Getting Started in Cisco Packet Tracer - 2023

Summary

This video tutorial offers an introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer, a network simulation tool. It walks viewers through the software's interface, highlighting the toolbar categories for network devices, end devices, and connections. The guide demonstrates creating a logical network topology with routers, switches, and end devices, then transitions to the physical view for a realistic setup. It also covers cable management, device inspection, and power management, encouraging practice and exploration for various network configurations.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Cisco Packet Tracer offers a variety of features for network simulation, including different network devices and components.
• 🔌 The bottom toolbar in Packet Tracer is organized into categories like network devices, end devices, and connections for easy navigation.
• 📦 Network device category includes subcategories such as routers, switches, hubs, wireless devices, and more for building network topologies.
• 🏢 End devices category covers a range of devices from hosts to IoT-enabled smart devices and industrial equipment.
• 🔄 WAN emulation is available for simulating wide area networks within the Packet Tracer environment.
• 🔌 Connections category provides options for cabling, including structured cabling with physical view items like patch panels and connectors.
• 🔧 The miscellaneous category includes custom-made devices with pre-installed components for unique network configurations.
• 👥 Multi-user connection allows for collaboration on network designs across local or wide area networks.
• 📚 Logical View mode in Packet Tracer is used to build the initial network topology before transitioning to the physical layout.
• 🔬 Physical View mode provides a detailed, realistic representation of network devices and cabling for better visualization and management.
• 🛠️ Management tools in Physical View, such as 'manage cable' and 'inspect', help in organizing and identifying network connections efficiently.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Cisco Packet Tracer walkthrough video?

The purpose of the Cisco Packet Tracer walkthrough video is to demonstrate the different features built inside the program and to guide users on how to use the Cisco Packet Tracer application.

What are the main categories found in the bottom toolbar of Cisco Packet Tracer?

The main categories in the bottom toolbar of Cisco Packet Tracer include Network Devices, End Devices, Components, Connections, Miscellaneous, and Multi-User Connection.

What types of devices can be found under the Network Devices category?

Under the Network Devices category, you can find devices like routers, switches, hubs, wireless devices, security devices, and WAN emulation devices.

What is the default subcategory under the Network Devices category?

The default subcategory under the Network Devices category is routers.

What are the different types of devices that can be found under the End Devices category?

Under the End Devices category, you can find hosts, smart network-enabled IoT devices, city-wide devices, industrial devices, and power grid devices.

What is the purpose of the Components category in Cisco Packet Tracer?

The Components category in Cisco Packet Tracer is used for deploying various different boards, actuators, and sensors in a network.

How does the Connections category help in building a network topology?

The Connections category provides common types of cabling and structured cabling options that are used to interconnect devices in a network topology.

What is the difference between the Logical View and Physical View in Cisco Packet Tracer?

The Logical View in Cisco Packet Tracer is used to build a logical topology, while the Physical View allows users to build a network and interconnect devices in a more realistic, physical environment.

How can you manage cabling in the Physical View of Cisco Packet Tracer?

In the Physical View, you can manage cabling by right-clicking on a network cable and choosing options like delete, color the cable, or manage cable to organize the cables neatly.

What are some actions you can perform on a device in Cisco Packet Tracer?

In Cisco Packet Tracer, you can perform actions such as inspecting the front or rear of a device, deleting the device, unmanaging cables on the device, or managing all cables on the device.

How can you add a server to the network topology in Cisco Packet Tracer?

To add a server to the network topology in Cisco Packet Tracer, select the server from the End Devices category, click on the network rack, and then connect it using a straight through cable from the server's network interface card to a port on the switch.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer Features

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on demonstrating the features of Cisco Packet Tracer. It begins with an overview of the toolbar at the bottom left, highlighting the categories and subcategories available for network device selection, such as routers, switches, and hubs. The script then moves on to discuss other device categories like end devices, smart city devices, and IoT components. The paragraph concludes with an introduction to the connections category, which includes cabling options for network setup, and touches on the multi-user connection feature for network collaboration.

05:00

🛠 Building a Logical Network Topology

The second paragraph delves into the process of creating a logical network topology using Cisco Packet Tracer. It describes selecting devices from the network devices category, such as routers and switches, and placing them into the logical topology. The script also covers adding end devices like PCs and laptops, and using the connections category to interconnect these devices with the appropriate cabling. The paragraph explains the visual indicators for port status and connectivity, and it transitions into discussing the physical view of network construction.

