Cisco Packet Tracer | Everything You Need to Know
Summary
TLDRThis video tutorial introduces Cisco Packet Tracer, a valuable network simulation tool designed for building and visualizing computer networks. It guides viewers through the process of downloading, installing, and setting up the tool, which is essential for those studying for the Cisco CCNA exam. The tutorial covers key features, device configuration, and the simulation mode, demonstrating how to construct a basic network and observe protocol messages in action, all within a free and user-friendly platform.
Takeaways
- 😀 Cisco Packet Tracer is a valuable network simulation tool designed by Cisco for building and designing computer networks.
- 📚 It's an essential study tool for those preparing for the Cisco CCNA certification and is completely free to use.
- 💻 To get started with Packet Tracer, you need to download and install it from the Cisco Networking Academy website (netacad.com).
- 🔑 You may need to create a Cisco Networking Academy account or log in if you already have one to access the download.
- 📚 Enrolling in the 'Intro to Packet Tracer' course is necessary to download the software, but you don't need to complete the course.
- 🔗 After enrolling, you'll receive an email to activate your account, which involves setting a password and providing additional information.
- 📥 The software supports various operating systems including Windows, Ubuntu, and Mac OS, and the installation process is straightforward.
- 🔌 Packet Tracer includes a variety of networking devices such as routers, switches, hubs, and IoT devices, as well as connection types like straight through and crossover cables.
- 🖥️ The workspace in Packet Tracer allows you to build network topologies in both logical and physical views.
- 🛠️ Configuration of devices within Packet Tracer can be done through a GUI interface, and more advanced configurations can be done using the CLI tab.
- 🔎 Simulation mode is a standout feature that visually represents messages being sent across the network, aiding in the understanding of network protocols.
Q & A
What is Cisco Packet Tracer and why is it valuable for network studies?
-Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool designed by Cisco that allows users to build and design their own computer networks, play with networking technologies and protocols visually. It's valuable because it's an incredible study tool, especially vital for those taking the Cisco CCNA, and it's free.
How can I access Cisco Packet Tracer for educational purposes?
-To access Cisco Packet Tracer, you need to visit the Cisco Networking Academy website at netacad.com. You can either log in if you already have an account or sign up for a new account to enroll in the 'Intro to Packet Tracer' course, which will allow you to download the software.
What are the steps to download and install Cisco Packet Tracer?
-After enrolling in the 'Intro to Packet Tracer' course on the Cisco Networking Academy website, navigate to 'Resources' and then 'Download Packet Tracer'. Choose the appropriate installation file for your operating system, download it, and follow the installation prompts, which typically involve clicking 'Next' through the setup process.
What are the different device categories available in Cisco Packet Tracer?
-The device categories in Cisco Packet Tracer include Networking Devices (routers, switches, hubs, etc.), End Devices (PCs, laptops, IoT devices), Components (boards, LEDs, buttons), and Connections (various types of cables and connectors).
How can I build a network topology in Cisco Packet Tracer?
-To build a network topology, select the desired devices from the device menu and drag them onto the workspace. Then, use the connections menu to link the devices together with the appropriate type of cable. The 'auto' option can assist in selecting the correct cable if you're unsure.
What are the two views available in the Packet Tracer workspace?
-The two views available in the Packet Tracer workspace are the Logical View, which is used for most of the time spent building network topologies, and the Physical View, which provides a realistic visual representation of how networks look and connect together.
What is the purpose of the Simulation Mode in Cisco Packet Tracer?
-Simulation Mode in Cisco Packet Tracer allows users to visually see messages being sent across the network. It's a great tool for learning how protocols work and behave, helping to solidify understanding of network technologies.
How can I configure the settings of a device in Cisco Packet Tracer?
-To configure a device, single-click on it to open a new window with various tabs, including the Config tab for device settings and the Desktop tab for features like IP configuration. Note that some changes may require the device to be powered down first.
What is the CLI tab in Cisco Packet Tracer and why is it important?
-The CLI (Command Line Interface) tab is where users interact with and configure network devices in Cisco Packet Tracer. It's important because it's the primary method for setting up and managing network devices, which is a key aspect of learning network administration.
How can I use the simulation mode to observe ICMP messages in Cisco Packet Tracer?
-Enable Simulation Mode from the bottom right of the screen. Then, deselect all event types and select 'ICMP' from the Edit Filters menu. After that, perform an action like a ping from one PC to another, and you'll be able to see and interact with the ICMP messages being sent.
