1. What is Packet Tracer?

Cisco Packet Tracer is a powerful network simulation and visualization tool by

Cisco to practice networking, IoT, and cybersecurity skills. The virtual learning
environment comes in handy to learn courses, professional training, work planning, and
so on.
As the name says, this software is built by Cisco and can be used to practice
Networking related labs virtually. Packet tracer is an excellent tool for having hands-on
experience on devices like Cisco Routers, Switches, HUB, and end devices like PC,
Laptop, Server, and many more.

2. What is the basic of Packet Tracer?

Basic Packet Tracer is a simplified version of Cisco Packet Tracer, designed for
entry-level networking education and training. It offers a subset of the features available
in the full version of Packet Tracer, making it more accessible to beginners and users
with basic networking knowledge.

3. What are the Features of Cisco Packet Tracer?

Some of the key features of Packet Tracer are:

 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

 Device Simulation
 Network Protocols
 E-learning
 Visualizing Networks
 Real-time and simulation mode
 Compatible on various platforms
 Support to all languages
 Most networking protocols are supported
 Environment is interactive
 Can be used on unlimited devices

4. How do I use Packet Tracer Tool?

Now we will look into our first and very basic practical on Cisco Packet Tracer and learn
how to use it.
Step 1 – Open Packet Tracer and go to End Devices Category.
Step 2 – Click on PC and drag it to place it in the workspace. Place two PCs like this.

Step 3 – Click on PC 0 and go to the Desktop tab.

Step 4 – Click on IP Configuration and configure IP address: 192.168.10.1 as shown

below.

Step 5 – Configure the IP address – 192.168.10.2 on PC 1

Step 6 – Go to Connections Category and select “Automatically Choose Connection

type”
 Step 7 – Click on PC0 and connect the cable to PC1
Now, these two PCs are connected, and in order to check the connectivity, you can
follow the steps below:

Step 8 – Click on Add Simple PDU option.

Click on PC0, and you will see a message appearing on PC0 as shown below; now click on
PC1 to make the communication between devices.

You can check the action status in the PDU list window on the bottom right side.

5. How to use simulation in Packet Tracer?

Here's a basic guide on how to use simulation in Packet Tracer:
1. Create a Network Topology: First, open Packet Tracer and create a network topology
by dragging and dropping devices from the device palette onto the workspace.
Connect the devices using appropriate cables (e.g., Ethernet cables for connecting PCs
to switches).
2. Configure Devices: Configure the devices in your network topology by double-clicking
on them to access their configuration windows. Configure IP addresses, subnet
masks, default gateways, VLANs, routing protocols, etc., as needed for your
simulation.
3. Start Simulation: Once your network topology is configured, click on the "Simulation"
tab at the bottom of the screen to enter simulation mode. You can also press the "Ctrl
+ Shift + S" shortcut key to switch to simulation mode.
4. Interact with Devices: In simulation mode, you can interact with devices by clicking
on them. You can open the command line interface (CLI) of routers and switches,
access the desktop of PCs, or configure settings of other devices.
5. Send Packets: You can simulate network traffic by sending packets from one device to
another. For example, you can ping from a PC to another PC or router to test
connectivity. To send a packet, select the source device, click on the "Desktop" tab (if
 applicable), and open a command prompt or terminal. Then, use commands like
"ping" or "traceroute" to send packets to other devices.
6. View Packet Tracer Activity: As packets are sent and received, you can observe their
movement through the network topology. Packet Tracer visually represents the flow
of packets, showing their paths and any network devices they pass through.
7. Troubleshoot Network Issues: If you encounter network issues or connectivity
problems during simulation, you can use Packet Tracer's simulation features to
troubleshoot. You can check device configurations, verify connectivity, and diagnose
network problems by observing packet flow and device behavior.
8. Exit Simulation Mode: To exit simulation mode and return to the design mode, click
on the "Realtime" tab at the bottom of the screen or press the "Ctrl + Shift + D"
shortcut key.

6. How to connect components in Packet Tracer?

The components of the Packet Tracer interface are as follows:
Area 1: Menu bar – This is a common menu found in all software applications; it is used
to open, save, print, change preferences, and so on.
Area 2: Main toolbar – This bar provides shortcut icons to menu options that are
commonly accessed, such as open, save, zoom, undo, and redo, and on the right-hand
side is an icon for entering network information for the current network.
Area 3: Logical/Physical workspace tabs – These tabs allow you to toggle between the
Logical and Physical work areas.
Area 4: Workspace – This is the area where topologies are created and simulations are
displayed.
Area 5: Common tools bar – This toolbar provides controls for manipulating topologies,
such as select, move layout, place note, delete, inspect, resize shape, and add
simple/complex PDU.
Area 6: Realtime/Simulation tabs – These tabs are used to toggle between the real and
simulation modes. Buttons are also provided to control the time, and to capture the
packets.
Area 7: Network component box – This component contains all of the network and end
devices available with Packet Tracer, and is further divided into two areas:
Area 7a: Device-type selection box – This area contains device categories
Area 7b: Device-specific selection box – When a device category is selected, this
selection box displays the different device models within that category
Area 8: User-created packet box – Users can create highly-customized packets to test
their topology from this area, and the results are displayed as a list.

7. What protocols does Packet Tracer support?

Packet Tracer supports a wide range of networking protocols, including but not limited
to:
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
DNS (Domain Name System)
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
SSH (Secure Shell)
 Telnet
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol)
RIP (Routing Information Protocol)
BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)
STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)
EtherChannel
HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol)
VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol)

8. What is the impact of Cisco Packet Tracer in Computer Networks?

 Education and Training
 Skill Development
 Access to Resources
 Experimentation and Exploration
 Certification Preparation
 Cost Savings

9. Why is Packet Tracer useful?

The main purpose of Cisco Packet Tracer is to help students learn the principles of
networking with hands-on experience as well as develop Cisco technology specific skills. Since
the protocols are implemented in software only method, this tool cannot replace the hardware
Routers or Switches. Using this tool is widely encouraged as it is part of the curriculum like
CCNA, CCENT where Faculties use Packet Trace to demonstrate technical concepts and
networking systems. Student’s complete assignments using this tool, working on their own or in
teams.

10. Why is using Cisco Packet Tracer for network simulation and education important?
Cisco Packet Tracer stands as a cornerstone tool for learning, practicing, and mastering
networking skills in today's digital age. Its intuitive interface, comprehensive features, and
extensive library of networking devices make it an indispensable asset for students, educators,
and professionals alike. By leveraging Packet Tracer's capabilities, individuals can gain hands-on
experience, build confidence, and unlock exciting opportunities in the dynamic field of
networking. Whether pursuing academic goals, advancing professional aspirations, or simply
exploring the intricacies of network technology, Cisco Packet Tracer empowers users to chart
their course to success in the ever-expanding realm of connectivity.
References:

 https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-cisco-packet-tracer/
 https://www.pynetlabs.com/cisco-packet-tracer/
COMPUTER COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Brgy. 14, Sikatuna St., Old Albay, Legazpi City

CISCO
PACKET
TRACER
(NETWORKING 1)
BSIT 2-A

NOEME M. NUÑEZ
Submitted by:

ROMEL BARCELON
Submitted by: