BASIC-HOME-NETWORK-

🏡 Building a Simulated Home Network on Cisco Packet Tracer

This project demonstrates how to set up and configure a simple home network using Cisco Packet Tracer.
It covers both wired and wireless connectivity, DHCP configuration, router setup, and device testing.

---

📌 Steps Taken

1. Planned the Network Layout

• Designed a basic home setup including:
  • Wireless Router (Linksys WRT300N)
  • PC to simulate a webcam
  • Laptop for wireless testing
  • Smartphone (optional realism)

2. Selected Devices

• Wireless Router → Linksys WRT300N
• PC → Used to simulate a webcam (wired)
• Laptop → Tested wireless connectivity
• Smartphone → Added realism to the network

3. Configured the Wireless Router

• Set SSID: HomeNetwork
• Enabled WPA2-PSK encryption
• Configured passphrase: mypassword (for demo purposes)
• Configured LAN settings for IP addressing and connectivity

4. Enabled DHCP

• Allowed devices to automatically obtain IP addresses
• Ensured seamless communication within the network

5. Simulated the Webcam Connection

• Connected a PC via Copper Straight-Through Cable (wired)
• Connected a laptop wirelessly to the router
• Assigned both devices to the same SSID and confirmed connectivity

6. Tested Network Connectivity

• Used the ping command to confirm communication:
  • Device ↔ Router
  • Device ↔ Device within the LAN

7. Added Realism

• Included a smartphone to reflect a modern home setup with multiple connected devices

---

✅ Conclusion

This simulation provided a clear, practical understanding of how to configure and secure a small home network.
It involved:

• Wired and wireless connectivity
• DHCP management
• Real-time device communication

Such setups form the foundation of modern smart homes.

---

🔐 Security Note

For demonstration, the same password (mypassword) was used across all devices.
⚠️ In real-world scenarios:

• Always use strong, unique passwords for network security
• Regularly update router firmware and Wi-Fi security settings

---

📂 Files in This Project

• basic-home-network.pkt → Packet Tracer topology
• router-config.txt → Router CLI configuration
• notes.md → Concept summary

---

🚀 Learning Outcomes

• Configure a wireless router in Packet Tracer
• Apply DHCP for automatic IP addressing
• Connect devices via wired and wireless methods
• Test network communication with ping