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In this project, you will design and configure a complete network using Cisco Packet Tracer. You'll build a multi-department network with VLANs, inter-VLAN routing, DHCP, ACLs, and network services. This project simulates a real-world network implementation in a safe, virtual environment.
Design and implement a network for EduTech Academy, a small school with the following departments:
The network must support internet connectivity through an ISP simulation, internal services (DHCP, DNS, HTTP), and proper security controls between departments.
💡 100% Free Lab: This project is designed to be completely free:
- Cisco Packet Tracer — Free download (free Cisco NetAcad account required)
- No physical hardware needed — everything runs virtually
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- All configurations included — just copy and paste!
- Minimum: 4GB RAM, 2GB free disk space
📋 Your Step-by-Step Task:
- Download and install Cisco Packet Tracer (free — netacad.com)
- Build the network topology: 2 routers, 5 switches, 6 PCs, 1 server
- Cable all devices according to the connection table
- Configure R1 (Core Router): interfaces, sub-interfaces, DHCP, ACLs
- Configure SW-Dist (Distribution Switch): VLANs, trunks, routing
- Configure access switches: VLANs, port security, SSH
- Configure the ISP router and static routes
- Set up server services: DNS, HTTP, Email
- Test connectivity: pings, ACL verification, DNS resolution
- Save your .pkt file, complete checklist, and take the quiz
After completing this project, you will be able to:
Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool that allows you to design, configure, and troubleshoot networks without physical hardware. It's widely used for CCNA certification training and networking education.
| Feature | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Routing | Static, RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP |
| Switching | VLANs, STP, EtherChannel, VTP |
| Security | ACLs, Port Security, SSH, VPN |
| Services | DHCP, DNS, HTTP, TFTP, Email, FTP |
| Wireless | WLANs, WPA2/WPA3, Wireless routers |
| IoT | Smart devices, sensors, actuators |
| Visualization | Real-time and simulation modes |
| Multi-user | Collaborative network building |
Minimum:
- 4GB RAM
- 2GB free disk space
- 1280x1024 display resolution
- Windows, macOS, or Linux
Download from: https://www.netacad.com (free Cisco account required)
Version: 8.2+ (latest recommended)
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Menu Bar │ File │ Edit │ Options │ Extensions │ Help │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ Toolbar: Select Move Place Note Delete Inspect │
│ Copy/Paste Zoom Palette Draw │
├──────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ Device Types: │ WORKSPACE │
│ ┌────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ Network Devices│ │ [Router]───[Switch] │
│ │ End Devices │ │ │ │ │
│ │ Connections │ │ [Switch]───[PC] │
│ │ IoT │ │ │ │
│ │ Security │ │ [Server] │
│ │ WAN Emulation │ │ │
│ └────────────────┘ │ │
├──────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────────┤
│ Status Bar: Point/Click | Simulation/Realtime │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Select tool | Ctrl + 1 |
| Move tool | Ctrl + 2 |
| Place note | Ctrl + 3 |
| Delete | Delete key |
| Zoom in | Scroll up |
| Zoom out | Scroll down |
| Inspect device | Alt + Click |
| Open CLI | Click device → CLI tab |
| Open Desktop | Click PC → Desktop tab |
To add devices:
1. Click device type (bottom-left)
2. Click specific device from list
3. Click workspace to place it
4. Use connection tool to cable devices
Device Types:
┌──────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Category │ Examples │
├──────────────┼──────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Routers │ 1941, 2811, 2911, 4321 │
│ Switches │ 2960, 3560, 3650, 3850 │
│ Hubs │ Hub-PT, Hub-PT-100 │
│ End Devices │ PC, Laptop, Server, Printer │
│ Connections │ Copper, Fiber, Serial, Console │
│ Wireless │ WAP, Wireless Router │
│ WAN │ Cable Modem, DSL Modem, Cloud │
└──────────────┴──────────────────────────────────────┘
NETWORK REQUIREMENTS:
Topology:
- 1 Core Router (connects to ISP and internal network)
