Cisco Packet Tracer Lab: Router Configuration & Ping Troubleshooting

Objective

The objective of this lab is to troubleshoot connectivity issues between PC1 and PC2 by identifying and fixing misconfigurations on the routers in the network. You have successfully completed the lab when PC1 can successfully ping PC2.

Network Topology

Network Overview:

• PC1:

  • IP: 192.168.1.1
  • Subnet: 255.255.255.0
  • Connected to Switch 1 (SW1)

• Router 1 (R1):

  • Interface G0/1: 192.168.1.254
  • Interface G0/0: 192.168.12.1

• Router 2 (R2):

  • Interface G0/0: 192.168.12.2
  • Interface G0/1: 192.168.13.1

• Router 3 (R3):

  • Interface G0/0: 192.168.13.2
  • Interface G0/1: 192.168.3.254

• PC2:

  • IP: 192.168.3.1
  • Subnet: 255.255.255.0
  • Connected to Switch 2 (SW2)

Problem Statement

Both PC1 and PC2 are unable to ping each other. There are misconfigurations on the routers that prevent successful communication. Your task is to locate and fix these misconfigurations so that both PCs can communicate successfully via ICMP ping.

Steps for Troubleshooting

1. Verify IP Addressing:

   • Check the IP addressing on PC1, PC2, Router 1 (R1), Router 2 (R2), and Router 3 (R3) to ensure they match the given network design.
   • Make sure all devices are in the correct subnet and their default gateways are properly configured.

2. Check Router Interfaces:

   • Verify that the interfaces on R1, R2, and R3 are up and properly assigned with the right IP addresses. Use the following commands:

     show ip interface brief

   • Confirm that all interfaces are up and configured correctly.

3. Check Routing Tables:

   • Use the following command to check the routing tables on R1, R2, and R3:

     show ip route

   • Verify that static routes or dynamic routing protocols are properly configured to ensure packets can be routed between the three subnets.

4. Correct Misconfigurations:

   • R1: Ensure there is a static route from 192.168.1.0/24 to 192.168.3.0/24 via 192.168.12.2.
   • R2: Ensure there is a static route from 192.168.12.0/24 to 192.168.3.0/24 via 192.168.13.2 and from 192.168.3.0/24 to 192.168.1.0/24 via 192.168.12.1.
   • R3: Ensure there is a static route from 192.168.3.0/24 to 192.168.1.0/24 via 192.168.13.1.

5. Ping Tests:

   • After making the corrections, perform the following tests to ensure connectivity:
     • Ping PC1 to PC2:

       ping 192.168.3.1

     • Ping PC2 to PC1:

       ping 192.168.1.1

6. Verify Success:

   • Once PC1 and PC2 can successfully ping each other, the lab is complete.

Conclusion

This lab exercise demonstrates basic troubleshooting steps to resolve routing misconfigurations and ensure proper communication between devices in different subnets. By following the steps outlined, you will be able to successfully enable PC1 and PC2 to communicate using ICMP ping.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Jeremy's IT Lab for providing valuable resources and tutorials that greatly contributed to the completion of this exercise. His in-depth explanations and practical demonstrations have been instrumental in enhancing my understanding of Cisco networking concepts and the effective use of Packet Tracer.

For more information and additional resources, visit Jeremy's IT Lab and check out his YouTube for the full course, Jeremy's IT Lab Free CCNA 200-301 | Complete Course