4.6.5 Packet Tracer - Connect a Wired and Wireless LAN

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of connecting a wired and wireless LAN using Cisco Packet Tracer. This setup is essential for creating a network that supports both wired and wireless connections, allowing devices to communicate effectively. By the end of this guide, you'll have a better understanding of network configurations and how to implement them in Packet Tracer.

Step 1: Set Up the Wired Network

1. Add Devices to the Workspace

   • Open Cisco Packet Tracer.
   • From the devices menu, select and drag a switch, a router, and a couple of PCs into the workspace.

2. Connect Devices with Cables

   • Choose the "Connections" option (lightning bolt icon).
   • Use the straight-through cable to connect:
     • PC1 to the switch.
     • PC2 to the switch.
   • Connect the switch to the router using a straight-through cable.

3. Configure IP Addresses for PCs

   • Click on PC1, go to the "Desktop" tab, and select "IP Configuration."
     • Assign an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.2).
     • Set the subnet mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0).
   • Repeat the same for PC2 with a different IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.3).

Step 2: Set Up the Wireless Network

1. Add a Wireless Router

   • Drag a wireless router into the workspace from the devices menu.

2. Connect Router to the Wired Network

   • Use a straight-through cable to connect the wireless router to the switch.

3. Configure Wireless Settings

   • Click on the wireless router, navigate to the "Config" tab.
   • Set the following:
     • Wireless: Enable the wireless settings.
     • SSID: Choose a name for your wireless network (e.g., "Home_Network").
     • Security Mode: Select WPA2 and set a password.

4. Add Wireless Devices

   • Drag a wireless PC or laptop into the workspace.
   • Go to the device’s "Desktop" tab and select "Wireless" to connect to the network.
   • Choose the SSID you created and enter the password to connect.

Step 3: Test Connectivity

1. Ping Between Devices

   • Open the Command Prompt on PC1 and run the command ping 192.168.1.3 to test connectivity with PC2.
   • Use ping to test the connection from the wireless laptop to both wired PCs.

2. Check Internet Connectivity (if applicable)

   • If you have an external network set up, ping a public IP address (e.g., 8.8.8.8) to ensure the wireless network has internet access.

Conclusion

You have successfully connected a wired and wireless LAN using Cisco Packet Tracer. This setup allows for enhanced flexibility and connectivity across different devices. For further practice, try adding more wireless devices or configuring different security settings to deepen your understanding of network management.