- 1 Layer 3 Switch (Distribution layer, inter-VLAN routing)
- 3 Access Switches (one per department)
- 1 Server Switch
- 4 VLANs (Admin, Faculty, Students, Servers)
- 1 Router for ISP simulation
- 1 Server for network services
VLANs:
┌──────────────┬────────┬──────────┬──────────────┐
│ Department │ VLAN │ Subnet │ Gateway │
├──────────────┼────────┼──────────┼──────────────┤
│ Admin │ 10 │ 10.0.10.0/24 │ 10.0.10.1 │
│ Faculty │ 20 │ 10.0.20.0/24 │ 10.0.20.1 │
│ Students │ 30 │ 10.0.30.0/24 │ 10.0.30.1 │
│ Servers │ 40 │ 10.0.40.0/24 │ 10.0.40.1 │
│ Management │ 99 │ 10.0.99.0/24 │ 10.0.99.1 │
└──────────────┴────────┴──────────┴──────────────┘
Services:
- DHCP: Router or Server (assign addresses to each VLAN)
- DNS: Server (edutech.local domain)
- HTTP: Server (internal website)
- Email: Server (SMTP/POP3 for internal mail)
Security:
- Students cannot access Admin or Faculty VLANs
- All VLANs can access Servers (limited)
- SSH enabled on routers and switches
- Port security on access ports
[ISP Cloud / Internet]
│
[ISP Router]
192.168.1.0/30
│
[Core Router (R1)]
G0/0: 192.168.1.2/30
G0/1: 10.0.99.1/24 (Management)
│
[L3 Switch (SW-Dist)]
VLAN 99: 10.0.99.2/24
│
┌───────────────┼───────────────┐
│ │ │
[SW-Admin] [SW-Faculty] [SW-Labs]
VLAN 10 VLAN 20 VLAN 30
│ │ │
[Admin PCs] [Faculty PCs] [Student PCs]
│
[SW-Servers]
VLAN 40
│
[Server: DNS, HTTP, Email]
Step-by-Step:
1. Open Packet Tracer → New Project → "EduTech Academy"
2. Place Devices:
- 1x Router 2911 (Core Router — R1)
- 1x Router 2911 (ISP Router — ISP)
- 1x Switch 3560-24PS (Distribution — SW-Dist)
- 4x Switch 2960-24TT (Access — SW-Admin, SW-Faculty, SW-Lab, SW-Servers)
- 2x PC (Admin, Faculty, Students — 6 total)
- 1x Server (Server-PT)
- 1x Cloud-PT (ISP Cloud)
3. Cable Connections:
- ISP → Cloud: Copper Straight-Through
- ISP → R1: Serial DCE/DTE (or Copper Cross-over)
- R1 → SW-Dist: Copper Straight-Through (G0/1 to G0/1)
- SW-Dist → SW-Admin: Copper Straight-Through (G0/1 to G0/1)
- SW-Dist → SW-Faculty: Copper Straight-Through (G0/1 to G0/1)
- SW-Dist → SW-Lab: Copper Straight-Through (G0/1 to G0/1)
- SW-Dist → SW-Servers: Copper Straight-Through (G0/1 to G0/1)
- SW-Admin → PCs: Copper Straight-Through (FastEthernet)
- SW-Faculty → PCs: Copper Straight-Through
- SW-Lab → PCs: Copper Straight-Through
- SW-Servers → Server: Copper Straight-Through (FastEthernet)
4. Power on all devices (they're on by default)
Device naming:
R1 — Core Router
ISP — ISP Router
SW-Dist — Distribution Switch (L3)
SW-Admin — Admin Access Switch
SW-Faculty — Faculty Access Switch
SW-Lab — Student Lab Access Switch
SW-Servers — Server Access Switch
Server1 — Main Server
PC-Admin-1 — Admin workstation
PC-Faculty-1 — Faculty workstation
PC-Student-1 — Student workstation
! Enter global configuration mode
enable
configure terminal
! Set hostname
hostname R1
! Create local users for SSH
username admin privilege 15 secret Password123
username netadmin privilege 15 secret SecurePass456
! Configure domain name (required for SSH)
ip domain-name edutech.local
! Generate RSA keys (1024 bits minimum)
crypto key generate rsa modulus 1024
! Configure SSH
ip ssh version 2
line vty 0 4
login local
transport input ssh
exit
! Configure console security
line console 0
password ConsPassword
login
logging synchronous
exit
! Enable secret password
enable secret EnableSecret789
! Save configuration
copy running-config startup-config
! Configure G0/0 (WAN to ISP)
interface gigabitethernet0/0
description Connection to ISP
ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.252
no shutdown
exit
! Configure G0/1 (to Distribution Switch)
interface gigabitethernet0/1
description Trunk to Distribution Switch
no ip address
no shutdown
exit
! Configure sub-interfaces for inter-VLAN routing (Router-on-a-stick)
interface gigabitethernet0/1.10
description Admin VLAN
encapsulation dot1q 10
ip address 10.0.10.1 255.255.255.0
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1.20
description Faculty VLAN
encapsulation dot1q 20
ip address 10.0.20.1 255.255.255.0
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1.30
description Student VLAN
encapsulation dot1q 30
ip address 10.0.30.1 255.255.255.0
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1.40
description Server VLAN