Outlines
📚 Introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer
The video begins by welcoming viewers to the channel and introducing Cisco Packet Tracer, a network simulation tool essential for network study and Cisco CCNA certification. The host encourages viewers to subscribe, comment, and like the video. Cisco Packet Tracer allows users to build, design, and simulate computer networks, making it an invaluable, free tool for studying networking technologies and protocols.
🚀 Downloading and Installing Cisco Packet Tracer
The host explains how to download and install Cisco Packet Tracer. Users must navigate to the Cisco Networking Academy website, create an account, and enroll in the introductory course to download the tool. Detailed steps are provided for account creation, course enrollment, and downloading the software for various operating systems. The installation process is straightforward and described as a typical software setup.
🖥 Setting Up and Exploring Cisco Packet Tracer
After installation, the host demonstrates how to log in and explore Cisco Packet Tracer's interface. The device menu, categories, and subcategories are introduced, highlighting the types of devices and components available. The importance of the connections category for linking devices with appropriate cables is emphasized. The workspace for building network topologies, along with the logical and physical views, is described, showing how to switch between them.
🛠 Configuring Devices in Cisco Packet Tracer
The host delves into configuring devices within Cisco Packet Tracer. Each device, like PCs and switches, can be customized by single-clicking to open their configuration window. The process of setting IP addresses and utilizing the config and desktop tabs for various settings is demonstrated. The simulation mode is introduced as a powerful feature to visualize network messages and protocol behaviors, enhancing understanding of network operations.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Cisco Packet Tracer
💡Network Simulation
💡CCNA
💡Networking Academy
💡Installation
💡Workspace
💡Network Topologies
💡CLI (Command Line Interface)
💡Simulation Mode
💡ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
💡IP Configuration
Highlights
Introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer as a valuable network simulation tool.
Cisco Packet Tracer's ability to build and design computer networks and visually interact with networking technologies.
The importance of Packet Tracer for Cisco CCNA certification studies and its free availability.
Step-by-step guide on downloading and installing Cisco Packet Tracer from the Cisco Networking Academy website.
Instructions on creating an account on netacad.com for Packet Tracer access.
Enrollment in the 'Intro to Packet Tracer' course as a prerequisite for downloading the software.
Activation of the account through an email link and setting a password for access.
Downloading the Packet Tracer software through the 'Resources' section of the website.
Installation process of Packet Tracer, including selecting the appropriate version for the user's operating system.
Launching Cisco Packet Tracer and signing in with the Networking Academy credentials.
Overview of the Packet Tracer interface, including the device menu and categories of networking devices.
Explanation of the logical and physical views in Packet Tracer for network topology building.
Introduction to the toolbar in Packet Tracer, featuring various tools for network configuration and visualization.
Building a basic network with PCs, switches, and connections using straight through copper cables.
Device configuration in Packet Tracer, including setting IP addresses and managing modules.
Demonstration of the CLI tab for advanced network device configuration.
Simulation mode in Packet Tracer for visualizing network messages and understanding protocol behavior.
Practical example of sending a ping between two PCs and observing the ICMP messages in simulation mode.
Final thoughts on using Packet Tracer for building complex networks and understanding networking protocols.
