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Experiment Name: Configuring & Passing Packet or Messages for a Custom Topology
Using Socket and End System.
1. Introduction: A socket in computer networking functions like a virtual doorway that enables
two programs to exchange data over a network. It allows communication between computers by
sending and receiving messages through various connection setups. Just like communication over
the internet, it demonstrates how data travels between end systems. This process of organizing and
transmitting packets helps us better understand how networks operate in real-life situations.
2. Objectives:
1. To create a small customized network in Cisco Packet Tracer by connecting different computers
and devices.
2. To exchange messages or data packets between computers and verify successful delivery.
3. To observe and understand the step-by-step movement of data from one system to another
within the network.
3. System Components:
1. End Devices (PCs): PC0, PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5, PC6, PC7, PC8, PC9(used as
sender/receiver of messages).
Fig:2.1: End Devices
2. Switch: Three Cisco 2950T-24 switches (Switch0) are used to connect the PCs within the
LAN.
Fig:2.2: Switch(2950T-24)
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3. Connections (Cables): Copper Straight-Through Cables: used to connect each PC to the
switch.
4. Software: Cisco Packet Tracer (for simulation).
5. Protocol: IMCP
[Link]:
4.1: PC setup:
To configure the IP address of each PC in Cisco Packet Tracer:
1. Click on the PC and go to the Desktop tab.
Fig 2.3: PC1 Desktop Page
2. Select IP Configuration and this page will appear.
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Fig 2.4: IP Configuration of PC0
3. Select Static under the IP Configuration option.
4. Enter the desired IP Address ([Link]).
1. The Subnet Mask ([Link]) will be filled in automatically.
2. Keep the Default Gateway and DNS Server fields set to [Link].
5. Follow the same procedure for the remaining PCs, assigning each one a distinct IP
address as follows:
1. PC1 → [Link]
2. PC2 → [Link]
3. PC3 → [Link]
4. PC4 → [Link]
5. PC5 → [Link]
6. PC6 → [Link]
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7. PC7 → [Link]
8. PC8 → [Link]
This finalizes the IP configuration for all the PCs in the network topology.
4.2 Connecting Wires: We use copper straight-through cables to connect PCs to switches and
crossover cables to connect one switch to another. Once the cables are properly connected, the
topology is ready for sending and receiving messages.
Fig 2.5: Network Topology After Connecting Cables
4.3 Simulation: Now that the topology is ready, we can send messages. PC0 is selected as the
sender and PC5 as the receiver. PC0 sends a message to PC5, which then returns an
acknowledgement to PC0. Communication is considered successful only if both the message and
the acknowledgement are delivered correctly. To verify this, we use the Simulation mode to
observe the transmission process. As shown in Figure 2.6, PC5 receives the message correctly,
and in Figure 2.7, PC0 receives the acknowledgement properly. This confirms that the message
was successfully delivered.
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Fig 2.6: Message received correctly by PC2
Fig 2.7: Acknowledgement received correctly by PC0
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5. Result and Discussion: After assigning IP addresses and connecting all three PCs to the
switch using copper straight-through cables, and linking all switches with crossover cables, all PCs
were able to communicate with each other. Using the ping command, each PC received replies
from the others, indicating that the network was correctly set up and packets were transmitted
without any issues. This demonstrates that the switches functioned properly in passing data within
the LAN and highlights the importance of correct IP addressing and proper cabling for successful
communication. The ping test confirmed that all PCs were connected and the entire topology was
operational.
6. Conclusion: This lab successfully demonstrated how to build a small network in Cisco Packet
Tracer using three PCs, three switches, straight-through cables, and crossover cables. After proper
configuration, all devices were able to send and receive packets, verifying that the network setup
was correct. The experiment provided a clear understanding of basic LAN communication and
emphasized the crucial role of IP addressing and switches in network connectivity.