Basic Switched Networking Using Packet Tracer

Basic Switched Network

Using Cisco Packet Tracer is the most convenient way (I think) of showing you how to setup a basic switched network. Here, I will be demonstrating how to use the Cisco Packet Tracer and at the same time the setup of topology and configuration of the network.

Step-by-step starts here:

For the simplicity of the explanation we will be using steps with as pointed by number in the illustration. After opening the Cisco Packet Tracer, 

1. Click on the switch icon as indicated

2. The specific-component section will appear for different types of switches. In this case I chose the Cisco 2960 switch. Click on the 2960 switch.

3. After choosing the 2960 switch, click on the white space called the logical area to place the 2960 switch as shown in the figure.

After placing the switch at the center of the logical area, the next step will be:

4. Click on the End Device as shown in the figure.

5. Again, the specific-component section will appear and choose the Generic Host (PC-PT) by clicking.

6. After choosing the Generic Host, click on the logical space as shown in the illustration, to place the Generic Host.

7. Repeat the same process (step 5) and place it on the other side of the logical space. Now, we have the complete set of components for the network.

After the components have been placed, it is now time to connect them using straight-thru cables.

8. Click on the Connections as indicated in the figure.

9. Then the specific-component section will appear then click the straight-thru cable as indicated.

10. Click on PC1. You will see a selection of port you would want to connect the straight-thru cable.

11. Select the Fastethernet0 as indicated in the illustration.

! - shows the change in the icon, indicating that the straight-thru cable is chosen























12. After choosing Fastethernet on PC1, drag the straight-thru line going to the 2960 switch, then click. Choose the appropriate interface, in this example the Fastethernet 0/1.

13. Repeat step 11 and this time with PC2.

14. Repeat step 12 and choose the appropriate interface of the switch. In our example, it's Fastethernet 0/2

Now, we have completed our topology. We are now ready to configure the two hosts for them to communicate.

After completing the topology, it is now time to configure the two host, starting with PC1.

15. Click on PC1 and a window will appear as shown.

16. Click on the Desktop tab.

17. As shown in the illustration, click on IP configuration.

18. Supply the IP address for PC1. In this example its 192.168.1.1 and,

19. The Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0 as shown in the illustration.

20. Repeat step 15, click on PC2 and a window will pop-up to configure PC2.

21. On the window, click on Desktop.

22. Repeat step 17 and click on the IP configuration icon.

23. Again, for PC2, supply an IP address 192.168.1.2

24. And the Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0

Now, it's time to try whether these two hosts, PC1 and PC2 can reach each other. And one of the best way to test it, is to use Command prompt.

25. Click on the command prompt of PC2

26. Enter in the command line, PING 192.168.1.1

27. And sure enough, PC1 replied as can be seen in the illustration which indicates that these two host can communicate with each other.

This is just the basics of networking using a switch and there is more to it. Making the first steps will surely ignite your curiosity to deeper knowledge of networking.

I hope this has been helpful for you! I will see you next time!


Created by: Engr. Melvin Arceo, ECE, CCNA