Basics of Cisco Packet Tracer (Part 1)

Summary

This video lecture introduces Cisco Packet Tracer, a powerful networking simulation tool, emphasizing its importance for practical learning in network concepts. The instructor guides viewers through downloading and installing the software, setting up a basic peer-to-peer network, and assigning IP addresses to simulate connectivity. The session highlights the tool's features, such as various networking devices and cable types, and demonstrates the use of commands to verify network reachability, showcasing the software's effectiveness in network education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cisco Packet Tracer is a powerful networking simulation tool used for practice, discovery, and troubleshooting.
• 📚 The session aims to teach how to download and use Cisco Packet Tracer, covering its basic functionalities.
• 💻 Cisco is a leading software company in the networking industry, known for its innovative tools.
• 🔍 The importance of learning networking concepts both theoretically and practically is emphasized for better understanding and career prospects.
• 📁 Downloading Cisco Packet Tracer involves enrolling on netacad.com, which offers free access to the software and a short course.
• 🌐 The latest version of Cisco Packet Tracer used in the lecture is version 6.2.
• 🛠️ Cisco Packet Tracer provides a workspace with various tools to build networks, including routers, switches, and end devices.
• 🔌 The script demonstrates how to establish a peer-to-peer network using two computers and an Ethernet crossover cable.
• 🖥️ IP addresses are assigned to the computers in the simulation to enable connectivity, with examples given as 10.10.10.1 and 10.10.10.2.
• 🔍 The 'ipconfig' command is used in the command prompt to view IP and MAC addresses of the computers.
• 📶 The 'ping' command is utilized to test network connectivity between the two computers in the simulation.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lecture?

The main topic of the lecture is the basics of Cisco Packet Tracer, including how to download and use it for networking simulations.

What is Cisco Packet Tracer?

Cisco Packet Tracer is an innovative and powerful networking simulation tool used for practice, discovery, and troubleshooting in networking.

Why is Cisco Packet Tracer beneficial for students?

Cisco Packet Tracer is beneficial for students as it helps them understand networking concepts practically, which can assist in cracking network-based interviews, performing well in exams like GATE, and solving analytical questions.

How can one download Cisco Packet Tracer?

To download Cisco Packet Tracer, one needs to open a browser, preferably Chrome, go to netacad.com, find the Packet Tracer option, and follow the steps provided on the page.

What are the benefits of enrolling to download Cisco Packet Tracer?

Enrolling to download Cisco Packet Tracer allows one to learn the tool for free, in a self-paced learning mode, and in various languages, with the course lasting just 10 hours.

What is the version of Cisco Packet Tracer used in the lecture?

The lecture uses Cisco Packet Tracer version 6.2.

What types of devices can be found in Cisco Packet Tracer's workspace?

In Cisco Packet Tracer's workspace, one can find routers, switches, hubs, wireless devices, cables, end devices, and security devices like firewalls.

What type of cable is used to connect two devices of the same kind in a peer-to-peer network?

An Ethernet crossover cable is used to connect two devices of the same kind in a peer-to-peer network.

How can one assign IP addresses to computers in Cisco Packet Tracer?

To assign IP addresses in Cisco Packet Tracer, one needs to click on the computer, go to the desktop option, and then click on IP configuration to set the desired IP address.

How can the IP configuration details be viewed on a computer in Cisco Packet Tracer?

The IP configuration details can be viewed by going to the command prompt of the computer and using the 'ipconfig' command.

What command is used to check the physical (MAC) address of a computer in Cisco Packet Tracer?

The command 'ipconfig /all' is used to check the physical (MAC) address of a computer in Cisco Packet Tracer.

How can one test network connectivity between two computers in Cisco Packet Tracer?

Network connectivity can be tested by using the 'ping' command followed by the IP address of the destination computer in the command prompt of the source computer.

What does the instructor recommend for understanding networking concepts better?

