Skills Integration Challenge-Introduction
to Packet Tracer
Topology Diagram:
Nearly complete logical
topology provided as starting point.
Device
|
Interface
|
IP Address
|
Subnet Mask
|
Default Gateway
|
R1-ISP
|
Fa0/0
|
192.168.254.253
|
255.255.255.0
|
N/A
|
S0/0/0
|
10.10.10.6
|
255.255.255.252
|
R2-Central
|
Fa0/0
|
172.16.255.254
|
255.255.0.0
|
N/A
|
S0/0/0
|
10.10.10.5
|
255.255.255.252
|
S1-Central
|
VLAN 1
|
172.16.254.1
|
255.255.0.0
|
172.16.255.254
|
PC 1A
|
NIC
|
172.16.1.1
|
255.255.0.0
|
172.16.255.254
|
PC 1B
|
NIC
|
172.16.1.2
|
255.255.0.0
|
172.16.255.254
|
Eagle Server
|
NIC
|
192.168.254.254
|
255.255.255.0
|
192.168.254.253
|
Learning Objectives:
- Explore Packet Tracer Real-time
mode
- Explore the Logical Workspace
- Explore Packet Tracer operation
- Connect devices
- Examine a device configuration
- Review the standard lab setup
- Overview of the devices
Background:
Throughout the course, you will be using a standard lab setup created from
actual PCs, servers, routers, and switches to learn networking concepts. This
method provides widest range of features and the most realistic experience.
Since equipment and time are limited, this experience can be supplemented by a
simulated environment. The simulator that is used in this course is Packet
Tracer. Packet Tracer provides a rich set of protocols, equipment, and features
but only a fraction of what is possible with real equipment. Packet Tracer is a
supplement to not a replacement for experience with real equipment. You are
encouraged to compare the results obtained from Packet Tracer network models
with the behavior of real equipment. You are also encouraged to examine the
Help files built into Packet Tracer, which include an extensive "My First
PT Lab", tutorials, and information on the strengths and limitations of
using Packet Tracer to model networks.
This activity will provide an opportunity to explore the standard lab setup
using Packet Tracer simulator. Packet Tracer has two file formats it can
create: .pkt files (network simulation model files) and .pka files (activity
files for practice). When you create your own networks in Packet Tracer, or
modify existing files from your instructor or your peers, you will often use
the .pkt file format. When you launched this activity from the curriculum,
these instructions appeared. They are the result of the .pka, Packet Tracer
activity file format. At the bottom of these instructions are two
buttons: Check Results (which gives you feedback on how much
of the activity you have completed) and Reset Activity (which
starts the activity over, if you want to clear your work or gain more
practice).
Task 1: Explore the PT interface
Step 1 – Logical Workplace
When Packet Tracer starts, it presents a logical view of the network in real-time mode. The main part of the PT interface is the Logical Workplace. This is the large area where devices are placed and connected.
Step 2 – Symbols Navigation
The lower left portion of the PT interface, below the yellow bar, is the portion of the interface that you use to select and place devices into the logical workplace. The first box in the lower left contains symbols that represent groups of devices. As you move the mouse pointer over these symbols, the name of the group appears in the text box in the center. When you click on one of these symbols, the specific devices in the group appear in the box to the right. As you point to the specific devices, a description of the device appears in the text box below the specific devices. Click on each of the groups and study the various devices that are available and their symbols.
Router
Switch
Hubs
Wireless Device
Connections
Task 2: Explore PT operations
Step 1 – Connect the devices using auto connect
Click on the connections group symbol. The specific connection symbols provide different cable types that can be used to connect devices. The first specific type, the gold lightning bolt, will automatically select the connection type based on the interfaces available on the devices. When you click on this symbol, the pointer resembles a cable connector.
To connect two devices click the auto connection symbol, click the first device, and then click the second device. Using the auto connection symbol, make the following connection:
- Connect the Eagle
Server to the R1-ISP router.
- Connect PC-PT 1A to the
S1-Central switch.
Step 2 - Examine device configuration with a mouse over
Move your mouse over the devices found in the logical workplace. As you move the mouse pointer over these symbols the device configurations appears in a text box.
1. A router will display
port configuration information including IP address, port status, and MAC
address.
Router
2. A server will display IP address,
MAC address, and Gateway information.
Server
3. A switch will display port
configuration information including IP address, MAC address, port status,
and VLAN membership.
Switch
4. A PC will display IP address,
MAC address, and Gateway information.
PC
Step 3 - Examine device configuration
Left mouse click on each device type found in the logical workplace to view the device configuration.
- Router and Switch
devices contain three tabs. These tabs are Physical, Config, and CLI
(Command Line Interface).
- The Physical tab displays the
physical components of the device such as modules. New modules can also
be added using this tab.
- The Config tab displays the
general configuration information such as device name.
- The CLI tab allows the user to
configure the device using the command line interface.
2. Server and Hub devices contain two tabs.
These tabs are Physical and Config.
o The Physical tab
displays components of the device such as ports. New modules can also be added
using this tab.
o The Config tab displays
the general information such as device name.
3. PC devices contain three
tabs. These tabs are Physical, Config, and Desktop.
o The Physical tab
displays components of the device. New modules can also be added using this
tab.
o The Config tab displays
the device name, IP address, subnet mask, DNS, and gateway information.
o The Desktop tab allows
the user to configure, IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS server,
dial-up, and wireless. A terminal emulator, the command prompt and a simulated
web browser can also be accessed using the Desktop tab.
Task 3: Review the standard lab setup
Step 1 –Overview of the devices
The standard lab setup will consist of two routers, one switch, one server, and
two PCs. Each of these devices will be pre-configured with such information as
device names, IP addresses, gateways, and connections.
Reflection:
You have completed your first Packet Tracer Lab. If
you have not done so already, you are encouraged to obtain Packet Tracer from
your instructor or Academy Connection.
