Title: Simple Network using Hub, Switch and Routers
Theory:
Computer Networking:
Networking refers to the practice of connecting multiple devices together to facilitate the
exchange of information and resources. It involves the establishment of communication
pathways and protocols that enable devices to communicate, share data, and collaborate within a
networked environment.
In a network, devices such as computers, servers, printers, routers, switches, and other
networking equipment are interconnected to form a system that allows for efficient data
transmission and resource sharing. Networking enables devices to communicate with each other,
access shared resources, and utilize network services.
The primary objectives of networking are:
Data Communication: Networking enables devices to exchange data and information with each
other. This includes sharing files, sending messages, accessing websites, streaming media, and
other forms of digital communication.
Resource Sharing: Networks allow devices to share resources such as printers, storage devices,
databases, and applications. This enables efficient utilization of shared resources across multiple
devices.
Collaboration: Networking enables collaboration and teamwork by facilitating communication
and data sharing among users. It allows multiple users to work on the same project, share
documents, and coordinate activities in real-time.
Centralized Management: Networks provide centralized management capabilities, allowing
administrators to control and monitor network devices, user access, security settings, and
network performance. This centralization simplifies administration tasks and enhances network
security.
Scalability: Networking allows for the expansion and scalability of the network infrastructure.
New devices can be easily added to the network, and the network capacity can be increased to
accommodate growing demands.
Internet Connectivity: Networking provides access to the Internet, which is a global network of
networks. Internet connectivity allows users to access a vast array of online resources, services,
and information.
Networking is achieved through the use of various technologies, protocols, and networking
devices. These include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol), routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking components.
Hub:
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices together in a local area
network (LAN). It operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model, meaning it
primarily deals with the transmission of raw data signals.
Switch:
A switch is a device that connects multiple devices together in a local area network (LAN). It
operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and provides intelligent data
forwarding capabilities.
A switch is designed to receive data packets from devices connected to its ports and forward
them to the appropriate destination. Unlike a hub that broadcasts data to all connected devices, a
switch examines the data packets' destination MAC addresses and selectively forwards them
only to the port where the destination device is connected. This process is known as "switching"
and helps optimize network performance by reducing collisions and unnecessary traffic.
Routers:
A router is a networking device that operates at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model. It
is responsible for connecting multiple networks together, directing network traffic, and making
intelligent decisions regarding the best path for data to travel between networks.
Implementation:
The illustration of networking using Hub , switches and Routers is done by using cisco packet
tracer. Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation and visualization tool developed by Cisco
Systems. It is widely used by network professionals, students, and educators to design, configure,
and troubleshoot network setups. Cisco Packet Tracer provides a virtual environment where
users can create and simulate network topologies, devices, and network traffic.
Fig: Connection using Hub
Step to configure Network using Hub:
a. Add Devices: From the device palette on the left side of the Packet Tracer window, select a hub
device. Drag and drop it onto the workspace to add it to your network.
b. Connect Devices: Add other devices to your network, such as computers or laptops, by selecting
them from the device palette and placing them on the workspace. Connect these devices to the
hub by dragging a network cable from each device's Ethernet port to an available port on the hub.
c. Configure IP Addresses: Right-click on each computer or laptop and select "Config" to configure
their IP addresses. Assign unique IP addresses to each device in the same subnet. For example,
you can use the IP addresses 192.168.10.10, 192.168.10.11, 192.168.10.12, and so on, with a
subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
Simple Network using Switch:
Step to configure Network using Switch:
a. Add Devices: From the device palette on the left side of the Packet Tracer window, select a hub
device. Drag and drop it onto the workspace to add it to your network.
b. Connect Devices: Add other devices to your network, such as computers or laptops, by selecting
them from the device palette and placing them on the workspace. Connect these devices to the
hub by dragging a network cable from each device's Ethernet port to an available port on the hub.
c. Configure IP Addresses: Right-click on each computer or laptop and select "Config" to configure
their IP addresses. Assign unique IP addresses to each device in the same subnet. For example,
you can use the IP addresses 192.168.10.10, 192.168.10.11, 192.168.10.12, and so on, with a
subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
CLI command to show mac-address-table
Enable
Show mac-address-table
Show vlan
Simple Network using Routers and switch
Steps to config using Routers
a. Add Devices: From the device palette on the left side of the Packet Tracer window, select a
router device. Drag and drop it onto the workspace to add it to your network. Similarly, select a
switch device and add it to the workspace.
b. Connect Devices: Add other devices to your network, such as computers or laptops, by selecting
them from the device palette and placing them on the workspace. Connect these devices to the
switch by dragging a network cable from each device's Ethernet port to an available port on the
switch.
c. Connect Router and Switch: Connect the router and switch together by dragging a network cable
from one of the router's Ethernet ports to an available port on the switch.
d. Configure IP Addresses: Right-click on each device and select "Config" to configure their IP
addresses. Assign unique IP addresses to each device in the same subnet. For example, you can
use the IP addresses 192.168.0.1, 192.168.0.2, 192.168.0.3, and so on, with a subnet mask of
255.255.255.0.
e. Configure Router: Double-click on the router to open its configuration window. Configure the
router's interfaces with IP addresses and subnet masks that correspond to the network you want
to create. You may also need to configure routing protocols (such as static routes or dynamic
routing protocols like OSPF or RIP) to enable communication between different networks.
Conclusion:
In this Lab we learnt about created a network among the PCs by different methods. We utilized
switch, hub, router as a networking device to connect those PCs to establish a network among
them using a ethernet wire. Hubs were explored as the simplest networking devices. Switches, on
the other hand, demonstrated significant improvements over hubs. Routers played a crucial role
in connecting multiple networks together.