10:01

🔍 Exploring Physical Network Topology and Device Management

This paragraph discusses the transition from logical to physical view in Cisco Packet Tracer, detailing the process of arranging and organizing network devices in a physical environment. It covers the use of the physical tab to change the view, the ability to scroll and zoom for better visualization, and the management of cabling to maintain a tidy workspace. The script explains how to use the manage cable feature for devices on a network rack and the options available for inspecting the front and rear of devices like switches and routers. It also touches on the process of deploying new devices onto the existing physical topology and the steps for connecting them using the provided cabling.

Keywords

💡Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation program that allows users to design, configure, and troubleshoot complex network scenarios in a virtual environment. It is used for educational purposes and by network engineers to test configurations before deploying them in real networks. In the video, it is the main tool being demonstrated for building network topologies and experimenting with various network devices.

💡Network Devices

Network devices refer to the hardware components used to construct a network, such as routers, switches, and hubs. In the script, the presenter discusses the different categories of network devices available in Cisco Packet Tracer, including routers and switches, which are essential for creating a network topology.

💡Logical View

The logical view in Cisco Packet Tracer is a mode that allows users to build a network topology without worrying about the physical placement of devices. It focuses on the connectivity and configuration of network components. The video script describes how to create a network using the logical view by selecting and placing devices like routers and switches.

💡Physical View

The physical view in Cisco Packet Tracer provides a more realistic representation of how network devices are physically arranged and interconnected. It includes the ability to manage cables and organize equipment on a network rack. The script explains how to switch to the physical view and arrange devices like PCs, laptops, routers, and switches in a more tangible layout.

💡Topology

A network topology refers to the arrangement of network devices and the connections between them. In the video, the presenter builds a logical topology by selecting devices from the toolbar and placing them in the workspace, which is a fundamental step in network design and simulation.

💡End Devices

End devices are the nodes in a network that are used by end-users, such as PCs, laptops, and servers. The script mentions end devices as part of the network construction process in Cisco Packet Tracer, where the presenter adds PCs and laptops to the network topology.

💡Connections

Connections in the context of network simulation refer to the physical or virtual links that enable data transmission between devices. The script describes selecting and using different types of cabling, such as straight-through cables, to interconnect devices within the network topology.

💡Cabling Management

Cabling management is the process of organizing and securing network cables to prevent disconnections and maintain a tidy workspace. In the video, the presenter demonstrates how to use the 'manage cable' feature in the physical view of Cisco Packet Tracer to keep the cabling neat and orderly.

💡Multi-User Connection

Multi-user connection in Cisco Packet Tracer allows multiple instances of the program to be interconnected over a local or wide area network. This feature is mentioned in the script as a way to collaborate with others in network simulations, expanding the possibilities of the software beyond a single-user environment.

💡IoT (Internet of Things)

IoT refers to the interconnection of everyday objects and devices via the internet, allowing them to send and receive data. The script touches on IoT by mentioning 'smart Network enabled IoT devices' as part of the end devices category in Cisco Packet Tracer, indicating the program's capability to simulate modern, interconnected networks.

💡Smart City

Smart City is a concept where city infrastructure is integrated with network and software solutions to improve efficiency and quality of life. In the script, the presenter navigates to the 'Smart City' category within end devices in Cisco Packet Tracer, suggesting the program's ability to simulate advanced urban network scenarios.

Highlights

Introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer and its features.

Exploring the bottom toolbar and its categories for different network components.

Default category is Network Devices with options like routers and switches.

Hubs, wireless devices, and security devices are also available categories.

WAN emulation for wide area network configurations.

End devices category includes hosts, IoT devices, and smart city devices.

Components category for different boards, actuators, and sensors in IoT.

Connections category for cabling and structured cabling options.

Physical view features like patch panels, connectors, and wall mounts.

Miscellaneous category for custom-made devices and components.

Multi-user connection for interconnecting Packet Tracer instances over networks.

Building a logical topology in Logical View mode.

Deploying routers, switches, PCs, and laptops in the logical topology.

Interconnecting devices using cabling from the connections category.

Switching to Physical View for a more realistic network setup.

Organizing devices and cabling on the network rack in Physical View.

Managing cables with options to delete, color, or tidy up connections.

Inspecting front and rear views of devices for detailed configuration.

