1. Project Introduction
This report outlines the process of setting up and testing a basic Local Area Network (LAN). The objective was to create a simulated network using Cisco Packet Tracer on a Linux system to demonstrate end-to-end connectivity between two PCs connected via a central switch.
2. Tools and Environment
- Simulation Software: Cisco Packet Tracer (Linux version)
- Network Devices: 1x Switch (2960-24TT)
- End Devices: 2x Generic PCs
- Cabling: Copper Straight-Through
3. Network Design and Configuration
Device Placement and Topology
The network topology is a simple star configuration, with two PCs connected to a central switch.
PC1 was connected to the switch's FastEthernet0/1 port, and PC2 was connected to the FastEthernet0/2 port.
IP Address Configuration
Each PC was assigned a static IP address within the same subnet. No default gateway was needed for this local network.
| Device | IP Address | Subnet Mask |
|---|---|---|
| PC1 | 192.168.1.2 | 255.255.255.0 |
| PC2 | 192.168.1.3 | 255.255.255.0 |
4. Connectivity Test
To verify end-to-end connectivity, I used the `ping` utility from the command prompt on each PC to test communication with the other.
C:\>ping 192.168.1.3
Pinging 192.168.1.3 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.1.3: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.1.3: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.1.3: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.1.3: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Ping statistics for 192.168.1.3:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
5. Result and Conclusion
Successful Connectivity
The ping test was successful in both directions with 0% packet loss, confirming that the network was correctly configured. This simple LAN simulation demonstrates a foundational understanding of network device connection, IP addressing, and connectivity testing using industry-standard tools.