Computer Networks: Understanding Network Devices

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Lab 2: Understanding Network Devices
- Introduction to routers, switches, hubs, and modems.
- Hands-on activity: Configure basic settings on a router and switch using network simulation tools.

Hands-On Activity: Configure Basic Settings on a Router and Switch Using Cisco Packet Tracer

In this hands-on activity, we’ll configure basic settings on a router and a switch, including hostname, passwords, IP addresses, and enable remote management (SSH or Telnet) for network administration.

Topology

1 Router (e.g., Cisco 1941)
1 Switch (e.g., Cisco 2960)
1 PC (to manage the devices via SSH or Telnet)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set Up the Topology in Cisco Packet Tracer

Open Cisco Packet Tracer.
Drag the following devices onto the workspace:
- 1 Router (e.g., 1941 Router)
- 1 Switch (e.g., 2960 Switch)
- 1 PC
Connect the devices:
- Use Copper Straight-Through cables to connect:
  - Router’s GigabitEthernet0/0 to Switch’s FastEthernet0/1
  - PC to Switch’s FastEthernet0/2

2. Configure Basic Settings on the Router

Access the Router CLI:
- Click on the Router.
- Select the CLI tab.

Enter Configuration Mode:

Router> enable
Router# configure terminal

Set the Hostname:
```
Router(config)# hostname R1
```

Set Console Password:

R1(config)# line console 0
R1(config-line)# password cisco
R1(config-line)# login
R1(config-line)# exit

Set VTY Password (for Telnet/SSH):

R1(config)# line vty 0 4
R1(config-line)# password cisco
R1(config-line)# login
R1(config-line)# exit

Set Enable Password (Privileged EXEC Mode):
```
R1(config)# enable secret cisco
```

Configure an IP Address on GigabitEthernet0/0:

R1(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/0
R1(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
R1(config-if)# no shutdown

Save the Configuration:
```
R1(config-if)# end
R1# write memory
```

3. Configure Basic Settings on the Switch

Access the Switch CLI:
- Click on the Switch.
- Select the CLI tab.

Enter Configuration Mode:

Switch> enable
Switch# configure terminal

Set the Hostname:
```
Switch(config)# hostname S1
```

Set Console Password:

S1(config)# line console 0
S1(config-line)# password cisco
S1(config-line)# login
S1(config-line)# exit

Set VTY Password (for Telnet/SSH):

S1(config)# line vty 0 4
S1(config-line)# password cisco
S1(config-line)# login
S1(config-line)# exit

Set Enable Password (Privileged EXEC Mode):
```
S1(config)# enable secret cisco
```

Configure an IP Address for Switch Management (on VLAN 1):

S1(config)# interface vlan 1
S1(config-if)# ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
S1(config-if)# no shutdown

Save the Configuration:
```
S1(config-if)# end
S1# write memory
```

4. Configure PC Settings

Configure PC’s IP Address:
- Click on the PC.
- Go to the Desktop tab and select IP Configuration.
- Set the following:
  - IP Address: 192.168.1.3
  - Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  - Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (the router’s IP)

5. Test Connectivity

Ping the Router and Switch from the PC:
- Open the Command Prompt on the PC.
- Test connectivity with the router:
```
ping 192.168.1.1
```
- Test connectivity with the switch:
```
ping 192.168.1.2
```
Establish a Telnet or SSH Connection (Optional):
- In the PC’s Command Prompt, you can establish a Telnet connection to the router or switch.
- Example (for Telnet):
```
telnet 192.168.1.1
```

Summary of Configuration

Router and Switch have been configured with basic settings such as hostname, console password, enable password, and VTY password.
An IP address has been configured for both the router and switch for remote management.
The PC can successfully communicate with both devices using ping, and you can optionally enable Telnet or SSH for remote access.

This completes the basic setup of a router and switch in Cisco Packet Tracer.