The instructor recommends using Cisco Packet Tracer or any simulation tool to try things out, as it helps in understanding networking concepts in a practical and effective way.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Introduction to Cisco Packet Tracer

The first paragraph introduces the topic of the lecture, which is the basics of Cisco Packet Tracer. It emphasizes the importance of learning networking concepts both theoretically and practically, and introduces Cisco as a leading software company in the networking field. The lecturer encourages students to be knowledge-oriented, highlighting the benefits of practical knowledge for job interviews, exams, and problem-solving. The paragraph also guides the audience through the process of downloading Cisco Packet Tracer from netacad.com, explaining the advantages of enrolling in a free course to access the latest version of the software. The lecturer then opens the software and gives an overview of the workspace and the tools available for building networks.

05:01

🔌 Establishing a Peer-to-Peer Network

This paragraph focuses on the practical steps to establish a peer-to-peer network using Cisco Packet Tracer. It begins by discussing the types of cables used for connecting devices, specifically the Ethernet crossover cable for connecting two computers of the same kind. The lecturer demonstrates how to use the crossover cable in the simulation tool, connecting two computers in the workspace. The paragraph then moves on to the process of assigning IP addresses to the computers, using the command prompt to view and verify the IP configurations. The summary includes the steps to check the MAC addresses of the computers, noting the difference in notation between Windows and Cisco Packet Tracer. The goal is to ensure that the two computers are reachable and correctly configured for a peer-to-peer network.

10:02

📶 Testing Network Connectivity

The final paragraph is about testing the network connectivity between the two computers that have been set up in a peer-to-peer network. The lecturer explains how to use the 'ping' command in the command prompt to check if the computers can reach each other. The demonstration shows that four packets are sent and four acknowledgments are received, indicating a successful connection with zero packet loss. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the effectiveness of Cisco Packet Tracer as a simulation tool that closely mimics real-world networking scenarios, and encourages students to utilize such tools for a better understanding of networking concepts. The lecture ends with a reminder of the upcoming lectures and a thank you note to the audience.

Keywords

💡Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool developed by Cisco Systems. It is designed for educational purposes to allow students and network engineers to simulate and learn about networking concepts and devices in a virtual environment. In the video, it is the central tool used to demonstrate the creation and testing of a peer-to-peer network, emphasizing its practical application in learning networking skills.

💡Computer Networks

Computer networks are interconnected systems of computing devices that can exchange data and share resources. The video's focus is on the basics of networking, specifically using Cisco Packet Tracer to understand and simulate network topologies and operations, such as setting up a peer-to-peer network.

💡Networking Simulation

Networking simulation refers to the practice of imitating the behavior of network hardware and software in a virtual environment. The video script discusses the use of Cisco Packet Tracer for simulation purposes, allowing viewers to learn and troubleshoot network configurations without the need for physical equipment.

💡Cisco

Cisco is a multinational technology company known for its networking hardware, software, and other technology services. It is mentioned in the script as the developer of Cisco Packet Tracer, highlighting the company's leadership in the networking industry.

💡Peer-to-Peer Network

A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a distributed network where each node (computer) has equal capabilities and responsibilities. The script provides an example of setting up a P2P network using Cisco Packet Tracer, demonstrating the process of connecting two computers directly for communication.

💡IP Address

An IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. In the video, IP addresses are assigned to the computers in the simulated P2P network to enable communication between them, with examples given as 10.10.10.1 and 10.10.10.2.

💡MAC Address

A MAC address, or Media Access Control address, is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. The script explains how to view the MAC address in Cisco Packet Tracer and notes the difference in notation between Windows and Cisco systems.

💡Ethernet Crossover Cable

An Ethernet crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect two devices of the same type, such as two computers, directly together. The script describes how to use a crossover cable to connect the two computers in the simulated P2P network.

💡IP Configuration

IP configuration refers to the settings that define how a device communicates within a network, including its IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. The video demonstrates assigning static IP addresses to the computers in the Cisco Packet Tracer simulation.

