Cisco Packet Tracer is an amazing tool that lets users practice setting up networks using Cisco routers and tools. The software lets users practice configuring new devices and using the Cisco Command Line Interface.

To download the Cisco Packet Tracer tool, you can sign up for this free course with Cisco learning:

https://www.netacad.com/about-networking-academy/packet-tracer

Here is the project file for my Static IP Addressing lab:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ubenzg_3JndgDHFhv90gK31ZTIX1YXym/view?usp=drive_link

Setting up Devices:

To begin this simulation we first connect two separate networks, both with one router, switch, and a PC for an end user. We connect these devices through specific ports, which can be interchanged but must be addressed correctly. In my example, both routers are connected to each other through Gigabit port 0, and both routers connect to the switches through Gigabit port 1.

Configuring IP Addresses on Routers and PCs:

Router 1:

• Access the command line interface (CLI) of the Cisco router.
• Enter configuration mode: Router> enable Router# configure terminal
• Assign a static IP address to the router interface: Router(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/0 Router(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 Router(config-if)# no shutdown Router(config-if)# exit

Router 2:

• Follow similar steps to configure the IP address for Router 2: Router> enable Router# configure terminal Router(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/0 Router(config-if)# ip address 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0 Router(config-if)# no shutdown Router(config-if)# exit

PCs:

• Access the network settings on PC1 and assign a static IP address: IP Address: 192.168.1.2 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
• Follow similar steps to configure the IP address for PC2: IP Address: 192.168.2.2 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: 192.168.2.1

Setting Up the Routing Table:

The routing table is essential for directing data packets across a network. It allows routers to communicate by defining the paths for data, ensuring efficient and reliable transmission. By specifying the network, mask, and next hop, the routing table guides packets to their destinations, enabling seamless connectivity between routers. If we didn’t assign the routing table, the routers would not know how to forward data packets to the correct network. This would prevent successful communication between the two networks, resulting in network isolation and failed connections.

Router 1:

• Configure a static route to Router 2’s network: Router(config)# ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.2
  • Network: 192.168.2.0
  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Next Hop: 192.168.1.2

Router 2:

• Configure a static route to Router 1’s network: Router(config)# ip route 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.2.2
  • Network: 192.168.1.0
  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Next Hop: 192.168.2.2

Verifying the Configuration:

• Test the connectivity between the two PCs by pinging from PC1 to PC2: PC1> ping 192.168.2.2

Please note some of the IP Addresses in this description are different than the file and images used.

In the image below, we can see successful pings from PC0 to PC1.

Importance of the Steps

Each step in this project was crucial for establishing a reliable network connection between the routers and PCs. Configuring static IP addresses ensured that each device had a unique identifier within the network, while setting up the routing table enabled communication between different network segments. Using the CLI on the Cisco router provided hands-on experience with real-world networking equipment.

Conclusion

This hands-on project was invaluable in reinforcing the networking concepts discussed in my studies. It provided me with practical experience in configuring network devices, which deepened my understanding and prepared me for more advanced networking tasks.

Cisco Packet Tracer is an awesome tool that I cant wait to use more to help me understand some more advanced network concepts. Getting hands on experience with the Cisco Command Line Interface helps me feel more confident working on enterprise equipment.