Project 3: Network Cable and Device Configuration

1. Set Up the Network Topology:

 Devices Needed:

 Router: Choose a business-class router capable of handling substantial traffic.

 Switches: Use Layer 2/3 managed switches to support VLANs and scalability.

 End Devices: Include PCs, laptops, and printers.

 Wi-Fi Access Points: Deploy business-grade access points for wireless

connectivity.

 Connections:

 Connect the router to the switches using Ethernet cables.

 Connect end devices to the switches.

 Configure wireless connections for Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

2. Configure Basic Device Settings:

 Router Configuration:

 Assign IP addresses to router interfaces.

 Configure routing protocols if necessary.

 Set up security features like access control lists (ACLs).

 Switch Configuration:

 Assign IP addresses to VLAN interfaces.

  Configure VLANs to segment network traffic.

 Set up trunking between switches if applicable.

 End Devices:

 Assign static IP addresses or configure DHCP settings.

 Set default gateways and DNS servers.

3. Establish Connectivity:

 Verify that all devices can communicate within their respective VLANs.

 Test inter-VLAN routing if multiple VLANs are configured.

 Ensure wireless devices can connect to the network.

4. Document the Network:

  Network Diagram:

 Use Cisco Packet Tracer's diagramming feature to create a visual representation of

the network.

 Include devices, IP ranges for subnets, and connections.

 Configuration Details:

 Document the configurations for each device, including IP addresses, VLAN

settings, and routing protocols.

Final Report: Network Cable and Device Configuration

1. Introduction

The objective of this project was to collaboratively design and configure a small virtual network,

assigning specific roles to each team member. The primary goals were to:

 Build a functional network topology using Cisco Packet Tracer.

 Assign roles such as Network Designer, Device Configurator, Connectivity Tester, and

Documenter.

 Establish connectivity between devices.

  Document the network setup with detailed configurations and a network diagram.

2. Network Setup

Device Selection and Configuration Procedures:

 Router: A Cisco 2901 router was selected for its capability to handle substantial traffic

and support advanced routing protocols.

 Switches: Two Cisco Catalyst 2960 switches were chosen for their Layer 2

functionalities and support for VLANs.

 End Devices: Four PCs were used to simulate end-user devices.

 Wi-Fi Access Point: A Cisco Aironet 2800 Series access point was configured to provide

wireless connectivity.

Configuration Steps:

1. Router Configuration:

 Assigned IP addresses to the router interfaces.

 Configured routing protocols to enable communication between different subnets.

2. Switch Configuration:

 Created VLANs to segment network traffic.

 Assigned switch ports to appropriate VLANs.

 Configured trunking between switches to allow VLAN traffic.

3. End Devices:
  Assigned static IP addresses to PCs.

 Configured default gateways and DNS settings.

4. Wi-Fi Access Point:

 Set up SSID and security protocols (WPA2).

 Connected wireless devices to the network.

3. Configuration Details

 Router:

o Interface GigabitEthernet0/0: IP 192.168.1.1/24

o Interface GigabitEthernet0/1: IP 192.168.2.1/24

o Routing Protocol: OSPF configured to advertise networks 192.168.1.0/24 and

192.168.2.0/24.

 Switches:

o VLAN 10: HR Department

o VLAN 20: IT Department

o VLAN 30: Sales Department

o Trunking configured on ports connecting switches to allow VLAN traffic.

 End Devices:

o PC1: IP 192.168.1.10, Default Gateway 192.168.1.1

 o PC2: IP 192.168.1.11, Default Gateway 192.168.1.1

o PC3: IP 192.168.2.10, Default Gateway 192.168.2.1

o PC4: IP 192.168.2.11, Default Gateway 192.168.2.1

 Wi-Fi Access Point:

o SSID: CompanyWiFi

o Security: WPA2-PSK with passphrase 'SecurePass123'

4. Challenges and Solutions

 Challenge 1: Devices in different VLANs could not communicate.

o Solution: Configured inter-VLAN routing on the router to enable communication

between VLANs.

 Challenge 2: Wireless devices had connectivity issues.

o Solution: Verified SSID and security settings on the access point; ensured wireless

devices were within range and correctly configured.