💡Ping

Ping is a network administration tool used to test the connectivity between two networked devices by sending Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo request packets. In the script, the ping command is used to verify that the two computers in the P2P network are reachable and responsive.

💡Packet Loss

Packet loss occurs when one or more data packets fail to reach their destination. The script mentions observing zero packet loss in the P2P network simulation, indicating successful communication between the two computers with all packets sent and received.

Highlights

Introduction to the basics of Cisco Packet Tracer in a computer networks lecture.

Learning outcomes include downloading and working with Cisco Packet Tracer, understanding its basics, and establishing a peer-to-peer network.

Cisco is a leading networking software company, and Cisco Packet Tracer is a powerful networking simulation tool for practice, discovery, and troubleshooting.

Emphasis on learning concepts both theoretically and practically to gain sound practical knowledge for network-based interviews and exams.

Instructions on how to download Cisco Packet Tracer using a web browser and accessing netacad.com.

Benefits of enrolling for free to download Cisco Packet Tracer, including a 10-hour beginner course in a self-paced learning mode.

Guidance on creating an account on netacad.com to download the latest version of Cisco Packet Tracer.

Overview of the Cisco Packet Tracer workspace and the variety of networking tools available for building networks.

Explanation of selecting routers, switches, and other networking devices in Cisco Packet Tracer.

Demonstration of how to use different types of cables, specifically Ethernet straight through and crossover cables.

Process of establishing a peer-to-peer network using two computers in Cisco Packet Tracer.

How to connect two computers using an Ethernet crossover cable in the simulation.

Assigning IP addresses to the computers in the network simulation and the importance of correct IP configuration.

Using the 'ipconfig' command to view IP and MAC addresses in the command prompt within the simulation.

Differences in MAC address notation between Windows and Cisco Packet Tracer.

Checking network connectivity between two computers using the 'ping' command in Cisco Packet Tracer.

Observation of packet transmission and reception, demonstrating a successful connection with zero packet loss.

Recommendation to use Cisco Packet Tracer and other simulation tools for a better understanding of networking concepts.

Conclusion of the lecture with an invitation to upcoming sessions for further learning.

Transcripts

Hello everyone.

Welcome back to the next lecture on computer networks

and today we will see the basics of Cisco Packet Tracer part one.

Now, we will see the outcomes of today's session.

In today's session, we will be learning about

how to download and work with Cisco Packet Tracer

and we will know the basics of Cisco Packet Tracer.

We will establish an example

peer-to-peer network using Cisco Packet Tracer.

Now, we will see what is this Cisco Packet Tracer.

Before going into the Cisco Packet Tracer,

we will now see what is the Cisco.

It is a very popular software company

and they are the leaders in networking.

And Cisco Packet Tracer is an innovative

and powerful networking simulation tool

used for practice, discovery and troubleshooting.

I will always tell myself and others

to learn concepts both theoretically and practically.

Rather than being mark oriented guys,

we must be knowledge oriented guys.

We must acquire sound practical knowledge

so that it will help us to crack network based interviews,

it will help us to attempt well in GATE exams,

it will help us to solve any analytical questions

and we are fortunate to have such a very powerful simulation tool

that is the Cisco Packet Tracer.

Because, it helps us to understand networks practically.

Now, we will see how to download the Cisco Packet Tracer.

To download the Cisco Packet Tracer,

we are required to open any browser.

Here I will prefer chrome.

Just click on Google chrome and type netacad.com.

Once you are done, just scroll a little bit.

You will find the packet tracer option available here.

Just click on this packet tracer option

and you will be given up with the page that directs you

how to download Cisco Packet Tracer.

You can follow these steps in order to download the Cisco Packet Tracer.

The fascinating point about this is that,

you can just enroll to download the Cisco Packet Tracer

where this enrollment has some benefits.

The benefits are,

you can learn the Cisco Packet Tracer for free of cost

and it's a very short duration course

and the length is just 10 hours.

And obviously you will be in the beginner level.

You can learn online and it is a self-paced learning mode.

