lab1-router-setup.md

Lab 1: Router Setup and Basic Configuration with Multiple Environments

Objective

• Set up a router in a simulated network.
• Configure basic settings like hostname, IP addresses, and routing for Dev, QA, Stage, and Production environments.
• Verify connectivity between the environments.

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Scenario

Your organization has four environments—Dev, QA, Stage, and Production—on separate networks. You need to set up a router to connect these environments while maintaining logical separation.

Environment	Network Range
Dev	192.168.10.0/24
QA	192.168.20.0/24
Stage	192.168.30.0/24
Production	192.168.40.0/24

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Set Up the Lab Environment

1. Open Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3.
2. Add the following devices to the workspace:
   • 1 Router (e.g., Cisco 2911).
   • 4 PCs (one for each environment).
3. Connect the devices:
   • PC 1 (Dev) to Router interface Gig0/0.
   • PC 2 (QA) to Router interface Gig0/1.
   • PC 3 (Stage) to Router interface Gig0/2.
   • PC 4 (Production) to Router interface Gig0/3.

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Step 2: Configure the Router

1. Access the router’s CLI.
2. Enter privileged mode:

   Router> enable

3. Enter global configuration mode:

   Router# configure terminal

4. Set the hostname:

   Router(config)# hostname CorpRouter

5. Assign IP addresses to the interfaces:
   • For Dev (Gig0/0):

     CorpRouter(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/0
     CorpRouter(config-if)# ip address 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0
     CorpRouter(config-if)# no shutdown

   • For QA (Gig0/1):

     CorpRouter(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/1
     CorpRouter(config-if)# ip address 192.168.20.1 255.255.255.0
     CorpRouter(config-if)# no shutdown

   • For Stage (Gig0/2):

     CorpRouter(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/2
     CorpRouter(config-if)# ip address 192.168.30.1 255.255.255.0
     CorpRouter(config-if)# no shutdown

   • For Production (Gig0/3):

     CorpRouter(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/3
     CorpRouter(config-if)# ip address 192.168.40.1 255.255.255.0
     CorpRouter(config-if)# no shutdown

6. Exit configuration mode:

   CorpRouter(config-if)# exit
   CorpRouter(config)# exit

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Step 3: Configure the PCs

1. Assign static IP addresses to the PCs:
   • PC 1 (Dev):
     • IP: 192.168.10.2
     • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • Default Gateway: 192.168.10.1
   • PC 2 (QA):
     • IP: 192.168.20.2
     • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • Default Gateway: 192.168.20.1
   • PC 3 (Stage):
     • IP: 192.168.30.2
     • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • Default Gateway: 192.168.30.1
   • PC 4 (Production):
     • IP: 192.168.40.2
     • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
     • Default Gateway: 192.168.40.1

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Step 4: Verify Configuration

1. Test connectivity between environments:
   • From PC 1 (Dev), ping PC 2 (QA):

     ping 192.168.20.2

   • From PC 3 (Stage), ping PC 4 (Production):

     ping 192.168.40.2

2. Expected output for successful pings:

   Pinging 192.168.20.2 with 32 bytes of data:
   Reply from 192.168.20.2: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=64
   

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Hands-On Challenges

1. Enable Inter-Environment Communication:

   • Allow communication between all four environments.
   • Verify using pings from each PC to others.

2. Introduce VLANs (Advanced):

   • Assign VLANs for each environment.
   • Configure router-on-a-stick to manage inter-VLAN routing.

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Expected Outcome

• PCs in each environment communicate through the router.
• Logical separation is maintained while enabling controlled communication.

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Key Takeaways

• Simulating real-world environments (Dev, QA, Stage, Production) makes networking concepts relatable.
• Basic router configuration ensures inter-network communication.
• Logical separation and gateway assignment are critical for effective network design.

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