encapsulation dot1q 40
ip address 10.0.40.1 255.255.255.0
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1.99
description Management VLAN
encapsulation dot1q 99
ip address 10.0.99.1 255.255.255.0
exit
! Default route towards ISP
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.1.1
! Verify routing table
do show ip route
enable
configure terminal
hostname ISP
! Configure interfaces
interface gigabitethernet0/0
description Connection to Cloud
ip address 209.165.200.1 255.255.255.252
no shutdown
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1
description Connection to R1
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.252
no shutdown
exit
! Create loopback for internet simulation
interface loopback 0
ip address 8.8.8.1 255.255.255.0
description Simulated Internet
exit
! Route back to internal network
ip route 10.0.0.0 255.255.0.0 192.168.1.2
! Save
copy running-config startup-config
! Basic setup
enable
configure terminal
hostname SW-Dist
! Security
username admin privilege 15 secret Password123
ip domain-name edutech.local
crypto key generate rsa modulus 1024
ip ssh version 2
line vty 0 15
login local
transport input ssh
exit
enable secret EnableSecret789
! Create VLANs
vlan 10
name Admin
vlan 20
name Faculty
vlan 30
name Students
vlan 40
name Servers
vlan 99
name Management
exit
! Configure trunk to Core Router
interface gigabitethernet0/1
description Trunk to R1
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30,40,99
no shutdown
exit
! Configure trunks to Access Switches
interface gigabitethernet0/2
description Trunk to SW-Admin
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,99
no shutdown
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/3
description Trunk to SW-Faculty
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 20,99
no shutdown
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/4
description Trunk to SW-Lab
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 30,99
no shutdown
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/5
description Trunk to SW-Servers
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 40,99
no shutdown
exit
! Management Interface
interface vlan 99
ip address 10.0.99.2 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
exit
! IP Routing (if doing inter-VLAN on switch instead of router-on-a-stick)
ip routing
! Default route to Core Router
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.99.1
! Save
copy running-config startup-config
enable
configure terminal
hostname SW-Admin
! VLAN configuration
vlan 10
name Admin
vlan 99
name Management
exit
! Trunk to Distribution
interface gigabitethernet0/1
description Uplink to SW-Dist
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,99
no shutdown
exit
! Access ports for Admin PCs
interface range fastethernet0/1-24
description Admin Workstations
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 10
switchport port-security
switchport port-security maximum 2
switchport port-security violation shutdown
switchport port-security mac-address sticky
spanning-tree portfast
no shutdown
exit
! Management
interface vlan 99
ip address 10.0.99.10 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
exit
ip default-gateway 10.0.99.1
! SSH
username admin privilege 15 secret Password123
ip domain-name edutech.local
crypto key generate rsa modulus 1024
ip ssh version 2
line vty 0 15
login local
transport input ssh
exit
copy running-config startup-config
! Similar to SW-Admin but with VLAN 20
enable
configure terminal
hostname SW-Faculty
vlan 20
name Faculty
vlan 99
name Management
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1
description Uplink to SW-Dist
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 20,99
no shutdown
exit
interface range fastethernet0/1-24
description Faculty Workstations
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 20
switchport port-security
switchport port-security maximum 2
switchport port-security violation shutdown
switchport port-security mac-address sticky
spanning-tree portfast
no shutdown
exit
interface vlan 99
ip address 10.0.99.20 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
exit
ip default-gateway 10.0.99.1
! SSH config (same as SW-Admin)
copy running-config startup-config
! Students VLAN (30) — most restrictive
