Investigating the TCP/IP and OSI models in action using Cisco Packet Tracer is a
great way to understand how networking protocols and layers function in real-
world scenarios. Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool that allows you
to create, configure, and troubleshoot network topologies. Below is a step-by-step
guide to help you explore the TCP/IP and OSI models using Packet Tracer:
Step 1: Understand the TCP/IP and OSI Models
Before diving into Packet Tracer, ensure you have a basic understanding of the two
models:
1. OSI Model: A 7-layer model (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport,
Session, Presentation, Application).
2. TCP/IP Model: A 4-layer model (Network Access, Internet, Transport,
Application).
The TCP/IP model is more practical and widely used, while the OSI model is more
theoretical.
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Step 2: Set Up a Basic Network in Packet Tracer
1. Open Cisco Packet Tracer.
2. Create a Simple Network:
o Add two PCs (End Devices > PC).
o Add a switch (Switches > 2960).
o Connect the PCs to the switch using straight-through cables
(Connections > Copper Straight-Through).
3. Assign IP Addresses:
o Click on each PC, go to the Desktop tab, and open the IP
Configuration tool.
o Assign IP addresses to the PCs (e.g., PC1: 192.168.1.1,
PC2: 192.168.1.2) with the same subnet mask (255.255.255.0).
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Step 3: Simulate Communication Between Devices
1. Test Connectivity:
o Use the Command Prompt on one PC to ping the other PC (e.g., ping
192.168.1.2).
o Observe the ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) packets being
sent and received. This demonstrates the Network Layer (Layer 3) of
the OSI model and the Internet Layer of the TCP/IP model.
2. Capture and Analyze Packets:
o Switch to Simulation Mode (bottom-right corner of Packet Tracer).
o Start a simulation and send a ping from one PC to the other.
o Observe the packet flow and click on packets to see how they are
encapsulated and decapsulated at each layer.
Step 4: Investigate Layers in Action
1. Physical and Data Link Layers:
o Observe how the switch forwards frames based on MAC addresses
(Layer 2 of the OSI model).
o Check the MAC address table on the switch (CLI tab) using the
command show mac-address-table.
2. Network Layer:
o Analyze the IP headers in the packets during the ping process. This
corresponds to Layer 3 of the OSI model and the Internet Layer of the
TCP/IP model.
3. Transport Layer:
o Use a protocol like TCP or UDP to simulate communication. For
example, set up a simple HTTP server on one PC and access it from
the other. This demonstrates the Transport Layer (Layer 4) and its
role in ensuring reliable or unreliable delivery.
4. Application Layer:
o Set up an HTTP server on one PC and a web browser on the other to
simulate web traffic. This demonstrates the Application Layer (Layer
7 of the OSI model and the Application Layer of the TCP/IP model).
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the TCP/IP and OSI models, as well
as their practical application using Cisco Packet Tracer, please submit the following
data or information based on your investigation and observations:
1. Network Topology Diagram
A visual representation of the network setup created in Cisco Packet Tracer.
Include labels for devices (PCs, switches, etc.), IP addresses, and
connections.
2. IP Configuration Details
A table or list showing the IP addresses, subnet masks, and default
gateways assigned to each device.
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3. Ping Test Results
Screenshot or output of the ping command from one PC to another.
Include observations about the success or failure of the ping and
the round-trip time (RTT).
4. Packet Capture Analysis
Screenshots or descriptions of the packet flow in Simulation Mode.
Observations about how packets are encapsulated and decapsulated at
each layer (e.g., Ethernet frame at Layer 2, IP header at Layer 3, etc.).
5. MAC Address Table
Screenshot or output of the show mac-address-table command from the
switch.
Explanation of how the switch uses MAC addresses to forward frames
(Layer 2 functionality).
6. Transport Layer Simulation
Screenshots or descriptions of a TCP or UDP communication setup (e.g.,
HTTP server and client).
Observations about the role of the Transport Layer in ensuring reliable (TCP)
or unreliable (UDP) delivery.
7. Application Layer Simulation
Screenshots or descriptions of an Application Layer protocol in action (e.g.,
HTTP, FTP, DNS).
Observations about how the Application Layer interacts with lower layers to
deliver data.
8. Comparison of TCP/IP and OSI Models
A brief comparison of how the layers of the TCP/IP and OSI models map to
each other.
Observations about the practical differences between the two models.
9. Troubleshooting Observations
Any issues encountered during the activity (e.g., connectivity problems,
configuration errors).
Steps taken to resolve the issues and the final outcome.
10. Reflection and Conclusion
A summary of what was learned from the activity.
Insights into how the TCP/IP and OSI models function in real-world
networking scenarios.
