Experiment – 1

Aim : To implement Star Topology using Hub using Cisco Packet Tracer.
Introduction –
In a Star Topology, each device has a dedicated point to point link only with a central
device (controller) called Hub. The devices are not connected directly to each other. It is one
of most prevalent computer network configurations. All the peripheral devices are called
clients, while the central network device serves as a server.

Figure 1.1 : A Hub connected to 5 clients in Star Topology

The above image is an example of Star Topology which will help us to understand clearly
about Star topology. We can see that Hub is the central device here connected to 5 different
Clients. Each node in this diagram has a direct point-to-point link to the central device, yet no
single node can communicate directly with the others. Therefore, before reaching the
destination, each message has to pass through this central device (Hub).

Advantages –
1. Centralized management of the network, through the use of the central computer,
HUB or Switch.
2. Easy to add another computer to the network.
3. If one computer on the network fails, the rest of the network continues to
function normally.
4. The Star topology is used in Local Area Networks [LAN].

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Disadvantages –
1. Can have a higher cost to implement as the cost of hub is very high.
2. If the central device fails complete network gets affected.
3. Mobility of devices get affected due to central device.
4. The central hub determines the performance and number of nodes the network
can handle.

Working of Hub –
The Hub is a less smart device. It works on Open System Interconnection (OSI)
model. They connect multiple devices to it. The hub cannot filter data i.e. it cannot identify
the destination of data. So the hub broadcasts data or message to every computer or other
devices altogether connected to it. And it ensures that it will reach to its intended destination
that generates a lot of traffic on the network.

Table No. 1 : Addressing Table

Serial No. Device Name Interface IP Address Subnet Mask

1. PC-PT PC1 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0

2. PC-PT PC2 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.2 255.255.255.0
3. PC-PT PC3 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.3 255.255.255.0
4. PC-PT PC4 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.4 255.255.255.0
5. LAPTOP0 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.5 255.255.255.0

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Result –

Figure 1.2 : Result of sending messages from pc1 to different pc’s

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 Experiment – 2
Aim : To implement Star Topology using Switch using Cisco Packet Tracer.
Objective –
In a Star Topology, each device has a dedicated point to point link only with a central
device (controller). In this experiment, we will use Switch . The devices are not connected
directly to each other. It is one of most prevalent computer network configurations. All the
peripheral devices are called clients, while the central network device serves as a server.

Figure 2.1: A Switch connected to 5 clients in Star Topology

The above image is an example of Star Topology which will help us to understand clearly
about Star topology. We can see that Switch is the central device here connected to 6
different Clients. Each node in this diagram has a direct point-to-point link to the central
device, yet no single node can communicate directly with the others. Therefore, before
reaching the destination, each message has to pass through this central device (Switch).

Advantages –
1. Centralized management of the network, through the use of the central computer,
HUB or Switch.
2. Easy to add another computer to the network.

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 3. If one computer on the network fails, the rest of the network continues to
function normally.
4. The Star topology is used in Local Area Networks [LAN].
Disadvantages –
1. Can have a higher cost to implement as the cost of Switch is very high.
2. If the central device fails complete network gets affected.
3. Mobility of devices get affected due to central device.
4. The central Switch determines the performance and number of nodes the
network can handle.

Working of Switch –
The Switch is a very smart device. It works on Open System Interconnection (OSI)
model. They connect multiple devices to it. When a data frame arrives at any port of a
network switch, it examines the destination address, performs necessary checks and sends the
frame to the corresponding device(s). It supports unicast, multicast as well as broadcast
communications. It uses MAC addresses (addresses of medium access control sublayer) to
send data packets to selected destination ports. When a packet enters the switch, the switch
reads its header, then matches the destination address or addresses and sends the packet out
through the appropriate ports that lead to the destination devices. Transmission mode is full
duplex, i.e. communication in the channel occurs in both the directions at the same time. Due
to this collision do not occur. Switches generally have higher number of ports as well. And it
uses packet switching techniques to receive or send data packets (data or messages) from the
source to destination device. As we know Switches use MAC addresses to identify the
destination devices, but in case if MAC address is not known then the message or data packet
is flooded to all ports (connected devices).

Table No. 2 : Addressing Table

Serial No. Device Name Interface IP Address Subnet Mask
1. PC-PT PC1 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0
2. PC-PT PC2 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.2 255.255.255.0
3. PC-PT PC3 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.3 255.255.255.0
4. LAPTOP1 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.4 255.255.255.0
5. LAPTOP2 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.5 255.255.255.0
6. SERVER1 FASTETHERNET(0) 192.168.10.6 255.255.255.0

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Result –

Figure 1.2 : Result of sending messages from pc2 to different pc’s