National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (NUCES), Islamabad

Computer Networks Lab

Fall 2024
Week 01
Introduction to Cisco
Introduction:
Packet Tracer is a protocol simulator developed at Cisco Systems. Packet Tracer (PT) is a powerful
and dynamic tool that displays the various protocols used in networking, in either Real Time or
Simulation mode. This includes layer 2 protocols such as Ethernet and PPP, layer 3 protocols such as
IP, ICMP, and ARP, and layer 4 protocols such as TCP and UDP. Routing protocols can also be traced.
Packet Tracer is a supplement to and not a replacement for experience with real equipment. Students
are encouraged to compare the results obtained from Packet Tracer network models with the
behavior of real equipment.
Packet Tracer is a powerful network simulator that can be utilized in training for Network
certifications by allowing students to create networks with an almost unlimited number of devices
and to experience troubleshooting without having to buy real Cisco routers or switches. The tool is
created by Cisco Systems. The purpose of Packet Tracer is to offer students a tool to learn the
principles of networking as well as develop Cisco technology specific skills. However, it is not being
used as a replacement for Routers or Switches.
As a network engineer, it is used to simulate complex scenarios first on packet tracer and then deploy
them on the real equipment’s. Please notice though, the labs will not teach you networking, but
rather let teach you how to simulate and apply your networking related knowledge.

Network:
A computer network, or data network, is a digital telecommunications network which allows nodes
to share resources. In computer networks, computing devices exchange data with each other using
connections (data links) between nodes.

Network Topology:
Network topology is the arrangement of the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a communication
network. Network topology is the topological structure of a network and may be depicted physically
or logically.

Types of network topologies:

There are five common topologies in networks:
1- Mesh topology
2- Star topology
3- Bus topology
4- Ring topology
5- Tree topology
 National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (NUCES), Islamabad

Mesh topology:
A network setup where each computer and network device are interconnected with one another,
allowing for most transmissions to be distributed, even if one of the connections go down. It is a
topology commonly used for wireless networks. Below is a visual example of a simple computer setup
on a network using a mesh topology.

Star topology:
A Star network is one of the most common computer network topologies. In its simplest form, a star
network consists of one central hub which acts as a conduit to transmit messages. In star topology,
every host is connected to a central hub. A star network is an implementation of a spoke–hub
distribution paradigm in computer networks.

Bus topology:
A bus network is a network topology in which nodes are directly connected to a common linear (or
branched) half-duplex link called a bus.
 National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (NUCES), Islamabad
Ring topology:
A ring topology is a network configuration in which device connections create a circular data
path. Each networked device is connected to two others, like points on a circle. Together, devices in
a ring topology are referred to as a ring network.

Tree topology:
A tree topology is a special type of structure in which many connected elements are arranged like
the branches of a tree. For example, tree topologies are frequently used to organize the computers
in a corporate network, or the information in a database.

Methods of transferring a message

Unicast
Unicast transmission is defined as a type of transmission of data in which data is transferred from one node( single sender
node) to another node( single receiver node). Unicast transmission is a type of one-to-one communication. The sender
node is from one network whereas the receiver node belongs to another.
 National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (NUCES), Islamabad
Multicast
Multicast is defined as a type of transmission of data where one or more sending hosts sends the data packets to one or
more receiving hosts in another network. This type of transmission is known as one-to-many communication. Class D of IP
address is reserved for multicast groups. Multicast is more efficient than unicast when multiple nodes want to receive the
same data.

Broadcast
Broadcast is defined as a type of transmission where data is transmitted from one source node to all other destination
nodes. Broadcast transmission is a type of one to all communication approach. Broadcast transmission is used where all
other present nodes need to see the data transmitted from the source. It is used in protocols such as Routing Information
Protocol(RIP) and Address Resolution Protocol(ARP).

Network Devices
Hub
Hub is a very simple network device that is used in LANs. It is basically a multiport repeater. Hubs do not decide
anything and forwards any traffic to all of the ports. So, they are not smart devices. They have multiple ports
that connects different network equipment in the same network. But this device the network bandwidth

Switch
Switch is a network device that works in Layer 2 (Data Link Layer). It is a smart device that collects data and
switches the traffic according ot this data. Switches have many ports and with these characteristics, they
expand the network through endpoints.

Router
A Router is a network device that works on Layer 3. It is basically used to connect different networks. Router is
a smart device. So it calculates the routes according to some algorithms and then makes the route decision.
Then forwards the packets according to the Layer 3 IP addresses.
 National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (NUCES), Islamabad

Practice Tasks
Task 1:
Construct a Mesh network topology which have four switches connected with 4 computers and
assign them proper IP addresses, and subnet mask. Also, show the status of the PDU, by sending PDU
from one PC to another.

Task 2:
Construct a star network topology which have one Hub connected with 4 computers and assign them
proper IP addresses, subnet mask and default gateways, also show the status of the PDU, by sending
PDU from one PC to another.

Task 3:
Construct a ring network topology which have five switches connected with 5 computers and assign
them proper IP addresses, and subnet mask. Also, show the status of the PDU, by sending PDU from
one PC to another.

Submission Guidelines:
1. Do not zip your tasks, upload your tasks separately on GCR with naming convention :
rollNumber_TaskNumber.pkt, along with the screenshot of the topology with the
successful message.
2. Pledgerism will result in ZERO marks.
3. No late submission will be marked.