Power management for devices like routers and switches.

Adding new devices like servers to the physical topology.

Utilizing logical and physical views for comprehensive network configurations.

Transcripts

hello everyone Welcome to our getting

started and Cisco Packet Tracer

walkthrough video in this video I can

just show you the different features

built inside of the program known as

Cisco Packet Tracer as we get started

we'll highlight some of the key

components of using the Cisco Packet

Tracer application let's begin by taking

a look at the bottom toolbar and I'm

looking the bottom left corner

here we have a variety of different

categories and in each category we're

going to have options below for example

the default category is network devices

that's selected by default

and the network device category will

find the subcategory of routers with

router selected we'll see a variety of

different model routers available for us

to put into our topology

if I click on the next item it's

switches inside of our Network device

category and then my list will now

contain Network switches that I can

deploy inside of my topology above

the next category is hubs file the

course by wireless devices

including then the next category of

security

and then finale is and then finally is

wan emulation for a wide area Networks

outside of the network device category

we can find the next main category of

end devices

if I click on end devices our default

subcategory is an end devices of

different types of hosts and other

equipment we can put on our Network

there's another subcategory for end

devices which is home and this brings in

a lot of our smart Network enabled iot

devices

we can go further by looking at

city-wide devices which are under the

category of smart City within end

devices

if we continue on the next component

will be Industrial and then even power

grid all bringing some great features

into Cisco package razor and the type of

devices we can deploy in a network

to go even further into the realm of

Internet of Things known as iot we have

another main category known as

components

and in components you'll find a variety

of different boards

also we have another subcategory for

actuators and even sensors

these can be deployed in a network just

like what we're doing now

to interconnect your devices we'll be

utilizing the connections category

in the connections category we have two

subcategories we have connections which

is our common type of cabling we'll be

using

but also another subcategory is

structured cabling and here you will

find items that are available in

physical view of Cisco Packet Tracer and

these will include patch panel

connectors and wall mounts

the next category is miscellaneous and

here we will find some custom-made

devices with components already

installed

lastly the category of multi-user

connection allows us to interconnect our

package razor instance with others

across a local area network or even a

wide area network connection

let's continue by creating a small

Network utilizing our Cisco Packet

Tracer logical View

by default we can see our Packet Tracer

has opened in The Logical View mode this

is where we can build a logical topology

I'm going to select the main category in

the bottom toolbar of network devices

the default selection again is routers

and I'll go ahead and take a look at the

routers available

at this time I may want something like a

four three three one Cisco router I can

click on that and then I can click in

our logical topology

I can continue by deploying now a

network switch

I will click on the subcategory for

switches and I'll click the first switch

available

I will then click on my logical topology

and now it is ready

at this time I'd like to add on two or

three end devices so I'll click on the

category of end devices

the default subcategory of our end

devices is already selected and I will

go ahead and take one PC and click it on

put it right in the logical topology

and one laptop I will click and click on

the logical topology

at this time I'd like to interconnect

these by utilizing our cabling that is

under our connections category

I will click on connections the default

subcategory of connections is already

selected and I will choose the

appropriate cabling to interconnect

these devices with the router and switch

I will use my straight through cable

which is the third option available I

will select it click on my PC

choose the corresponding Port of fast

ethernet

and connect that to the switch

I can choose any available interface for

network connectivity

I will repeat this by connecting the

cable

from the laptop

fast ethernet

to the switch on another available

network interface

lastly I'll interconnect that switch to

the router in our logical topology

I will grab the appropriate cable by

clicking on it

click on an available port on the switch

and then connect it to the router

on an available network connection

you will see indicator lights being

shown here due to a port status and

connectivity

at this time we have a small logical

topology built

we will take a look at that physical

topology of how we will be able to build

a network and interconnect them in a

physical View

I will click on the physical Tab and

you'll see a change

the change is our screen is a little bit

taller the bottom toolbar might be in

the way

we will have our ability to scroll on

the right side of our screen by the

sliding tab

we can see that there's the PC that I

have clicked and put in the logical

topology along with the cable coming off

of it

also we can see the laptop has been

positioned on top of the PC I can click

and drag it and put it on the table next

to the PC

if I scroll up you'll see those cables

from the PC and the laptop connecting to

the switch

I can click and drag the switch and I

can lower it on our Network rack

