Two computers that are connected through a router are actually on separate networks if properly configured. Having a computer communicate another on a different network is a complex process, but Packet Tracer makes it easy to setup the design and configuration.In about 10-15 minutes, the most basic of all networks can be constructed and working.

The running configuration of the router can be accessed by using a console cable and setting up a connection from one of the desktop machines. The console cable isn\’t necessary for Packet Tracer, but if you plan on programming a real router you will definitely need one. You will also need a crossover cable so that you may connect the desktop machines to the router\’s individual Ethernet ports.

Each of the computers on the network will need an IP address for routing information from one network to another. You will also have to assign an IP address to each Ethernet port of the router. The Ethernet port connected to a single desktop machine will share the same network address, but will have a different host address. There will be two separate networks; one on each of the Ethernet ports. The IP address you assign may not be a reserved number or duplicated among ports.

Even with all of the IP address information in place, and the Ethernet ports configured, there is still something missing. We haven\’t installed a gateway address on the desktop machines. Without a gateway address, the computer won\’t be able to send and receive information over the network. It\’s simple to assign: the gateway address is going to be the IP address of the Ethernet interface that is connected to the desktop in question.

We can confirm that the network was set up properly by pinging a computer from another. As long as you did everything correctly, you should get a success message when using the command line interface. If you get an error regarding a time out, odds are you have input the wrong IP address information or forgot to open the Ethernet ports of the router. Troubleshooting is a valuable skill to have, so try to fix the problem yourself before asking for help if you get stuck on a problem.

Final Thoughts

A basic network is easy to setup in theory, but harder to actually create. Confusing Cisco IOS commands and problems such as a faulty cable is enough to give anyone a hard time. Internet tutorials and troubleshooting tactics are a good solution if you have hit a stumbling block.

Learn more on packet tracer and how to configure router in packet tracer.

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Using Packet Tracer To Design A Small Computer Network is a post from: Computer Troubleshooting