Packet Tracer - Network Representation
Objectives
The network model in this activity incorporates many of the
technologies that you will master in your CCNA studies. It represents
a simplified version of how a small to medium-sized business
network might look. Feel free to explore the network on your own.
When you are ready, proceed through the following steps and
answer the questions.
Note: It is not important that you understand everything you see
and do in this activity. Feel free to explore the network on your own.
If you wish to proceed more systematically, follow the steps below.
Answer the questions to the best of your ability.
Instructions
Step 1: Identify common components of a network as
represented in Packet Tracer.
The icon toolbar at the bottom left hand corner has various
categories of networking components. You should see categories
that correspond to intermediary devices, end devices, and media.
The Connections category (with the lightning bolt icon) represents
the networking media supported by Packet Tracer. There is also
an End Devices category and two categories specific to Packet
Tracer: Custom Made Devices and Multiuser Connection.
Questions:
List the intermediary device categories.
Without entering into the internet cloud or intranet cloud, how many
icons in the topology represent endpoint devices (only one
connection leading to them)?
Without counting the two clouds, how many icons in the topology
represent intermediary devices (multiple connections leading to
them)?
How many end devices are not desktop computers?
How many different types of media connections are used in this
network topology?
Answer:
1. Intermediary device categories are Router (R2, R4, Modem),
Switch (S1,S2,S3,S4), and Wireless Access Point (WAP).
2. The endpoint devices with only one connection unclude : Home
Desktop, Home Laptop, Tablet, Inkjet, SmartPhone, Laser,
Guest (Connect to Wireless AP), PC1 – PC2 – PC3 – PC4 (each
only has one connection). So there are 10 endpoint devices in
total.
3. The intermediary devices with multiple connections include:
Router R2, Router R4, Modem, Switch S1, Switch S2, Switch S3,
Switch S4, Wireless Access Point (WAP). So there are 8 devices
in total.
4. The endpoint devices that are not desktop computers include:
Home Laptop, Tablet, Inkjet, SmartPhone, Laser, Guest. So
there are 6 endpoint devices that are not desktop computers.
5. Based on the image, the different types of network
connections include: Ethernet (indicated by green lines), Serial
Connection (indicated by red lines), Wireless (indicated by
dashed lines for wireless connections).
Step 2: Explain the purpose of the devices.
Questions:
a. In Packet Tracer, only the Server-PT device can act as a server.
Desktop or Laptop PCs cannot act as a server. Based on your studies
so far, explain the client-server model.
b. List at least two functions of intermediary devices.
c. List at least two criteria for choosing a network media type.
Answer:
a. Explain the client-server model
In the client-server model, the network is structured with clients
and servers that interact to perform tasks.
Server: This is a specialized device or computer (like a
Server-PT in Packet Tracer) that provides resources or
services to other devices in the network. Servers can host
websites, manage databases, provide file storage, and offer
services like email or application access.
Client: This is typically a device like a PC, laptop, or
smartphone that requests services or resources from the
server. Clients rely on the server for data processing, file
storage, or access to applications.
The model works in a request-response structure:
The client sends a request to the server.
The server processes the request and sends back a
response.
This setup enables centralized management of resources,
improved security, and
better control of data, but it can also create a single point of
failure if the server goes down.
b. List at least two funtions of intermediary devices
Intermediary devices, like routers, switches, and access points,
perform various crucial functions in a network. Here are two
primary functions:
Routing and Forwarding Data: Intermediary devices route data
packets from the source to the destination. Routers, for
instance, direct data across networks by finding the best path
for data to travel.
Connectivity and Network Management: Switches connect
multiple devices within the same network, allowing them to
communicate efficiently. Additionally, intermediary devices
manage data flow, ensure that data packets are delivered
correctly, and may implement security measures to protect the
network.
c. List at least two criteria for choosing a network media type
Choosing the right network media type depends on various
factors, but here are two important criteria:
Bandwidth and Speed Requirements: Different media
types support different data transfer rates. Fiber optic cables,
for instance, offer high-speed data transfer and are suitable for
networks requiring high bandwidth, while Ethernet cables (e.g.,
Cat5e or Cat6) are commonly used for moderate speed needs.
Distance and Coverage: The physical distance that a media
type can cover without significant signal loss is critical. Fiber
optic cables can carry signals over long distances with minimal
loss, while copper cables like twisted-pair are better suited for
shorter distances due to higher attenuation rates. Wireless
media, such as Wi-Fi, are ideal for mobile devices but have
limited coverage compared to wired media.
Step 3: Compare and contrast LANs and WANs.
Questions:
a. Explain the difference between a LAN and a WAN. Give
examples of each.
b. In the Packet Tracer network, how many WANs do you see?
c. How many LANs do you see?
d. The internet in this Packet Tracer network is overly simplified
and does not represent the structure and form of the real internet.
Briefly describe the internet.
e. What are some of the common ways a home user connects to
the internet?
f. What are some common methods that businesses use to
connect to the internet in your area?
Answer:
a. Explain the difference between a LAN and a WAN. Give
examples of each.
Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a network that covers a small,
localized area, such as a home, office, or school. LANs allow devices
within a limited area to communicate and share resources, like files
or printers. They typically use Ethernet or Wi-Fi for connectivity.
Example: A company’s office network, where all computers,
printers, and other devices are connected and can
communicate with each other.
Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN covers a much larger
geographical area, connecting multiple LANs over long distances.
WANs often rely on third-party carriers, such as ISPs (Internet
Service Providers), to facilitate connectivity. The internet itself is the
largest example of a WAN.
Example: The network that connects multiple branches of a
bank across a city or country, allowing them to share data
securely and consistently.
b. In the Packet Tracer network, how many WANs do you see?
c. How many LANs do you see
d. The internet in this Packet Tracer network is overly simplified
and does not represent the structure and form of the real
internet. Briefly describe the internet.
e. What are some of the common ways a home user connects to
the internet?
f. What are some common methods that businesses use to
connect to the internet in your area?
Challenge Question
Now that you have had an opportunity to explore the network
represented in this Packet Tracer activity, you may have picked up a
few skills that you would like to try out. Or maybe you would like the
opportunity to explore this network in more detail. Realizing that
most of what you see and experience in Packet Tracer is currently
beyond your skill level, here are some challenges you might want to
attempt. Do not worry if you cannot do them all. You will be a Packet
Tracer master user and network designer soon enough.
· Add an end device to the topology and connect it to one of the
LANs with a media connection. What else does this device need to
send data to other end users? Can you provide the information? Is
there a way to verify that you correctly connected the device?
· Add a new intermediary device to one of the networks and
connect it to one of the LANs or WANs with a media connection.
What else does this device need to serve as an intermediary to other
devices in the network?
· Open a new instance of Packet Tracer. Create a new network
with at least two LANs connected by a WAN. Connect all the devices.
Investigate the original Packet Tracer activity to see what else you
might need to do to make your new network functional. Record your
thoughts and save your Packet Tracer file. You may want to revisit
your network later after you have mastered a few more skills.