enable
configure terminal
hostname SW-Lab
vlan 30
name Students
vlan 99
name Management
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1
description Uplink to SW-Dist
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 30,99
no shutdown
exit
interface range fastethernet0/1-24
description Student PCs
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 30
switchport port-security
switchport port-security maximum 1 ! Only 1 device per port for students
switchport port-security violation shutdown
switchport port-security mac-address sticky
spanning-tree portfast
no shutdown
exit
interface vlan 99
ip address 10.0.99.30 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
exit
ip default-gateway 10.0.99.1
! SSH config
copy running-config startup-config
! Similar to access switches but for servers
enable
configure terminal
hostname SW-Servers
vlan 40
name Servers
vlan 99
name Management
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1
description Uplink to SW-Dist
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 40,99
no shutdown
exit
interface fastethernet0/1
description Server1 Connection
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 40
no shutdown
exit
interface vlan 99
ip address 10.0.99.40 255.255.255.0
no shutdown
exit
ip default-gateway 10.0.99.1
copy running-config startup-config
| Switch | VLANs Present | Port Mode | Allowed VLANs on Trunk |
|---|---|---|---|
| SW-Dist | 10, 20, 30, 40, 99 | Trunk (dot1q) | All VLANs |
| SW-Admin | 10, 99 | Access/Trunk | 10, 99 |
| SW-Faculty | 20, 99 | Access/Trunk | 20, 99 |
| SW-Lab | 30, 99 | Access/Trunk | 30, 99 |
| SW-Servers | 40, 99 | Access/Trunk | 40, 99 |
# On any switch, verify VLAN configuration
show vlan brief
show interfaces trunk
show interfaces status
# Expected output example:
VLAN Name Status Ports
---- -------------------------------- --------- -------------------------------
1 default active Fa0/1, Fa0/2, ...
10 Admin active Fa0/1, Fa0/2, ...
20 Faculty active Fa0/1, Fa0/2, ...
30 Students active Fa0/1, Fa0/2, ...
40 Servers active Fa0/1
99 Management active Gi0/1
1002 fddi-default active
1003 token-ring-default active
1004 fddinet-default active
1005 trnet-default active
! R1 already has sub-interfaces configured:
! G0/1.10 — VLAN 10 (10.0.10.1/24)
! G0/1.20 — VLAN 20 (10.0.20.1/24)
! G0/1.30 — VLAN 30 (10.0.30.1/24)
! G0/1.40 — VLAN 40 (10.0.40.1/24)
! G0/1.99 — VLAN 99 (10.0.99.1/24)
! Verify routing
show ip route
show ip interface brief
! Uncomment ip routing on SW-Dist and add SVIs if not using router-on-a-stick
! interface vlan 10
! ip address 10.0.10.254 255.255.255.0
! no shutdown
!
! interface vlan 20
! ip address 10.0.20.254 255.255.255.0
! no shutdown
!
! etc.
! Then on R1, just have one interface to SW-Dist with IP 10.0.99.1
! SW-Dist becomes the gateway for all VLANs
! Configure DHCP pools for each VLAN
ip dhcp excluded-address 10.0.10.1 10.0.10.10
ip dhcp excluded-address 10.0.20.1 10.0.20.10
ip dhcp excluded-address 10.0.30.1 10.0.30.10
ip dhcp excluded-address 10.0.40.1 10.0.40.10
ip dhcp pool ADMIN_POOL
network 10.0.10.0 255.255.255.0
default-router 10.0.10.1
dns-server 10.0.40.10
domain-name edutech.local
lease 7
ip dhcp pool FACULTY_POOL
network 10.0.20.0 255.255.255.0
default-router 10.0.20.1
dns-server 10.0.40.10
domain-name edutech.local
lease 7
ip dhcp pool STUDENT_POOL
network 10.0.30.0 255.255.255.0
default-router 10.0.30.1
dns-server 10.0.40.10
domain-name edutech.local
lease 1
ip dhcp pool SERVER_POOL
network 10.0.40.0 255.255.255.0
default-router 10.0.40.1
dns-server 10.0.40.10
domain-name edutech.local
lease 30
! Enable DHCP on interfaces (ip helper-address if using L3 switch SVIs)
! For router-on-a-stick, sub-interfaces automatically forward DHCP broadcasts
! On R1 show ip dhcp binding show ip dhcp pool ! On a PC ! Go to Desktop → IP Configuration → DHCP ! Verify it gets: IP, Subnet, Gateway, DNS
! R1 — default route to ISP (already configured)
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.1.1
! ISP — route back to internal network (already configured)
ip route 10.0.0.0 255.255.0.0 192.168.1.2
! SW-Dist — default route to R1 (already configured)
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 10.0.99.1
! On R1:
router ospf 1
router-id 1.1.1.1
