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https://github.com/pakagronglb/basic-lan-homelab-setup

This repository contains a comprehensive tutorial and configuration files for simulating a small office LAN environment using Cisco Packet Tracer.
https://github.com/pakagronglb/basic-lan-homelab-setup

cisco-packet-tracer homelab it itsm vlan

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This repository contains a comprehensive tutorial and configuration files for simulating a small office LAN environment using Cisco Packet Tracer.

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README 

          
## Introduction



In today’s interconnected world, the ability to design, configure, and manage local area networks (LANs) is essential for IT professionals, engineers, and network enthusiasts alike. This report presents a detailed tutorial-based review of a basic LAN homelab setup designed to emulate a small office network environment. The simulation was conducted using Cisco Packet Tracer software, an industry-recognized network simulation tool widely used for educational purposes and practical training.



The network modeled in this exercise includes three wired desktop computers, one network printer, and one wireless laptop, all connected through a shared LAN infrastructure. The central router is configured to provide Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) services, enabling automatic IP address allocation across both wired and wireless devices.



The primary aim of the lab is to provide a hands-on demonstration of fundamental network concepts, including device interconnection, IP addressing scheme design, VLAN segmentation (through subnetting), DHCP configuration, wireless network setup, and network diagnostics. This tutorial report not only documents the step-by-step procedures but also offers a critical evaluation of the setup process, configuration best practices, potential challenges, and enhancements.



## Objectives



- Simulate a small office network topology using Cisco Packet Tracer.

- Connect three wired PCs and one printer to a switch and router.

- Integrate a wireless router providing access to a wireless laptop.

- Configure the router for DHCP services, managing wired and wireless IP pools.

- Establish wireless security using WPA2 encryption.

- Test and verify connectivity among all devices and the router.

- Deliver a comprehensive tutorial and review including insights and recommendations.



## Overview of the Network Topology (See Screenshot 01)



The learning environment models a small office LAN segmented into two IP subnets reflecting wired and wireless device groupings:



| Segment  | Connected Devices           | IP Subnet      | Gateway IP                    |

| -------- | --------------------------- | -------------- | ----------------------------- |

| Wired    | PC-0, PC-1, PC-2, Printer-0 | 192.168.1.0/24 | 192.168.1.1 (Router)          |

| Wireless | Laptop-0                    | 192.168.2.0/24 | 192.168.2.1 (Wireless Router) |



SCR-20250802-qjuj




**Screenshot 01**



The hardware components used include:



- **Router-0:** Cisco router with two gigabit interfaces, one connecting to the wired LAN switch and the other linking to the wireless router.

- **Switch-0:** Layer 2 switch connecting all wired end devices.

- **WirelessRouter-0:** Provides wireless access point capabilities and manages the wireless IP subnet.

- **End Devices:** Three PCs, one printer, and a wireless laptop.



This hierarchical structure exemplifies a common real-world design pattern where wireless and wired networks are segregated but centrally managed.



## Detailed Setup and Configuration Steps



## Step 1: Device Selection and Workspace Preparation



Using Cisco Packet Tracer:



- From the **End Devices** section, drag and drop PCs-0, 1, and 2, the Laptop-0, and Printer-0 into the workspace.

- From **Network Devices**, place Router-0, Switch-0, and WirelessRouter-0 strategically to visualize the network topology clearly.



This foundational step ensures all necessary components are visually represented before configuration begins.



*Review Insight:* The Packet Tracer environment simplistically models real devices but captures key interface naming and functionality, providing an excellent learning tool. Careful workspace layout (as reflected in Screenshot 01) aids clarity during the connectivity phase.



## Step 2: Establishing Physical Network Connections



**Wired Connections:**



- Utilize copper straight-through cables to connect:

  - Each PC and the printer to individual ports on Switch-0.

  - Router-0’s GigabitEthernet 0/0 interface to one of the switch ports.



**Wireless Connections:**



- Use a crossover cable to connect WirelessRouter-0’s Internet (WAN) port to Router-0’s GigabitEthernet 0/1 interface.



*Technical Rationale:* Straight-through cables connect different device types (PC to Switch), while crossover cables connect similar device types (Router to Router or Router to Wireless Router WAN interface) ensuring proper pinouts.



*Review Insight:* This cabling strategy mirrors industry best practices and solidifies understanding of Ethernet standards in a live networking environment.



## Step 3: Router-0 Configuration for IP Addressing and DHCP Services



Accessing Router-0’s CLI enables granular control:



1. **Interface Setup:**



   - Configure GigabitEthernet 0/0 for the wired LAN:



     ```

     text

     ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0

     no shutdown

     ```



   - Configure GigabitEthernet 0/1 for the wireless router connection:



     ```

     text

     ip address 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0

     no shutdown

     ```



2. **DHCP Configuration:**



   - Create DHCP pools for wired (LAN) and wireless (WLAN) networks to auto-assign IP addresses:



     ```

     text

     ip dhcp pool LAN

       network 192.168.1.0 255.255.255.0

       default-router 192.168.1.1

     exit

     

     ip dhcp pool WLAN

       network 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0

       default-router 192.168.2.1

     exit

     ```



3. **Saving Configuration:**



   ```

   text

   write memory

   ```



*Review Insight:* This approach effectively segments the network into two IP domains, preserving traffic separation and enabling scalable management. Using router CLI simulations lifts user proficiency in Cisco environments. However, caution is needed regarding DHCP scope overlaps and IP allocation range to avoid conflicts.



