Week 15: TCP IP Lec Lab Activity - M199205zn/Datacomm-CS3 GitHub Wiki

Lab Activity Title: Understanding TCP/IP Communication Using Cisco Packet Tracer

Objective:
To simulate a simple TCP/IP network and analyze data transmission using various protocols (HTTP, FTP, Ping, DNS) through Cisco Packet Tracer.

Tools Needed:

  • Cisco Packet Tracer (preferably version 8.2 or higher)
  • Basic knowledge of TCP/IP layers
  • PC or laptop

Topology Overview:

[PC0]----[Switch]----[Router]----[Server0]

Devices to Use:

  • 1 Router
  • 1 Switch
  • 1 PC (Client)
  • 1 Server

Steps:

Part 1: Setting Up the Network

  1. Open Cisco Packet Tracer and create a new project.
  2. Add the following:
    • 1 Router (e.g., 2811)
    • 1 Switch (e.g., 2960)
    • 1 PC (e.g., PC-PT)
    • 1 Server (e.g., Server-PT)
  3. Connect:
    • PC to Switch using Copper Straight-Through
    • Switch to Router (GigabitEthernet0/0)
    • Server to Router (GigabitEthernet0/1)

Part 2: Configuring IP Addresses

Assign IP addresses manually:

  • PC0:

    • IP: 192.168.1.2
    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
    • Gateway: 192.168.1.1

  • Router:

    • G0/0: 192.168.1.1
    • G0/1: 192.168.2.1

  • Server:

    • IP: 192.168.2.2
    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
    • Gateway: 192.168.2.1

Router CLI Commands:

enable
configure terminal
interface gig0/0
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
exit

interface gig0/1
ip address 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
exit

end

Part 3: Configuring the Server

  • On Server0:
    • Enable HTTP and FTP services.
    • Set static IP 192.168.2.2.

Part 4: Testing TCP/IP Communication

  • Ping Test:

    • From PC, ping the Server: ping 192.168.2.2

  • HTTP Test:

    • On PC, go to Desktop > Web Browser
    • Enter the Server IP: http://192.168.2.2
    • You should see a default web page.

  • FTP Test:

    • On PC, go to Desktop > Command Prompt
    • Type: ftp 192.168.2.2
    • (Use default anonymous login)

  • DNS Setup (Optional Advanced Task):

    • Assign DNS name to Server, e.g., server.local
    • Use DNS service on Server and configure DNS settings on PC

🧠 Lecture Questions Activity:

  1. What layer of the TCP/IP model does each of these services (Ping, HTTP, FTP) operate on?
  2. Why does the HTTP test require the Server to have a running HTTP service?
  3. How does the router facilitate communication between two different subnets?