network 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 area 0
network 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.3 area 0
default-information originate
exit
! On SW-Dist (if L3 routing):
router ospf 1
router-id 2.2.2.2
network 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 area 0
exit
! Verify OSPF neighbors
show ip ospf neighbor
show ip route ospf
ACL OBJECTIVES:
1. Students cannot access Admin (VLAN 10) or Faculty (VLAN 20)
2. All users can access Servers (VLAN 40) — HTTP, DNS, Email only
3. Admin can access everything
4. Faculty can access Servers and Internet
5. Internet access for all VLANs
6. Students can only access Servers and Internet (not Admin/Faculty)
! ACL 101 — Restrict Student Access
! Apply to VLAN 30 inbound
access-list 101 deny ip 10.0.30.0 0.0.0.255 10.0.10.0 0.0.0.255
access-list 101 deny ip 10.0.30.0 0.0.0.255 10.0.20.0 0.0.0.255
access-list 101 permit ip 10.0.30.0 0.0.0.255 any
! ACL 102 — Restrict Faculty Internet (example: block social media)
! Apply to VLAN 20 inbound
access-list 102 permit ip 10.0.20.0 0.0.0.255 10.0.40.0 0.0.0.255
access-list 102 permit tcp 10.0.20.0 0.0.0.255 any eq 80
access-list 102 permit tcp 10.0.20.0 0.0.0.255 any eq 443
access-list 102 permit udp 10.0.20.0 0.0.0.255 any eq 53
access-list 102 deny ip 10.0.20.0 0.0.0.255 any
! ACL 103 — Restrict Server Access (only specific services)
! Apply to VLAN 40 inbound
access-list 103 permit tcp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 80
access-list 103 permit tcp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 443
access-list 103 permit udp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 53
access-list 103 permit tcp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 25
access-list 103 permit tcp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 110
access-list 103 permit icmp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10
access-list 103 deny ip any any log
! Apply ACLs to interfaces
interface gigabitethernet0/1.30
ip access-group 101 in
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1.20
ip access-group 102 in
exit
interface gigabitethernet0/1.40
ip access-group 103 in
exit
! Check ACLs show access-lists show ip interface gigabitethernet0/1.30 show access-list 101 ! Test ACL from Student PC: ! ping 10.0.10.1 should FAIL (blocked by ACL 101) ! ping 10.0.40.10 should SUCCEED ! HTTP to 10.0.40.10 should SUCCEED
! Open Server1 → Desktop → IP Configuration
IP Address: 10.0.40.10
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 10.0.40.1
DNS Server: 10.0.40.10 (self)
! Server1 → Services → DNS
! Enable DNS Service
! Add DNS Records:
Name: www.edutech.local Type: A Address: 10.0.40.10
Name: mail.edutech.local Type: A Address: 10.0.40.10
Name: dns.edutech.local Type: A Address: 10.0.40.10
Name: ftp.edutech.local Type: A Address: 10.0.40.10
! Test from PC:
! Desktop → Command Prompt → nslookup www.edutech.local
! Should return 10.0.40.10
! Server1 → Services → HTTP
! Enable HTTP
! Enable HTTPS (optional)
! Create a simple web page:
! Edit the index.html file:
<html>
<head><title>EduTech Academy</title></head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to EduTech Academy</h1>
<p>Internal Network Portal</p>
</body>
</html>
! Test from PC:
! Desktop → Web Browser → http://www.edutech.local
! Should display the welcome page
! Server1 → Services → Email
! Enable SMTP Service
! Enable POP3 Service
! Create Email Accounts:
Domain: edutech.local
User 1: admin@edutech.local Password: AdminPass123
User 2: faculty@edutech.local Password: FacultyPass123
! Test from PC (using Email client in Desktop → Email):
! Account: admin@edutech.local
! Incoming Mail Server: 10.0.40.10 (POP3)
! Outgoing Mail Server: 10.0.40.10 (SMTP)
! Send test email to faculty@edutech.local
! Check receipt on Faculty PC
! Verify SSH configuration on all routers and switches:
show ssh
show ip ssh
! Test SSH from Admin PC:
! Desktop → Command Prompt
ssh -l admin 10.0.99.1 (R1)
ssh -l admin 10.0.99.2 (SW-Dist)
! On access switches (SW-Admin, SW-Faculty, SW-Lab):
interface range fastethernet0/1-24
switchport port-security
switchport port-security maximum 2 (1 for student lab)
switchport port-security violation shutdown
switchport port-security mac-address sticky
switchport port-security aging time 5
!