And you can choose some languages that are available for free,

I will go with English.

Just click on the sign up today and the language.

And it will prompt you to enter the first name, last name and the email.

After you are done with your first name, last name and email-ID,

submit button will be enabled.

Click on the submit button and you can start learning

and downloading the Cisco Packet Tracer.

I have already downloaded the Cisco Packet Tracer,

but I am using an older version here, if you enroll now

you can use the latest version of Cisco Packet Tracer.

I am using Cisco Packet Tracer 6.2 in our lectures.

After you download and install the Cisco Packet Tracer,

just open the Cisco Packet Tracer.

So, I will now open the Cisco Packet Tracer.

So Cisco Packet Tracer is being opened.

Yes, now we got the Cisco Packet Tracer.

And this is the workspace where we are going to build the network.

And we have so many tools here.

For example, if you click here, these are all routers.

Cisco has a variety of routers

you can choose any of the routers you want.

Since we are dealing with the basic concepts,

you can choose any of the basic routers.

And if you want switches, just click this one.

You will get a variety of switches

and I will always prefer Cisco 2960 switch.

If you want hubs, just click here.

You will get some hubs.

If you want to use some wireless devices in our workspace,

just click here. So some wireless devices like

wireless switches, access points, wireless routers, cell phone tower.

And if you want some cables, just click this

you will get some cables

and we are concerned about these two cables-

this is straight through cable and this is crossover cable.

And these two cables are Ethernet cables.

And this is a coaxial cable, if you want serial cables,

you can go for this serial cables.

So in the initial part of our lectures, we will be dealing with this

copper straight through cable and crossover cable.

If you want end devices, just click here.

You will get lots of end devices like

our traditional computers or our desktop computers, laptops,

servers, printers, voice-over IP phones,

televisions, wireless tablets and smart-phones.

And if you want security devices, just click on this.

You will get security devices like firewall.

We will be exploring many of these things in this series.

For time being, we will just take two computers

and we will establish a peer-to-peer network.

To establish a peer-to-peer network, I am taking two computers.

So, after clicking on these end devices, we will get lots of end devices.

So, let me click on this device, that is our computer--

our desktop computer. Click on this and click here.

You can click again and click on the workspace.

So we have brought in two computers in our workspace.

What cable is used in order to connect these two computers?

Just recollect the previous lectures.

In one of our previous lectures, I have explained

what cable should be used for connecting devices.

For connecting two different devices,

we have to use Ethernet straight through cable.

For connecting two devices of same kind,

we have to use crossover cable.

Since these two are of same type,

so we have to use Ethernet crossover cable.

How to use crossover cable?

Just go to the cables part, that is the connections part

and we have to click on this straight through cable or crossover cable.

Since we are in a need of crossover cable,

just click on this crossover cable and come to this PC.

In this PC, we will have an Ethernet port.

Just click on this PC, you will find two ports.

One is RS 232 port which is a serial port

and we are going to connect an Ethernet cable,

and to be precise it is a crossover cable.

So we have a port here that is the Ethernet port.

Just click on this and again go to this PC

and click on this PC, in this PC where we are going to connect.

In this PC also we are going to connect in the FastEthernet port.

So we have taken a cable, just visualize like this

we have a CPU, we have our computer and we have our cable.

This is like taking an Ethernet crossover cable

and connecting it to the two Ethernet ports

of the two different computers.

And if you want to know more about this,

just click on this PC and just go to the physical part.

This is the CPU portion of this PC.

Just scroll a little bit.

You will find an Ethernet port here.

Insert that crossover cable into this port.

And similarly, for this PC also we will have an Ethernet port.

So, this is like taking a cable and plugging it into the exact port.

So far we have taken two computers,

we have connected an Ethernet crossover cable

to these two computers.

Now we will see, whether these two computers are reachable or not.

But we are missing one thing now.

We have not assigned any IP address to any of these PCs.

Now we will assign IP address to this PC.

