Course: Computer Network Lab

PART A

(PART A: TO BE REFFERED BY STUDENTS)

Experiment No. 05

A.1 Objective:

Implementation of a LAN Network with the following topologies by using CISCO Packet Tracer.

1. Ring Topology.
2. Star Topology
3. Mesh Topology
4. Tree Topology

A.2 Prerequisite:
• Knowledge about PAN, LAN and NW Elements.
• HW and IP Address concepts.
• Network Topology.
• Concept of Analysis, Design, Simulation and Modelling
• Cisco Packet tracer as simulation tool

A.3 Outcome:
After successful completion of this experiment students will be able to

• Ability to select the proper NW Elements required to design NWs.

• Design of LANs using different topologies.
• Connect the LANs through the switch/hub by addressing the proper addresses.
• To Design an LAN environment to learn various Topologies, messaging and
acknowledgements.
• Thorough understanding of DLL.
• Simulate the designed LAN NWs.
A.4 Theory/Tutorial:

1. Steps to create LAN

Cisco Packet Tracer is an application designed to be able to simulate a network before actually
doing the network development, and also can be used for simulation research in a network.

Create a LAN network using an Access Point consisting of 4-6 PCs and Hub/switches.
References:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er3X-X3fkZU&t=12s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNczCm9fbj8
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxB-CBS1bbU
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXZedUwvP-A
 PART B

(PART B : TO BE COMPLETED BY STUDENTS)

B.2 Perform the experiment as suggested above add the following documents.

Star Topology-
Bus Topology:
Ring Topology:
Mesh Topology:
Tree Topology:
B.3 Observations and learning:
The experiment involved implementing LAN networks with distinct topologies using Cisco Packet
Tracer. In the Ring Topology, devices were arranged in a circular fashion, revealing susceptibility
to single-point failures. The Star Topology, with devices connected to a central hub, showcased
improved fault isolation. Mesh Topology, featuring interconnected devices for high redundancy,
also highlighted the complexity associated with cabling. The Tree Topology, a hybrid of star and
bus structures, demonstrated hierarchical organization and scalability.

B.4 Conclusion:

We successfully implemented LAN Network with the topologies by using CISCO Packet Tracer.

B.5 Question of Curiosity

1. What is CISCO Packet tracer? How one can make use of it learning CN?
Ans - Cisco Packet Tracer:
- Definition: Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool.
- Purpose: It enables the creation and simulation of networks.
- Features: Mimics real-world network scenarios for learning and testing.

Learning Computer Networking with Cisco Packet Tracer:

- Simulation: Simulate complex network setups.
- Hands-On Practice: Implement configurations on virtual devices.
- Protocols: Understand protocols in a practical environment.
- Troubleshooting: Practice diagnosing and resolving network issues.
- Experiments: Conduct experiments to reinforce theoretical concepts.
- Scalability: Explore network scalability and design.

2. What is simulation? How CISCO Packet tracer help in simulation of NWs?

Ans - Simulation:
- Definition: Simulation is the imitation of real-world processes.
- Purpose: It allows experimentation without real-world consequences.

Cisco Packet Tracer in Network Simulation:

- Virtual Environment: Creates a virtual network environment.
- Device Interaction: Mimics interactions among network devices.
- Protocol Testing: Enables practical testing of networking protocols.
- Hands-On Learning: Facilitates hands-on learning in a risk-free setting.

3. What are the different types of end to end devices supported by CISCO packet tracer?
Ans - End-to-End Devices Supported by Cisco Packet Tracer:
 - Routers: Facilitate data traffic between different networks.
- Switches: Connect devices within the same network.
- Hubs: Basic networking devices for connecting multiple devices.
- Computers: End-user devices for running applications.
- Servers: Provide services or resources to network users.
- IP Phones: Enable voice communication over IP networks.
- Wireless Devices: Include routers and access points for wireless connectivity.
- Firewalls: Ensure network security by controlling incoming/outgoing traffic.

In short, Cisco Packet Tracer supports routers, switches, hubs, computers, servers, IP
phones, wireless devices, and firewalls for comprehensive end-to-end network
simulations.

4. What are all the NW elements you will in the CISCO Packet Tracer?
Ans - Network Elements in Cisco Packet Tracer:
- Routers: Manage data traffic between networks.
- Switches: Connect devices within the same network.
- Hubs: Basic connectivity devices for multiple devices.
- Computers: End-user devices running applications.
- Servers: Provide services or resources.
- IP Phones: Enable voice communication over IP networks.
- Wireless Devices: Routers, access points for wireless connectivity.
- Firewalls: Ensure network security, control traffic.

In short, Cisco Packet Tracer includes routers, switches, hubs, computers, servers, IP
phones, wireless devices, and firewalls for comprehensive network simulations.

5. What are the different types of cables supported by CISCO packet tracer?
Ans - Cables Supported by Cisco Packet Tracer:
- Ethernet Cables: Used for wired network connections.
- Console Cables: Connect a computer to the console port of a network device.
- Serial Cables: Connect serial ports of devices for communication.
- Fiber Optic Cables: Transmit data using light signals.
- Coaxial Cables: Transmit data through a central conductor.

In short, Cisco Packet Tracer supports Ethernet, console, serial, fiber optic, and coaxial
cables for simulating various network connections.
6. Write the steps to assign static address to the nodes.
Ans - Steps to Assign Static Address in Cisco Packet Tracer:
1. Select Device: Click on the device to configure.
2. Access Configuration: Navigate to device settings or configuration.
3. IP Configuration: Locate the IP configuration section.
4. Enter IP Address: Manually enter the desired static IP address.
5. Subnet Mask: Specify the subnet mask for the network.
6. Gateway (if applicable): Enter the gateway IP if needed.
7. Apply/Save: Save the configuration changes.
8. Test Connection: Verify connectivity with other devices.

In short, select device, access configuration, enter IP, subnet mask, gateway (if needed),
apply/save, and test connection to assign a static address in Cisco Packet Tracer.

7. Can we create Ring topology just using end nodes, ie. Without using switch/hub/router?
If Yes then how? If No then why?
Ans - No, creating a Ring Topology without using switches/hubs/routers is not
practically feasible in Cisco Packet Tracer.

Reason:
- End nodes alone lack the necessary capability to form a ring.
- Routers or switches are required to manage data traffic in a circular pattern.
- Without these intermediary devices, there is no mechanism for effective
communication in a ring fashion.

In short, switches or routers are essential in Cisco Packet Tracer to create a functional
Ring Topology due to their role in managing network traffic.

8. Can we create LAN without assigning IP address to Switch/Hub? Give reason.

Ans - Yes, in Cisco Packet Tracer, you can create a LAN without assigning IP
addresses to switches or hubs.

Reason:
- Switches and hubs operate at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.
- They are not involved in IP routing; their primary function is to forward frames based
on MAC addresses.
- IP addresses are typically assigned to end devices, like computers and servers, not to
switches or hubs.

In short, switches and hubs in a LAN are not assigned IP addresses in Cisco Packet
Tracer because they function at the Data Link Layer, handling MAC addresses rather
than IP addresses.
9. Define Packet, Frame, and acknowledgement?
Ans - Packet: A unit of data at the network layer (Layer 3) containing both the actual
data and control information for routing.

- Frame: A unit of data at the data link layer (Layer 2) consisting of the data, control
information, and the physical layer addressing information.

- Acknowledgment (ACK): A signal sent by the receiving device to confirm the

successful receipt of a data packet or frame.

In short, a packet operates at the network layer, a frame operates at the data link layer,
and an acknowledgment is a signal confirming successful data receipt.