! Verify:
show port-security
show port-security interface fastethernet0/1
show mac-address-table
! 1. Disable unused ports
interface range fastethernet0/10-24
shutdown
exit
! 2. BPDU Guard (prevents STP manipulation)
interface range fastethernet0/1-24
spanning-tree bpduguard enable
exit
! 3. Root Guard (prevents switch becoming root bridge)
interface gigabitethernet0/2-5
spanning-tree guard root
exit
! 4. Disable CDP on access ports (information disclosure)
interface range fastethernet0/1-24
no cdp enable
exit
! 5. Enable logging
logging host 10.0.40.10
logging trap debugging
service timestamps log datetime msec
| Test | From | To | Expected | Command |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Admin PC | Gateway (10.0.10.1) | Success | ping |
| 2 | Faculty PC | Gateway (10.0.20.1) | Success | ping |
| 3 | Student PC | Gateway (10.0.30.1) | Success | ping |
| 4 | Admin PC | Server (10.0.40.10) | Success | ping |
| 5 | Faculty PC | Server (10.0.40.10) | Success | ping |
| 6 | Student PC | Server (10.0.40.10) | Success | ping |
| 7 | Student PC | Admin (10.0.10.x) | FAIL | ping |
| 8 | Student PC | Faculty (10.0.20.x) | FAIL | ping |
| 9 | All PCs | Internet (8.8.8.1) | Success | ping |
| 10 | All PCs | DNS resolution | Success | nslookup |
! On any PC (Desktop → Command Prompt):
ping 10.0.10.1 ! Test gateway
tracert 8.8.8.1 ! Test path to internet
nslookup www.edutech.local ! Test DNS
ping 10.0.40.10 ! Test server connectivity
! On routers/switches (CLI):
show ip interface brief ! Verify interfaces
show ip route ! Verify routing table
show vlan brief ! Verify VLANs
show interfaces trunk ! Verify trunking
show access-lists ! Verify ACLs
ping 10.0.40.10 source 10.0.10.1 ! Extended ping
telnet 10.0.99.2 ! Test connectivity
Successful ping from Admin PC to Server:
C:\> ping 10.0.40.10
Reply from 10.0.40.10: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Blocked ping from Student PC to Admin:
C:\> ping 10.0.10.1
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Successful DNS resolution:
C:\> nslookup www.edutech.local
Server: 10.0.40.10
Name: www.edutech.local
Address: 10.0.40.10
Successful HTTP access:
C:\> curl http://www.edutech.local
(Should display webpage)
Symptom: PC in VLAN 10 cannot ping PC in VLAN 20
Causes:
- No inter-VLAN routing configured
- Trunk port missing allowed VLANs
- ACL blocking traffic
- Sub-interface not matching encapsulation
Check:
show running-config | section interface
show interfaces trunk
show access-lists
debug ip routing
Symptom: PCs get 169.254.x.x (APIPA) address
Causes:
- DHCP service not configured
- ip helper-address not set (on L3 switch SVIs)
- VLAN interface not up
- DHCP pool full
Check:
show ip dhcp binding
show ip dhcp pool
show interfaces vlan 10
debug ip dhcp server events
Symptom: ACL applied but traffic still passes
Causes:
- ACL applied in wrong direction
- ACL applied to wrong interface
- Implicit "permit any" before deny statements
- ACL not matching desired traffic
Check:
show access-lists
show ip interface [interface]
Check ACL line order (remember: first match wins)
Fix:
- Move ACL to correct interface/direction
- Add explicit "deny ip any any" at end
- Use "access-list [num] deny ip any any log" for testing
| Problem | Diagnostic Command |
|---|---|
| Interface down | show ip interface brief |
| No route | show ip route |
| VLAN missing | show vlan brief |
| Trunk not working | show interfaces trunk |
| ACL not working | show access-lists |
| DHCP not assigning | show ip dhcp binding |
| DNS not resolving | nslookup [hostname] |
| Port security violation | show port-security |
| MAC address unknown | show mac-address-table |
| STP blocking port | show spanning-tree |
hostname R1
!
