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Aisalkyn Aidarova
Aisalkyn Aidarova

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Install Packet Tracer (Mac) + First Network

What is Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation tool created by Cisco.

It allows you to:

  • build networks (PCs, switches, routers)
  • connect devices using cables
  • assign IP addresses
  • test connectivity (ping)
  • troubleshoot network issues

Why it is used

  • to understand how networks actually work
  • to visualize communication between devices
  • to practice safely without real hardware
  • to build foundational networking skills used in cloud (AWS, Kubernetes)

STEP 1 — Create Cisco Account

Open:

👉 https://www.netacad.com/

Actions:

  1. Click Sign Up
  2. Create account (email + password)
  3. Verify email
  4. Log in

STEP 2 — Download Packet Tracer (Mac)

Open:

👉 https://www.netacad.com/resources/lab-downloads

Actions:

  1. Scroll to Packet Tracer
  2. Select macOS (.dmg)
  3. Download file

STEP 3 — Install (Mac)

  1. Open .dmg
  2. Drag Packet Tracer → Applications
  3. Open from Applications

If blocked:

  • System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway

STEP 4 — First Launch

  1. Open Packet Tracer
  2. Log in using Cisco account

STEP 5 — Interface Overview

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Main components

  • Workspace → area to build network
  • Bottom panel → devices and tools

Device Types

PC (End Devices)

  • Represents a computer
  • Used to send/receive data

Switch

  • Connects devices in the same network
  • Operates inside one LAN

Router

  • Connects different networks
  • Enables communication between networks

Cables (Connections ⚡)

  • Used to connect devices physically
  • Use: Copper Straight-Through

STEP 6 — First Network Build

Add Devices

  • Add 2 PCs
  • Add 1 Switch

Connect Devices

  1. Click ⚡ Connections
  2. Select Copper Straight-Through

Connect:

  • PC0 → Switch
  • PC1 → Switch

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STEP 7 — Configure IP Addresses

PC0

  • Open PC0 → Desktop → IP Configuration

Set:

IP Address: 192.168.1.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
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PC1

Set:

IP Address: 192.168.1.2
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
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STEP 8 — Test Connectivity

On PC0 → Command Prompt:

ping 192.168.1.2
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Expected Result

  • Reply → network is working
  • Timeout → configuration issue

STEP 9 — Troubleshooting

Change PC1 IP:

192.168.2.2
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Run ping again:

ping 192.168.1.2
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Result

  • Communication fails

Reason

  • Devices are in different networks
  • No router present

STEP 10 — Fix

Change PC1 back:

192.168.1.2
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Run ping again → success

RESULT

After completing this lab:

  • network devices can be added and connected
  • IP addressing is understood
  • connectivity can be tested using ping
  • basic troubleshooting is performed

PRACTICE

Task 1

  • Add 3 PCs
  • Connect to 1 switch
  • All must communicate

Task 2

  • Break IP configuration
  • Restore connectivity

This completes the first Packet Tracer lab.

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