Static Routing using Cisco Packet Tracer

 

Introduction:

Static routing is a method of forwarding network traffic by manually configuring the routing table on a network device, such as a router. Unlike dynamic routing protocols, which use algorithms to automatically update the routing table based on network changes, static routing requires network administrators to manually enter routing information. 

Static routing is commonly used in smaller networks where the network topology is relatively simple and does not change frequently. It is also used in situations where network administrators want to have more control over the network traffic flow and reduce the overhead associated with dynamic routing protocols. 

In this blog post, we will explore the basics of static routing and its configuration using Cisco Packet Tracer, a popular network simulation tool. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of static routing, walk through the steps required to set up a lab using Packet Tracer, and explain how to configure static routes on Cisco routers. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of the purpose and importance of static routing in networking and how to implement it in a simulated environment.

Advantages of Static Routing:

1. Simplicity: Static routing is easy to configure and maintain, requiring minimal network administrator knowledge and experience.
2. Predictability: Static routes remain constant unless they are manually changed, providing a predictable traffic flow for network traffic.
3. Security: Static routes are less vulnerable to attacks compared to dynamic routing protocols that use algorithms to update routing tables, making them a better choice for secure networks.
4. Lower network overhead: Static routes do not require network devices to constantly communicate with one another to update routing information, resulting in lower network overhead.

Disadvantages of Static Routing:

1. Limited scalability: Static routing is not suitable for larger, more complex networks as it is difficult to manually configure and manage large routing tables.
2. Manual configuration: As static routes are manually configured, any changes require the intervention of a network administrator, making them time-consuming and prone to human errors.
3. Limited network redundancy: Static routes cannot automatically reroute traffic in case of network failures, making them less efficient for networks that require high availability and redundancy.
4. Difficulty in network troubleshooting: Static routing requires a detailed understanding of the network topology and routing information, which can make it challenging to troubleshoot routing issues.

Static Routing configuration

The illustration above represents a network topology that will be used to showcase how a network routes data through static routes configured by the network administrator. To  enable the network devices communicate with each other, they need an individual assignment of IP address. The addressing table below shows the IP address assigned to each device. 

IP assignment table

Commands for IP assignment on R1:

Router>enable

Router#configure terminal

Router(config)#hostname R1

R1(config)#interface fastethernet 0/0

R1(config-if)#ip address 10.0.0.1 255.0.0.0

R1(config-if)#no shut

R1(config-if)#interface serial 2/0

R1(config-if)#ip address 20.0.0.1 255.0.0.0

R1(config-if)#no shut

R1(config-if)#exit

IP assignment for Router 1 (R1)

Commands for IP assignment on R2:

Router>enable

Router#configure terminal

Router(config)#hostname R2

R2(config)#interface fastethernet 0/0

R2(config-if)#ip address 30.0.0.1 255.0.0.0

R2(config-if)#no shut

R2(config-if)#interface serial 2/0

R2(config-if)#ip address 20.0.0.2 255.0.0.0

R2(config-if)#no shut

R2(config-if)#exit

IP assignment for Router 2 (R2)

Steps on how to assign IP address to a PC:

1. Double click on the PC icon
2. Click on the Desktop option
3. Then select IP configuration option
4. Now fill in the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for that particular PC (make use of the addressing table to find out the particular IP for each PC)

IP assignment for PC 1

PS: Using the image and steps stated above, assign IP address to all four PCs on the network

Configuring Static Route on R1

To configure static route, the command ip route destination-network subnet-mask default-gateway is issued to the router. Follow the steps below to assign static route to R1: 

R1>enable

R1#configure terminal

R1(config)#ip route 30.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 20.0.0.2

R1(config)#exit

Configuring Static Route on R2

To configure static route, the command ip route destination-network subnet-mask default-gateway is issued to the router. Follow the steps below to assign static route to R2: 

R2>enable

R2#configure terminal

R2(config)#ip route 30.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 20.0.0.2

R2(config)#exit

Verifying static route from PC2 to PC4

Assigning Static route to routers in a network ensures that PCs in different network can send and receive messages among themselves. 

Now, to test if the route assigned to the both routers are functioning properly, we make use of the ping command. The ping command helps us send echo request packets from one PC to another. In addition, the destination device also sends an echo reply packet back to show that it is present on the network. To Ping PC4 from PC2, use the following  steps:

1. Double click on PC2
2. Select the Desktop option 
3. Click on the command prompt option
4. Enter the command "ping 30.0.0.3" (Note: 30.0.0.3 is the IP address for PC4)

Ping from PC2 to PC4 is successful

Now to be sure that the other network (i.e., the network with PC3 and PC4 ) can also send information to that of PC1 and PC2, we have to ping PC1 from PC3. Use the following steps:

1. Double click on PC3
2. Select the Desktop option 
3. Click on the command prompt option
4. Enter the command "ping 10.0.0.2" (Note: 10.0.0.2 is the IP address for PC1)

Ping from PC3 to PC1 is successful

Conclusion

In conclusion, static routing is a method of forwarding network traffic that provides network administrators with more control over the flow of network traffic, reduces network overhead, and enhances security. While dynamic routing protocols may be suitable for larger, more complex networks, static routing remains a popular choice for smaller, more predictable networks.

In this blog post, we have explored the basics of static routing and its configuration using Cisco Packet Tracer, a popular network simulation tool. We have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of static routing, walked through the steps required to set up a lab using Packet Tracer, and explained how to configure static routes on Cisco routers.

We hope that this blog post has provided you with valuable information and insights into static routing and its implementation using Packet Tracer. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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