (CLI) in Cisco Packet Tracer. This setup is essential for creating and managing multiple networks, which is a fundamental skill in networking. By the end of this guide, you will have configured three networks that include end devices, switches, and routers.

Step 1: Set Up the Topology

• Open Cisco Packet Tracer and create a new project.
• Drag and drop the following devices onto the workspace:
  • 2 Routers
  • 1 Switch
  • 3 End Devices (PCs or laptops)
• Connect the devices:
  • Use the appropriate cables (usually straight-through for connecting switches to routers and devices).
  • Connect Router 1 to the Switch.
  • Connect Router 2 to the Switch.
  • Connect the PCs to the Switch.

Step 2: Configure Router 1

• Click on Router 1 and access its CLI.
• Enter the following commands to configure the router:

  enable
  configure terminal
  hostname Router1
  interface GigabitEthernet0/0
  ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
  no shutdown
  exit
  

• Set up a second interface for connecting to another network:

  interface GigabitEthernet0/1
  ip address 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0
  no shutdown
  exit
  

Step 3: Configure Router 2

• Click on Router 2 and access its CLI.
• Use the following commands to set up Router 2:

  enable
  configure terminal
  hostname Router2
  interface GigabitEthernet0/0
  ip address 192.168.3.1 255.255.255.0
  no shutdown
  exit
  

• Set up a second interface:

  interface GigabitEthernet0/1
  ip address 192.168.4.1 255.255.255.0
  no shutdown
  exit
  

Step 4: Configure the Switch

• Click on the switch and access its CLI.
• Enter configuration mode:

  enable
  configure terminal
  

• Assign VLANs for different networks (if applicable):

  vlan 10
  name Network1
  exit
  vlan 20
  name Network2
  exit
  

Step 5: Configure End Devices

• Click on each PC and configure its IP address:
  • For PC1:

    IP Address: 192.168.1.2
    Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
    Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
    

  • For PC2:

    IP Address: 192.168.2.2
    Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
    Default Gateway: 192.168.2.1
    

  • For PC3:

    IP Address: 192.168.3.2
    Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
    Default Gateway: 192.168.3.1
    

Step 6: Verify Connectivity

• After completing the configurations, test connectivity between the devices:
  • Use the ping command from each PC to check if they can reach their respective gateways and other PCs.
  • Troubleshoot any issues by checking configurations and ensuring all devices are powered on.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we successfully configured two routers with a switch and set up three networks using Cisco Packet Tracer. You learned how to set up devices, configure IP addresses, and verify connectivity. As a next step, consider exploring routing protocols or VLAN configurations to enhance your networking skills further.