Just click on this computer, go to the desktop option,

in desktop option you will find IP configuration.

Just click on this IP configuration

and we will give some IP address to this PC.

Let it be 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot one

and let us not care about this subnet mask now.

We will mainly focus on IP address now.

Anyway we will be dealing about

this subnet mask in the upcoming lectures.

So I have assigned the IP address to this PC which is 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot one.

And to this PC, we will assign 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two.

Just click on this PC, go to the desktop option.

Just click on the IP configuration and give 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two

So, now we have assigned IP address to both the PCs.

The IP address of this PC is 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot one

and the IP address of this PC is 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two.

And I will put a label so that it will be easy for us to understand.

So this is just a label, it has no role

to play with the networking concept.

This is the computer that is having the IP address 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two.

So this is 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two

and this is 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot one.

Now we will see what is the IP address of this PC,

what is the MAC address of this PC and

whether these two computers are reachable.

Please note, I am working with this computer 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot one.

Now to know the IP configuration details, we know

what is the command that is used to view the IP configuration details.

To view the IP configuration details,

in the command prompt of the computer

we are required to give ipconfig command.

Just go to this PC.

Now we are not going to configure the IP address to the PC.

Rather we are going to see the IP address.

We have to see what is the IP configuration,

so in that PC we have to go to the command prompt

and the command to know the IP configuration is ipconfig.

Just click ipconfig and it gives the IP address detail.

The IP address of this computer is 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot one.

And we will see what is the IP address if this computer now.

Just click on this PC, go to the command prompt of this PC

and give ipconfig.

So we are in the second computer

and the IP address of this computer is 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two.

Now we will see how to see the physical address.

Go to this PC, the desktop, this command prompt

and give ipconfig space slash all.

And see what is the physical address of this computer,

it is 00D0.BC96.C1CE.

And this is the MAC address,

we know physical addresses are MAC addresses.

If you observe, windows used a different notation,

Cisco is using a different notation.

Cisco uses dot as the separator whereas

windows used hyphen as the separator.

But whatever it is MAC addresses are generally 48 bits.

Now we will see the MAC address of this PC also.

Just go to this PC,

click on the command prompt and give ipconfig space slash all.

Here space should be provided

but in windows you need not give space,

whereas in packet tracer simulation

you have to give ipconfig space slash all.

And the MAC address of this computer is this.

So far we have seen how to see IP address

and MAC address in the computers in Cisco Packet Tracer.

Now we will see whether these two computers are reachable or not.

Now I will go to this command prompt of this computer

and I will issue the command ping 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two

that is the destination computer.

And this computer is going to send four packets

and it will receive acknowledgments for four packets.

Let me open this computer, command prompt, and let me give

p-i-n-g ping 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two.

Please note, I am working in this computer

which is having the IP address 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot one.

And I want to check whether 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two

is reachable from 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot one.

So from 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot one,

I am issuing ping 10 dot 10 dot 10 dot two.

So what happens if I give enter?

It sends four packets, if connectivity is there

it will receive four acknowledgments.

I will give enter now.

Yes, I am getting replies for the four packets that are sent.

If you could notice it has sent four packets

and it has received acknowledgments for four packets.

So the number of packets that are sent is four

and the number of packets that are received is also four.

So four packets are sent and four packets are received.

And we have encountered no loss.

So there is zero percent loss here.

Isn’t the Cisco Packet Tracer awesome guys?

Because this simulation tool gives the feel like

we are working in the real device.

It's really a very powerful tool.

I recommend you always try things with Cisco Packet Tracer

or any simulation tool so this will certainly help you

to understand things in a better way.

And that's it guys.

I hope now you know how to download

and work with Cisco Packet Tracer with the basic level

and we know the basics of Cisco Packet Tracer

and we have established an example

peer-to-peer network using Cisco Packet Tracer.

We have a lot of things to come in the upcoming lecture.

Please do not miss those lectures.

I hope the session is informative

And thank you guys for watching.