The objective of this lab activity is to familiarize students with the basic configuration of a Cisco switch using Cisco Packet Tracer. Students will learn essential switch configuration commands and understand how to set up and manage switch interfaces. Additionally, they will learn how to configure VLANs on packet tracers. Learn more about physical and virtual LANs.

Equipment and Software Requirements

• Cisco Packet Tracer (Download from the Cisco Networking Academy website)
• Cisco switch in Packet Tracer

Topology Setup

• Create a simple network topology with one Cisco switch and two PCs.
• Connect the PCs to the switch using appropriate cables (Ethernet cables).

Basic Switch Configuration

Access the Cisco switch CLI or use the graphical interface in Packet Tracer.

Configure a hostname for the switch (e.g., Switch1).

Switch1> enable
Switch1# configure terminal
Switch1(config)# hostname Switch1
Switch1(config)# end
Switch1#

VLAN Configuration

Create a VLAN on the switch.

Switch1# configure terminal
Switch1(config)# vlan 100
Switch1(config-vlan)# name Admin
Switch1(config-vlan)# exit
Switch1(config)# vlan 101
Switch1(config-vlan)# name Quality-Assuarance
Switch1(config-vlan)# exit
Switch1(config)# vlan 103
Switch1(config-vlan)# name Developpers
Switch1(config-vlan)# exit
Switch1#

Interface Configuration

Configure FastEthernet interfaces on the switch.

Switch1# configure terminal
Switch1(config)# interface range FastEthernet0/1 - 2
Switch1(config-if-range)# switchport mode access
Switch1(config-if-range)# switchport access vlan 100
Switch1(config-if-range)# end
Switch1#

Note: This sets interfaces FastEthernet0/1 and FastEthernet0/2 to access mode and assigns them to VLAN 10.

Verify Configuration

Use various show commands to verify your switch configuration.

Switch1# show running-config
Switch1# show interfaces status
Switch1# show vlan

In this lab activity, you have configured a Cisco switch using Cisco Packet Tracer. By setting up a basic switch configuration, creating VLANs, and verifying the configuration, you have gained practical experience in managing a switch in a simulated network environment. This foundational knowledge will be crucial as you progress to more advanced networking concepts.