## Step 4: WirelessRouter-0 Configuration



Via the wireless router’s GUI tab:



- Select DHCP for the Internet connection type to get an IP from Router-0 automatically.

- Customize wireless settings:

  - SSID set to "SmallOfficeWiFi".

  - WPA2-PSK security enabled with passphrase "office123".

- Configure wireless LAN IP as 192.168.2.1 with subnet 255.255.255.0.

- Enable DHCP server on WirelessRouter-0 for the 192.168.2.0 subnet.



*Review Insight:* Using WPA2-PSK security provides a practical introduction to wireless encryption standards, critical for protecting network integrity. The bridging via the WAN port allows seamless DHCP relay and routing control.



## Step 5: Configuring End Devices for Network Access



- PCs and printer: Set IP configuration to DHCP to automatically receive IP from Router-0.

- Printer (critical device): Manually assign a **static IP outside the DHCP pool** (e.g., 192.168.1.101) to ensure consistent accessibility.

- Wireless Laptop: Connect to "SmallOfficeWiFi" using configured security settings and obtain IP via DHCP.



*Review Insight:* DHCP simplifies client configuration but reserving static IPs for infrastructure devices like printers is essential. This best practice avoids IP conflicts and eases device management.



## Step 6: Testing and Verification



Testing confirms the network operates as intended:



- Verify IP address assignment via `ipconfig` on PCs and laptop.

- Use `ping` commands to:

  - Test connectivity to router gateways (192.168.1.1 and 192.168.2.1).

  - Ping the printer’s static IP from wired PCs.



Successful ping replies demonstrate device reachability and network integrity.



*Review Insight:* Utilizing ICMP ping tests is fundamental troubleshooting. Packet Tracer’s virtual environment allows real-time diagnostics, reinforcing learning.



## Critical Review of the Tutorial



## Strengths



- **Comprehensive Stepwise Process:** Detailed walk-through from device placement to testing ensures clarity for beginners.

- **Use of Cisco Packet Tracer:** Enables practical experience with Cisco CLI and GUI tools in a risk-free virtual context.

- **Dual Subnet Design:** Introducing separate wired and wireless subnets provides a realistic scenario often found in offices.

- **Security Configuration:** WPA2 wireless security implementation introduces vital network protection concepts.

- **Clear IP Addressing Strategy:** Dynamic addressing for clients and static IPs for critical devices reflect industry norms.



## Challenges Encountered



- **DHCP Pool Overlaps:** Beginners may overlook DHCP scope boundaries or accidentally assign overlapping IP addresses, causing conflicts.

- **Wireless Router as a Double NAT Device:** The setup could introduce a double NAT scenario if not carefully managed, potentially complicating advanced routing or firewall configurations.

- **Printer Static IP Assignment:** Some users may neglect the importance of static IP assignment for printers, leading to intermittent network printing issues.

- **Interface Naming and Port Selection:** Cisco Packet Tracer interface names may differ slightly from physical devices, which could confuse new users.



## Recommendations for Improvement



- Incorporate VLAN configurations to enhance segmentation and security.

- Explain potential double NAT issues with wireless routers and how to configure them as access points instead.

- Demonstrate DHCP reservations for critical devices as an alternative to static IP configuration on the device itself.

- Provide troubleshooting tips when devices fail to obtain IP addresses or ping commands time out.

- Include sample network diagrams with IP address ranges mapped visually for easier conceptualization.



## Advanced Concepts and Extensions



Beyond the basics covered, practical exploration can expand to:



- **VLAN Implementation:** Using switches that support VLAN to segregate traffic for security and performance.

- **Inter-VLAN Routing:** Utilizing router-on-a-stick configurations to allow communication between VLANs.

- **Network Security:** Adding Access Control Lists (ACLs) on the router to filter traffic, simulating firewall functionality.

- **Wireless Network Optimization:** Adjusting channel and bandwidth settings to reduce interference.

- **Network Monitoring:** Implementing SNMP or syslog on Router-0 and WirelessRouter-0 for enhanced administration.



## Educational Value of the Homelab



This lab is an excellent foundational exercise that balances theory and practical skills. It exposes learners to voluntary Cisco CLI command syntax coupled with graphical user interface operations, which mirrors the hybrid environments found in many workplaces. The setup reinforces critical networking principles, including IP subnetting, DHCP operation, device addressing, and basic security implementations.



Simulating real-world troubleshooting through ping tests strengthens problem-solving skills. Learners gain confidence navigating Cisco devices and understanding packet flow in simple LAN topologies.



## Conclusion



The basic LAN homelab setup, as guided by the eastcharmer tutorial, proved to be an effective educational tool for understanding core networking concepts and Cisco Packet Tracer operation. Through physical device setup, cabling, router and wireless router configuration, DHCP pool creation, device IP configuration, and comprehensive testing, the lab delivers a robust small office network simulation.



While straightforward, the exercise highlighted essential best practices such as static IP reservation for printers and network security standards. The tutorial’s clear, methodical format and realistic scenario were invaluable in fostering practical networking competence.



Future iterations could incorporate advanced networking technologies to broaden scope, but this lab remains a foundational stepping stone for learners aiming to master LAN design, configuration, and management.



## Acknowledgments



Credit for the original tutorial content and network design goes to:



- youtube.com/eastcharmer

- [www.eastcharmer.com](http://www.eastcharmer.com/)

 Original Source: youtube.com/eastcharmer | [www.eastcharmer.com](http://www.eastcharmer.com/)*