Goal
Design and understand a basic two-layer network topology. This topology would consist of end devices (such as computers or workstations) connected to a switch, which in turn would connect to a router, providing access to external networks such as the Internet. The goal of this exercise is to help you understand the basic components and functions of a simple network architecture.Components: End devices:
4 computers (PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4)
Network devices:
1 switch (Switch1)
1 router (Router1)
Network connections:
Ethernet cables to connect the PCs to the switch
One Ethernet cable to connect the switch to the router
Network requirements:
IP addressing:
Use a private IP address range (for example, 192.168.1.0/24).
Assign static IP addresses to each computer.
Configure the router with an appropriate IP address on the same subnet.
Switch configuration:
Initial configuration to ensure that all ports are active and connected properly. Router configuration:
Configure the router with an IP address on the network subnet.
Set up the router to access the Internet or simulate an external network connection.
Steps to do this:
Design the topology:
Draw a simple diagram with 4 computers connected to Switch1.
Show a connection from Switch1 to Router1.
Assign IP addresses:
Assign an IP address to each computer. Example:
PC1: 192.168.1.1
PC2: 192.168.1.2
PC3: 192.168.1.3
PC4: 192.168.1.4
If necessary, assign a management IP to the switch (for example, 192.168.1.11).
Connect devices:
Physically or virtually (in a network simulator) connect the computers to the switch using Ethernet cables. Connect the switch to the router using Ethernet cables.
Configure the router:
Set the internal IP address of the router to 192.168.1.10. Configure the router to forward traffic to an external network (e.g., simulate Internet access).
Connectivity Check:
Ping from one computer to another to verify local network connectivity.
Ping the router from each computer to verify that they have access to the gateway.
If an external network is configured, ping an external IP address to verify Internet connectivity.
Expected Results:
Local Connectivity:
All computers should be able to communicate with each other.
The computers should be able to reach the router.
External Connectivity:
If configured correctly, the computers should be able to reach an external network (e.g., ping 8.8.8.8 for the Internet).
Deliverables:
Network Diagram:
A visual representation of the two-layer network topology.
IP Address Map:
A table that lists each device and the IP address assigned to it. Configuration files:
Any configuration settings applied to the router and switch.
Connection test results:
Ping test results indicating a successful connection between the devices.