that switch is connected to the router I

can click and lower the router on the

network Rack in order to organize these

devices and cabling better

in the physical view I have the ability

to use my main toolbar and I have

settings for zoom

I will click the magnifier glass with

the plus to zoom in

now you have a better view of the

physical router with the cable that

connects to the physical switch

and then if I scroll down the physical

switch with the two connections to the

devices down below

if we want to manage our cabling we'll

right click on a network cable and will

be presented with three options

we can delete the cable to remove it

completely

we can color the cable a different color

so we can identify the cable and thus

identify any devices connected by that

cable easier

or we can select manage cable which will

take the cable and it'll put it away

nicely which provides us a nice and tidy

workspace in the real physical world

that would allow us to organize our

cabling secure them appropriately and

keep them from disconnecting or from

being crimped

we cannot use manage cable at this time

for any devices sitting on a table or on

a Shelf we can only use this manage

cable option when devices are on our

Network rack on the left side

at this time I'll scroll up to the top

and you can see that we have our switch

and our router I can right click on the

switch and I can say manage all cables

on device

when I select that you will see that the

cabling between the switch and the

router looks like it disappears instead

that it's just keeping our cables nice

and tidy between the actual switch

connection to the Upstream router

connection

if I right click on that switch again

you'll see we have the options to

inspect front inspect rear to delete the

device or to unmanage all cables on the

device as well

by unmanaging all cables on the device

we see the interconnected cable between

the router and the switch reappear

hanging down on the front of our Network

rack

if I right click on that switch and

select inspect front we'll get a closer

view of our network switch

again we have our magnifier glass

options to zoom in I will click on zoom

in and then I will scroll to the right

and down with my package racer window

we can see that I have Port 10 on the

switch connected to a device if I hover

over that connection we'll see it's

connected to device pc0

we'll also see there's a link light on

for Port 20. if I hover over that

connection we'll see that this

connection goes down to the laptop

and lastly if I hover over the gigabit

connection on the far right side of the

switch we'll see that this connects the

device router 0. this is great

information for us to be able to

document and visualize our

interconnected physical Network

but also if I close this off again we

can just follow those cables and see

where they interconnect to the devices

if I right click on the switch we can

also select inspect rear

when we click inspect rear we will get a

rear view of the Cisco switch

again I'll use my magnifier glass and we

will be able to click and zoom in

here we will see the console connection

for us to complete our initial

configuration of the switch

also you'll notice that there's no power

button on The Cisco switch because the

Cisco switch is automatically powered on

once it is connected with a power cable

to remove power we would unplug the

Cisco switch from any power source

if I scroll back to the left side we can

do the same with router 0. we can right

click and inspect front and we can zoom

in and get a better view of the Cisco

router and any connections as well as

any available slots that we can install

on a new components or additional

features on

I can right click on the router again

and click on inspect rear and again I'll

zoom in

and here on the router we can see that

we have an AUX port we have our console

Port as well as we have a management

interface

on the right side we'll see that we have

a power button and the current status of

the router is powered on if I click the

power button the green light will turn

off and the power is now disabled for

the router

click it on again and now the router is

actually booting up since it has

received power

I will click the X to close the rear

view of the Cisco router

if we want to deploy new devices onto

this current physical topology we will

use our bottom toolbar I will select end

devices and in the end device

subcategory I would like to deploy a

server

I can click on the server and I will

click on the network rack

that server is now deployed on the

network rack

we can see that it is powered on and

that we have a network interface ready

for connection

I will go ahead and click on connections

and I will click on a straight through

cable

when I click on the straight through

cable I will click on the network

interface card for fast ethernet 0 of

the server

and then I will click on any port I

would like to connect it to if you want

a closer view of what port I'm

connecting it to I can always right

click on the switch and click inspect

front

and zoom in for a closer view

with the zoomed in front of the switch I

can easily identify what port of the

switch I would like to connect to for

example I would like to connect to Port

24 which is fa 0-24 on this 2960 switch

when I click on that Port the cable is

now connected

if you feel that the cable is getting

lost you can always right click on that

cable and change the color as we

mentioned earlier I can make it red for

example and click ok

and now it's much easier to find the

connection from the server to that Cisco

switch this is the power of Cisco Packet

Tracer utilizing the logical and the

physical views please practice and enjoy

using Cisco Packet Tracer for all of

your network configurations and for any

scenarios that you could possibly

imagine and build