Basic network Configuration tutorial | Cisco packet tracer | Step by Step | Simple PDU

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through configuring a basic network using Cisco Packet Tracer. You will learn how to set up a network with four PCs, two switches, and one router. Additionally, we will cover how to send Protocol Data Units (PDUs) effectively across the network. This is essential for anyone looking to grasp networking fundamentals and practical skills using Cisco software.

Step 1: Set Up the Workspace

1. Open Cisco Packet Tracer.
2. Create a new project:
   • Click on “File” and select “New.”
3. Add devices to the workspace:
   • Locate the "End Devices" section and drag four PCs onto the workspace.
   • Find the "Switches" section and drag two switches onto the workspace.
   • From the "Routers" section, add one router.

Step 2: Connect the Devices

1. Select the appropriate cables:

   • Use the “Copper Straight-Through” cable for connecting PCs to switches.
   • Use the same cable for connecting switches to the router.

2. Connect PCs to Switches:

   • Click on a PC, choose the “Connections” option, and select the switch.
   • Repeat this for all four PCs connecting them to one of the switches.

3. Connect Switches to Router:

   • Connect one switch to the router using the copper straight-through cable.
   • If you have more than one switch, connect the second switch to the first if needed.

Step 3: Assign IP Addresses

1. Configure IP addresses for each PC:

   • Click on a PC, go to the “Desktop” tab, and select “IP Configuration.”
   • Enter the following details for each PC:
     • PC1:
       • IP Address: 192.168.1.1
       • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • PC2:
       • IP Address: 192.168.1.2
       • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • PC3:
       • IP Address: 192.168.1.3
       • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • PC4:
       • IP Address: 192.168.1.4
       • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

2. Assign IP address to the Router:

   • Click on the router, go to the “CLI” tab, and enter the following commands:

     enable
     configure terminal
     interface g0/0
     ip address 192.168.1.254 255.255.255.0
     no shutdown
     exit
     

Step 4: Test the Network

1. Use the Command Prompt on PCs:
   • Access the “Desktop” tab and select “Command Prompt.”
   • Test connectivity by pinging the router:

     ping 192.168.1.254
     

   • Ping from one PC to another to ensure connectivity:

     ping 192.168.1.2  # From PC1 to PC2
     

Step 5: Send PDUs Across the Network

1. Use the Simulation Mode:

   • Switch to “Simulation” mode in Cisco Packet Tracer.
   • Initiate a data transfer from one PC to another by using the “PDU” tool.

2. Select the Source and Destination:

   • Click on a PC, select “Add Simple PDU,” and click on the destination PC.
   • Observe the PDU transmission in the simulation panel to understand the flow of data.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up a basic network using Cisco Packet Tracer, configured IP addresses, and tested connectivity between devices. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding more complex networking concepts. As a next step, consider exploring routing protocols or security configurations in Cisco Packet Tracer to further enhance your networking skills.