Solution and implementation for Q15 from Computer Networks (cnl).
Download Ready-Made Project:
You can download the pre-configured DHCP topology here:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AlbatrossC/sppu-codes/main/answers/cnl/15_dhcp_server.pkt
JUST OPEN THIS FILE IN CISCO PACKET TRACER and the configuration is ready to use!
Manual Configuration Steps
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STEP 1: Create the Network Topology
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Drag and drop devices from the Device List (bottom section):
- End Devices → PC: Add 5-6 PCs
- Network Devices → Switches → 2960: Add 1 Switch
- End Devices → Server: Add 1 Server
Your workspace should have:
- 1 Server (left side)
- 1 Switch (center)
- 5-6 PCs (right side)
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STEP 2: Connect All Devices
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Click the Automatically Choose Connection Type (lightning bolt icon) and connect devices.
From | To
-------|--------
Server | Switch
PC0 | Switch
PC1 | Switch
PC2 | Switch
PC3 | Switch
PC4 | Switch
Note: If the switch runs out of ports, you need to add modules:
1. Click on the Switch → Click Physical tab
2. Turn OFF the power button
3. Drag PT-SWITCH-NM-1CFE or PT-SWITCH-NM-1FFE modules to empty slots
4. Turn ON the power button
5. Now connect remaining devices
Wait for all connection lights to turn GREEN (may take 30 seconds).
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STEP 3: Configure DHCP Server
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3.1 Configure Server IP Address
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1. Click on Server → Desktop tab → IP Configuration
2. Enter the following:
- IP Address: 10.0.0.1
- Subnet Mask: 255.0.0.0
3.2 Enable DHCP Service
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1. Stay on Desktop tab → Click Services
2. Click DHCP from the left menu
3. Configure the following:
- Default Gateway: 10.0.0.1
4. Click Save
5. Ensure Service is set to ON
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STEP 4: Configure PCs to Use DHCP
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Click on each PC → Desktop tab → IP Configuration
1. Select DHCP (instead of Static)
2. Wait 5-10 seconds
3. The PC will automatically receive:
- IP Address: 10.0.0.X (assigned by DHCP server)
- Subnet Mask: 255.0.0.0
- Default Gateway: 10.0.0.1
Repeat for all PCs.
Expected IP Assignments:
Device | IP Address | Subnet Mask | Default Gateway
-------|------------|-------------|----------------
Server | 10.0.0.1 | 255.0.0.0 | N/A
PC0 | 10.0.0.2 | 255.0.0.0 | 10.0.0.1
PC1 | 10.0.0.3 | 255.0.0.0 | 10.0.0.1
PC2 | 10.0.0.4 | 255.0.0.0 | 10.0.0.1
PC3 | 10.0.0.5 | 255.0.0.0 | 10.0.0.1
PC4 | 10.0.0.6 | 255.0.0.0 | 10.0.0.1
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STEP 5: Testing Connectivity
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Method 1: Using Ping Command
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1. Click on PC0 → Desktop → Command Prompt
2. Type: ping 10.0.0.3 (to ping PC1)
3. Press Enter
4. You should see: Reply from 10.0.0.3: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
5. Test connectivity between other PCs
Method 2: Using Simple PDU
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1. Click the Add Simple PDU icon (envelope/message icon) on the right toolbar
2. Click on PC0 (source)
3. Click on PC2 (destination)
4. Watch the packet animation
5. If successful, you'll see green checkmarks indicating successful delivery
Try testing:
- PC0 to PC1
- PC1 to PC3
- PC2 to PC4
- Any PC to Server
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What is DHCP?
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DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Purpose:
- Automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network
- Eliminates manual IP configuration
- Prevents IP address conflicts
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