username admin privilege 15 secret Password123
ip domain-name edutech.local
crypto key generate rsa modulus 1024
ip ssh version 2
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.252
no shutdown
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
no ip address
no shutdown
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1.10
encapsulation dot1Q 10
ip address 10.0.10.1 255.255.255.0
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1.20
encapsulation dot1Q 20
ip address 10.0.20.1 255.255.255.0
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1.30
encapsulation dot1Q 30
ip address 10.0.30.1 255.255.255.0
ip access-group 101 in
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1.40
encapsulation dot1Q 40
ip address 10.0.40.1 255.255.255.0
ip access-group 103 in
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1.99
encapsulation dot1Q 99
ip address 10.0.99.1 255.255.255.0
!
ip dhcp excluded-address 10.0.10.1 10.0.10.10
ip dhcp excluded-address 10.0.20.1 10.0.20.10
ip dhcp excluded-address 10.0.30.1 10.0.30.10
ip dhcp excluded-address 10.0.40.1 10.0.40.10
!
ip dhcp pool ADMIN_POOL
network 10.0.10.0 255.255.255.0
default-router 10.0.10.1
dns-server 10.0.40.10
!
ip dhcp pool FACULTY_POOL
network 10.0.20.0 255.255.255.0
default-router 10.0.20.1
dns-server 10.0.40.10
!
ip dhcp pool STUDENT_POOL
network 10.0.30.0 255.255.255.0
default-router 10.0.30.1
dns-server 10.0.40.10
lease 1
!
ip dhcp pool SERVER_POOL
network 10.0.40.0 255.255.255.0
default-router 10.0.40.1
dns-server 10.0.40.10
!
access-list 101 deny ip 10.0.30.0 0.0.0.255 10.0.10.0 0.0.0.255
access-list 101 deny ip 10.0.30.0 0.0.0.255 10.0.20.0 0.0.0.255
access-list 101 permit ip 10.0.30.0 0.0.0.255 any
!
access-list 103 permit tcp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 80
access-list 103 permit tcp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 443
access-list 103 permit udp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 53
access-list 103 permit tcp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 25
access-list 103 permit tcp 10.0.0.0 0.0.255.255 host 10.0.40.10 eq 110
access-list 103 deny ip any any log
!
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 192.168.1.1
!
line vty 0 4
login local
transport input ssh
!
enable secret EnableSecret789
!
end
| Extension | Description | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Network | Add a wireless LAN controller (WLC) and AP for faculty | Medium |
| VoIP | Add IP phones in Admin and Faculty VLANs | Medium |
| VPN | Configure site-to-site VPN between R1 and a remote router | Hard |
| VLAN Trunking Protocol | Configure VTP server/client | Medium |
| EtherChannel | Bundle two trunk links between SW-Dist and access switches | Medium |
| SNMP | Configure SNMP v3 for network monitoring | Medium |
| RADIUS | Configure RADIUS authentication for switch management | Hard |
| IPv6 | Implement dual-stack IPv6 alongside IPv4 | Medium |
| HSTP/RSTP | Enable Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol | Medium |
| QoS | Configure QoS for VoIP traffic priority | Medium |
EXTENSION: Add a Branch Office
Branch network:
- Branch Router (R2)
- Connected via Serial link to R1
- OSPF routing between sites
- Subnet: 172.16.0.0/16 space
Configuration needed:
- Serial interfaces on both routers
- OSPF area 0 across both sites
- Inter-site routing and security
Before marking this project complete:
Save your progress and earn XP for completing tutorials.
2 questions · Pass with 70%+
1What command creates a VLAN 20 named "Faculty" on a Cisco switch?
2What is the purpose of `switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,99`?
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