Transcripts
hey what's up guys welcome to serpros in
this video we're going to be getting
started with probably the most valuable
and important network study tool cisco
packet tracer
[Music]
if you're new here this channel uploads
regular it training videos just like
this one so if you like what you see
here today don't forget to leave a
comment subscribe and give it a thumbs
up
so what is cisco packet tracer packet
tracer is a network simulation tool
designed by cisco that gives you the
ability to go out and build and design
your own computer networks
not only that but it gives you the
ability to visually play with networking
technologies and protocols
it's an incredible study tool and it's
vital if you're taking your cisco ccna
but the best part it's absolutely free
in this video i'm going to show you how
to download install and use this
fantastic tool
so before we do anything we're going to
need to download and install it
to do this we need to navigate to the
cisco networking academy website which
is netacad.com
now if you already have an account with
netacad then go ahead and log in now
otherwise we need to go up to courses at
the top of the screen
then down to packet tracer
cisco has an introduction course to
packet tracer which we need to sign up
for before we can download it
so we need to scroll down here
and where it says intro to packet tracer
click learn more
so here is the course we need to sign up
for but we don't actually have to take
it we simply need to scroll down and
click sign up today
to enrol we need to enter our details
create account
now we've enrolled cisco has sent us an
email to activate our account
so this is the email we receive all we
have to do is click activate account
once we do this it's going to prompt us
to set a password
so we'll just type in a password here
click create my account
so one more step it's going to ask us
for a bit more information
and we'll just fill that out very
quickly
and once we've done click create account
and finally we have our account now from
here we could launch the course
but for now we're just going to close
this box
to download packet tracer we now need to
go up to resources at the top
and then download packet tracer
this will take us to the download page
now if we scroll down
we will see the installation options
so it does support windows ubuntu and
mac os
we're running windows so i'm going to
select the 64-bit downloader
now packet tracer isn't a big
application but it may take a moment
just to download
okay so it's been a minute or two and
our file has downloaded
so we'll just simply double click onto
that file
and start the installation
i'm going to assume you've installed a
program before and essentially it's
going to be a next next next install
again it's not a big program but it will
take a minute to install
and now it's done we'll just click
finish and launch cisco packet tracer
so when packet tracer opens you're gonna
need to sign in it gives you two options
to do this but we're gonna select the
networking academy login which we just
set up
so we'll just sign in with our
credentials
and enter our password
and we're in
so now we have packet tracer installed
and set up
let's take a look around
now don't worry i'm not going to go
through every single menu and every
single feature because i'll bore you
half to death but i will point out some
of the most important features
the first bit we'll look at is the
device menu
down here in the bottom left corner we
have all of the devices that we can use
across the top we have the main
categories
across the bottom we have the
subcategories
and to the right we have the available
devices based on the category we select
there's also a search bar here in the
middle
we currently have the networking devices
selected
under that we have routers switches
hubs
wireless devices
security devices and wide area network
devices as well
the next category is end devices
here we have the normal devices you
would expect like pcs and
laptops
but we also have some iot devices which
can be found under home
small city
and industrial
and power grid
another category that contains iot type
devices is the components category
here you'll find boards leds buttons and
more
now the next category is a very
important one this is the connections
category
this is how we'll connect all of our
devices together
here we have connection types from
straight through cables crossover cables
to coax and serial cables as well
now if you're not sure what type of
cable you should be using don't worry we
also have an auto option as well
now to select a device
we simply choose a category
i'll choose network and devices
and then
routers then we just select the device
and we can drag that onto the workspace
or we can simply click on the device
and then click where we want the device
to be added
that brings us nicely on to the
workspace
this is where we'll be building our
network topologies
we have two options the logical view and
the physical view
what you see now is the logical view
which is where we'll be spending most of
our time but we can change to the
physical view by simply clicking
physical at the top left
the physical view gives us a nice visual
representation of the networks we built
you start off in the intercity view
and we can click down into the home city
even into the corporate office
and even into the wiring closet that we
can see here
and if you look closely we can see the
routers we just added
the buttons at the top right allows us
to navigate through the different levels
this view is great if you want to get a
realistic view of how networks look and
connect together however most of our
time will be spent in the logical view
to go back to the logical view we just
need to go up to logical in the top left
corner
so let's take a quick look at the
toolbar at the top
here we have the select tool for
selecting devices
the inspect tool
which is a way to see basic information
like routing tables quickly and easily
we have the delete tool
the resize tool for resizing shapes
the place note tool so we can add text
to our diagrams
and then we have some drawing tools such
as the line
rectangle ellipse
and free form
the last tools are pdu tools which
allows us to add data to our networks
for quick connectivity tests
okay so that is enough theory let's
delete these routers that we have here
and build our first network
so i'll click and drag
to select the devices
i'm just going to hit delete on the
keyboard
and yes i want to delete my routers
so now we're going to need some devices
