Computer Networks: Network Topologies

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To access the updated handouts, please click on the following link: https://yasirbhutta.github.io/cs-407-computer-networks/docs/lab1.html

To perform network topologies like star, bus, and ring using Cisco Packet Tracer, you’ll need to understand the basic setup for each topology. Below are steps for simulating these topologies:

1. Star Topology

In a star topology, all devices (nodes) are connected to a central device, typically a switch.

Steps:

Open Cisco Packet Tracer.
Drag and drop a switch onto the workspace.
Add PCs or laptops (end devices).
Connect each PC to the switch using copper straight-through cables.
Configure IP addresses for each device.
Ping between the devices to verify connectivity.

Example Setup:

Drag a 2960 Switch and four PCs from the device section.
Connect each PC to the switch using the Copper Straight-Through cable.
Assign IP addresses manually to each PC by clicking on the PC, then going to the Desktop tab and selecting IP Configuration.

Using ping command

To use the ping command in Cisco Packet Tracer for testing connectivity between devices (e.g., PCs, routers), follow these steps:

Using Ping from a PC

Set Up IP Addresses:
- Ensure that each device in your network has a unique IP address and that the devices are connected through switches, routers, or hubs.
- To assign IP addresses, click on the PC, go to the Desktop tab, and select IP Configuration.
Access the Command Prompt:
- Click on the PC you want to test.
- Go to the Desktop tab.
- Select Command Prompt.
Use the Ping Command:
- In the command prompt, type the following:
```
ping <target_ip_address>
```
  Replace <target_ip_address> with the IP address of the device you want to ping.
- Example:
```
ping 192.168.1.2
```
View Results:
- If the devices are properly connected, you will see a successful response showing the time it took for the packets to reach the destination.
- If there is an issue, you’ll see messages like “Request timed out.”

Example Scenario:

Connect three PCs with a switch and assign the following IP addresses:
- PC1: 192.168.1.1
- PC2: 192.168.1.2
- PC3: 192.168.1.3
Open the Command Prompt on PC1 and type:
```
ping 192.168.1.2
```
If the connection is successful, you should see a response similar to:
```
Reply from 192.168.1.2: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
```

This process will help you verify whether devices in your network are connected properly.