My Projects
*PLEASE NOTE*
I configured all equipment and networks depicted below using Cisco command-line in PacketTracer. These projects are meant to depict my understanding and knowledge of the specified networking principles. They are not meant to contain complete configurations recommended for a production environment.
Project 1
Inter-VLAN Routing Techniques
This project depicts my learning and understanding of Virtual LANs and Inter-VLAN Routing. You will notice there are three techniques utilized in the depiction below.
Technique 1: Using Different Interfaces on Router
This technique utilizes separate physical interfaces on the router for each VLAN. This is the simplest configuration for inter-VLAN routing, but it is generally not feasible for a production environment. Routers have limited ports and production LANs often contain a multitude of VLANs for isolation and best security practice. In this configuration, traffic from each VLAN runs up its respective link to the router, where the router routes traffic to its designated link back down to the switch and to the destination PC.
Technique 2: Router-on-a-Stick
This technique utilizes a single physical interfaces on the router for each VLAN. This is the second most preferred option of the three. It saves physical ports on the router, but all traffic must share the same bandwidth and travel up and down the link from the switch to the router. This can be configured on a Cisco router by utilizing sub interfaces. Each sub interface is configured with a different subnet along with enabling 802.1Q trunking encapsulation.
Technique 3: Layer 3 Switching
This technique is the most preferred option out of the three. In this configuration, the switch has routing capabilities, so there is no need for inter-VLAN traffic to travel up to the router and back down to the switch in order to reach the desired destination. The switch makes the routing decision as to where to send traffic, enabling for the most efficient transfer of traffic between VLANs and subnets.
Feel free to download my Cisco PacketTracer .pkt file to view device configurations!
Project 2
Dynamic Routing Protocols and Network Address Translation
This project depicts my learning and understanding of the Dynamic Routing Protocols RIP, EIGRP, and OSPF along with PAT/NAT translation between the three distinct networks. The following image depicts three separate networks connected via a central "internet" router. The blue network utilizes RIP, green EIGRP, and red OSPF to provide redundancy and automated learning of forwarding paths.
Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
RIP Network Quick Facts
- Northern-most network
- Utilizes 192.168.0.0/16 addressing
- RIP version 2
- Router "midR" is edge router - distributes default route
- Network utilizes NAT single public IP with port translation for entire network
- Obtains public IP via DHCP from ISP
- Server1 has static public IP and provides DNS and TFTP services to all three networks
Using RIP for enterprise routing is generally discouraged due to several limitations that make it less suitable for large and complex networks. RIP operates on a distance-vector algorithm, which has slower convergence times and limited scalability. In dynamic network environments, RIP's slow convergence can lead to network instability and increased downtime during route updates.
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
EIGRP Network Quick Facts
- Western-most network
- Utilizes 172.16.0.0/16 addressing
- Router "OutgoingR" is edge router - distributes default route
- Network utilizes NAT single public IP with port translation for entire network
- Obtains public IP via DHCP from ISP
- EIGRP takes top route, even though more hops. It considers bandwidth when determining cost for faster forwarding
EIGRP stands out as a dynamic routing protocol renowned for its efficiency and advanced features. Operating on a hybrid routing algorithm, EIGRP combines the benefits of both distance-vector and link-state protocols. Its unique advantages include rapid convergence, bandwidth utilization optimization, and support for unequal-cost load balancing. EIGRP's dual algorithm ensures quick adaptation to network changes, reducing downtime and enhancing network stability.
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
OSPF Network Quick Facts
- Eastern-most network
- Utilizes 10.0.0.0/8 addressing
- Router "Dwight" is Autonomous System Border Router (ASBR) - distributes default route
- Network utilizes NAT single public IP with port translation for entire network
- Obtains public IP via DHCP from ISP
- OSPF network contains two areas, with router "ABR" being the Area Border Router
- ABR performs route summarization - keeps the routing tables of the OSPF routers minimal length
- Area 1 holds router elections to designate Designated Router (DR) and Backup DR (BDR)
- Network devices named after hit NBC TV show "The Office"
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a scalable link-state routing protocol that employs OSPF areas to enhance network efficiency and management. By segmenting a network into areas, OSPF reduces link-state advertisement scope, leading to faster convergence and improved scalability. The hierarchical structure, with a central backbone area (Area 0), optimizes routing updates and contains topology changes within specific areas, bolstering both efficiency and security in complex network environments.
Feel free to download my Cisco PacketTracer .pkt file to view device configurations!