and i'm going to start off with some pcs
so i'm going to go down to the end
devices menu
and i'm going to select the pc
and click onto the workspace i'm going
to add another one simply click pc and
again click onto the workspace
now i want to switch to connect these
pcs
so i'll go to network devices
and select switches
now i could select a model here but if
you don't mind which model you can
simply drag from the subcategory onto
the workspace
great now we just need to connect these
devices together to do this we need to
go to the connections menu
and in this case i'm going to be using
straight through copper cables
so i select my pc
choose which interface to connect it to
so this one is going to be fast ethernet
zero
and then select it on the switch as well
again fast ethernet zero slash one
now remember if you don't know which
cable you should be using for the time
being you can simply click the auto tool
click the pc
and then click the switch and it will
automatically select the correct cable
for you
so now we have our devices
what now
well we need to configure them
to do this we just need to single click
on each device so i'll start with pc 0
single click and it's going to open up a
new window
on this screen we get a visual
representation of the device
as you can see here we clearly have a pc
straight out of the 90s complete with
what looks like to be a floppy disk
drive as well
here we can add and remove different
modules
the available modules can be seen here
on the left
if you click on the modules you get a
nice description at the bottom as to
what they do
it's important to note that if you want
to add or remove a module you first need
to power down the device
so for example if i scroll down and i
take this ethernet module and i try to
remove it by simply dragging it to the
left it's going to give me a warning
saying it can't be removed until the
device is powered down
the way you would do that is simply by
clicking the power button
now while this seems like a nice feature
trust me once the novelty wears off this
can get pretty annoying
the next tab we have is the config tab
here we can configure some of the device
settings such as the display name
and some of the interface settings as
well
the desktop tab is where we see all of
the available features for our
pc we have things like the command
prompt the web browser email lots of
things here
but the one we're going to use is the ip
configuration
here we can set the ip address of this
pc
so i'm going to set an ip address of
192.168.0.1
and if we click onto the subject mask it
should auto populate for us
now we have the ip address i'm going to
do the same on the next pc so i'll close
this window down
again single click on pc1
go over to the desktop tab
ipconfiguration
and this time we're going to go
192.168.0.2.
again
auto populate the subnet mask
once we've done that we'll just close
this window down
now we can also configure our switch and
this is really where the magic happens
in cisco packet tracer so if we click on
our switch
we get a new window again we get a nice
physical representation of the device
and any available modules
if we click the config tab
here we can make some quick and simple
configuration changes
we also have the cli tab and this is
where you'll be spending 99 of your time
this is where we interact and configure
our network devices
which at the end of the day is why we're
all here
we'll look at this more as we go forward
i won't dive into this right now
the last thing i want to show you is
probably my favorite feature of packet
tracer
and that is the simulation mode
simulation mode allows us to visually
see messages being sent across the
network
it's really a great tool when learning
how protocols work and behave the button
to enable simulation mode is down here
in the bottom right and we just have to
click simulation
when we turn on simulation mode this new
panel appears
here we can see each event as and when
it happens
by default every available event type is
selected which if you leave them all on
you can quickly start to get overwhelmed
by the number of messages being sent
especially when we start to build bigger
networks so what we want to do instead
is to click the show wall slash none
button to deselect all of those event
types
then if we go to edit filters
we can select which type of event we
want to see
for this example i'm just going to go
ahead and select the icmp message type
once i've selected that i just close
this window
and as we can see only icmp event types
are selected
now we have that selected let's go over
to pc0
and i'm going to open the command prompt
to demonstrate this i'm going to send a
ping to pc1
so i'll type ping
192.168.0.2
which is the ip address of pc1
and i'll press enter
now i'll minimize this
and now we start to see these little
envelopes
these envelopes are the protocol
messages
we can click on the envelopes and get
some information about the message
so on the first screen we get to see
some reference to the osi model but if
we click onto the outbound pdu details
we get to see all of the information
about this message
we can make this bigger
we can see the source ip address
the destination ip address
and then we see the icmp message
this will come in very handy when we
start to look at network protocols and
how they work
we can close this message and then start
to play the scenario through
so we could either hit the play button
in the middle or we can do it step by
step by clicking the forward button
so we can see the message being
forwarded to the switch the switch then
forwarding it to pc1
and we can see pc1's reply
again we can click on these envelopes
and see the information being sent
if we click onto the details
and expand this
we get to see the structure of the frame
note the source ip address is pc1 and
the destination address is now pc0
so this is the beauty of packet tracer
not only can we build our own networks
but we can visually see how those
networks and protocols are behaving
this will really help when it comes to
solidifying these technologies
of course that was a very basic example
of how packet tracer works but you
should now have the tools to go out and
build your own bigger and better
networks this video is part of our full
ccna course which can be found in the
description so go ahead and check that
out if you like this video don't forget
to give it a thumbs up leave a comment
and subscribe the support from you guys
really does help this channel grow other
than that thank you for watching
you
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