Name: M.

Izhaan Humayun
Roll No: 021
Familiarization with the Network Simulator

LAB # 11
FAMILIARIZATION WITH THE NETWORK

SIMULATOR
OBJECTIVE

To operate and become familiar with the network simulator Packet Tracer

SIMULATION

Simulation is the imitation of some real thing, state of affairs, or process. The act of
simulating something generally entails representing certain key characteristics or
behaviours of a selected physical or abstract system.

Simulation is used in many contexts, including the modeling of natural systems or

human systems in order to gain insight into their functioning. Other contexts include
simulation of technology for performance optimization, safety engineering, testing,
training and education. Simulation can be used to show the eventual real effects of
alternative conditions and courses of action.

Key issues in simulation include acquisition of valid source information about the
relevent selection of key characteristics and behaviours, the use of simplifying
approximations and assumptions within the simulation, and fidelity and validity of the
simulation outcomes.

PACKET TRACER 6.0.1 OVERVIEW

Packet Tracer 5.0 provides a simulation-based environment for CCNA-levelnetworking
training. It offers a unique combination of visualization tools, complex assessment and
activity authoring capabilities, and opportunities for multi-user collaboration and
competition.
Packet Tracer offers extensive learning benefits:
• Provides a versatile practice and visualization environment for the design,
configuration, and troubleshooting of network environments
– Offers an exploratory development environment that enables users to design, build,
and configure networks with drag-and-drop devices
– Allows users to observe virtual packets in real time by modeling network traffic and
packet behaviors
• Affords the opportunity and flexibility for practice outside of the classroom
– Runs on home computers or mobile laptops
– Supports the development of problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIR SYED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
 Name: M. Izhaan Humayun
Roll No: 021
Familiarization with the Network Simulator
1

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIR SYED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
 Name: M. Izhaan Humayun
Roll No: 021
Familiarization with the Network Simulator

– Enables users to create and configure complex topologies that extend beyond
the constraints of equipment availability
• Provides a rich learning environment to support the development of networking
technology skills
– Encourages students to explore new concepts and test their knowledge of various
protocols
– Provides valuable hands-on experience that can be applied on the job and in the
classroom

– Offers multi-user functionality for collaboration, competition, and engaging

learning opportunities.

KEY FEATURES
In the Simulation and Visualization Mode, we can see and control time intervals, the
inner workings of data transfer, and the propagation of data across a network. This helps
students understand the fundamental concepts behind network operations. A solid
understanding of network fundamentals can help accelerate learning about related
concepts.
The physical view of devices such as routers, switches, and hosts presents graphical
representations of modular equipment and expansion cards. The physical view also
provides geographic representations, including multiple cities, buildings, and wiring
closets.

DETAIL, PHYSICAL VIEW

Fig 11.1: Detail view

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIR SYED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
 Name: M. Izhaan Humayun
Roll No: 021
Familiarization with the Network Simulator

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Lab grading function

• Modular devices
• User-friendly CLI and integrated help feature
• Different device models for creating custom networks
• Tutorial
• International language support

COMPATIBLE PLATFORMS

Packet Tracer 5.0 is compatible with the following platforms: Windows (Widows XP,
Windows 2000); Vista (Vista Basic, Vista Premium); and Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora).

Interface:

Fig 11.2: Packet tracer interface

Main tool bar

Main tool bar contains different option e.g. new file, open, save, print, copy, paste, do
undo, zoom in, zoom out etc.

Fig 11.3: Main tool bar

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIR SYED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
 Name: M. Izhaan Humayun
Roll No: 021
Familiarization with the Network Simulator

Devices and Connections

A network topology can be built by selecting devices and the media. Several type of
devices and network connections can be used. For example: switches, routers, end
systems, wireless connections etc.

Fig 11.4: Device type selection area

Tools selection Area

Selection tool: To select any device

Hand tool: To move the selected area or device

Note tool: To type nay note or text or naming the device

Delete tool: To remove the device or connection

Inspection tool: To inspect the specific device e.g. MAC table

etc.

Polygon tool: To draw polygon or any shape

Resize tool: To resize the device or topology

PDUs: Simple PDUs (Protocol Data Units). E.g. ICMP, ARP, TCP etc.

Fig 11.5: Common Tool Box

Network Simulation

All the network setup is performed on real time mode. Simulation mode is used to
simulate the network to check its behavior in graphical way.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIR SYED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
 Name: M. Izhaan Humayun
Roll No: 021
Familiarization with the Network Simulator

Fig 11.6: Realtime and Simulation Mode

Network Scenarios

Multiple scenarios can be created and deleted by clicking on the New and Delete
button in the scenario panel. The scenarios can be toggled between without deleting.

Fig 11.7: Scenario Panel

LAB TASK:

.Q1: Write the description of the following tabs of Packet Tracer 6.0.1

1. Menu Bar
2. Common Toolbar
3. Device-Type Selection Box
4. Device-Specific Selection Box
5. Logical Toolbar
6. Physical Toolbar
7. Power Cycle device
8. Simulation Mode

Answer:

Packet Tracer 6.0.1 is a network simulation tool developed by Cisco. As of my last

knowledge update in January 2022, here are descriptions for the tabs you mentioned:

Menu Bar:
The Menu Bar in Packet Tracer provides access to various menus containing commands
and options for managing and configuring your network simulation. It typically includes
menus such as File, Edit, View, Tools, Options, and Help. Users can navigate through
these menus to perform actions such as creating, saving, and loading network files,
configuring devices, and accessing simulation features.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIR SYED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
 Name: M. Izhaan Humayun
Roll No: 021
Familiarization with the Network Simulator
Common Toolbar:
The Common Toolbar is a set of frequently used tools and commands that provide quick
access to essential functions. It usually includes buttons for actions like selecting, moving,
connecting, deleting, and zooming. The Common Toolbar streamlines common tasks and
enhances user efficiency by offering a centralized location for frequently used actions.

Device-Type Selection Box:

The Device-Type Selection Box allows users to choose the type of networking device
they want to add to the simulation. It typically includes a list of device categories such as
routers, switches, hubs, computers, and more. Users can select a category from the box
and then choose a specific device model to add to the network.

Device-Specific Selection Box:

The Device-Specific Selection Box is used to select a specific model of a networking
device from the chosen category. For example, if a user selects the "router" category in
the Device-Type Selection Box, the Device-Specific Selection Box will display various
router models available in Packet Tracer. Users can then choose a specific router model
to add to their network.

Logical Toolbar:
The Logical Toolbar provides tools for configuring the logical aspects of networking
devices. This may include options for setting IP addresses, configuring routing protocols,
and managing logical connections between devices. The Logical Toolbar is crucial for
designing and implementing the logical configuration of a network.

Physical Toolbar:
The Physical Toolbar is dedicated to tools that allow users to configure the physical
characteristics of networking devices. This may include options for specifying the number
of ports on a switch, the type of cables used, and the physical placement of devices within
the network topology. The Physical Toolbar is essential for designing the physical layout
of a network.

Power Cycle Device:

The Power Cycle Device option allows users to simulate the process of turning a
networking device off and then back on. This can be useful for testing device behavior
after a power cycle or for troubleshooting issues related to device startup.

Simulation Mode:
Simulation Mode is a feature that allows users to simulate the behavior of a network. In
this mode, users can observe how devices interact, simulate data transmission, and
troubleshoot network issues. Simulation Mode is essential for testing and validating
network configurations without the need for physical hardware. Users can also adjust the
simulation time to observe changes over specific periods.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIR SYED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY