2 – Configuring Multi-Switch Communication

2 – Configuring Multi-Switch Communication#

This tutorial is the second in a series focused on Cisco networking concepts, specifically using Cisco Packet Tracer. In this lesson, we will connect two PCs through two switches, demonstrating key concepts such as port activation, MAC address learning, and VLAN configuration.

Connecting Two PCs Through Two Switches in Cisco Packet Tracer#

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to connect two end devices (PCs) through a chain of two switches. While this setup does not require IP routing, it introduces important switching concepts such as port activation, MAC address learning, and proper VLAN configuration.

This scenario is common in enterprise environments where multiple switches form the backbone of a local area network (LAN). Understanding how switches interact is essential to building reliable and scalable network infrastructures.

Part 1 – Network Topology Overview#

We will build the following topology:

\[PC0] ── \[Switch0] ── \[Switch1] ── \[PC1]

Each device will be configured with a static IP address in the same subnet, and we’ll ensure the switches allow Layer 2 traffic to pass between them seamlessly.

Figure 2

Part 2 – Device Placement and Cabling#

Step 2.1 – Add Devices#

  1. Drag two PCs (e.g. PC0 and PC1) into the workspace.

  2. Add two switches (Switch0 and Switch1, model 2960 recommended).

Figure 2

Step 2.2 – Connect Devices#

Use Copper Straight-Through cables to make the following connections:

  • PC0 → Switch0, using FastEthernet0

  • Switch0 → Switch1, using FastEthernet0/24 on both switches

  • Switch1 → PC1, using FastEthernet0

Figure 2

Part 3 – Configure IPv4 Addresses#

We will assign static IP addresses to both PCs.

Step 3.1 – PC0 IPv4 Settings#

  1. Click on PC0.

  2. Go to Desktop → IP Configuration.

  3. Enter:

    • IP Address: 192.168.20.1

    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Figure 2

Step 3.2 – PC1 IPv4 Settings#

  1. Click on PC1.

  2. Go to Desktop → IP Configuration.

  3. Enter:

    • IP Address: 192.168.20.2

    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Figure 2

Part 4 – Configuring Switch Ports#

By default, Cisco switches have all ports assigned to VLAN 1 and are administratively up, but sometimes ports need to be explicitly activated.

We will:

  • Confirm all ports are operational

  • Ensure all involved ports are assigned to the same VLAN

  • Manually enable interfaces if needed

Step 4.1 – Configure Switch0#

  1. Click on Switch0, go to the CLI tab.

  2. Enter the following commands:

    enable
configure terminal

interface range fa0/1, fa0/24
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 1
no shutdown
exit

end
write memory

This ensures:

  • Port fa0/1 (to PC0) and fa0/24 (to Switch1) are active

  • Both are assigned to VLAN 1

Figure 2

Step 4.2 – Configure Switch1#

  1. Click on Switch1, go to the CLI tab.

  2. Enter:

    enable
configure terminal

interface range fa0/1, fa0/24
switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 1
no shutdown
exit

end
write memory

Again:

  • Port fa0/1 (to PC1) and fa0/24 (from Switch0) are active

  • VLAN 1 is used for untagged traffic across the switches

Figure 2

Part 5 – Testing Connectivity#

To verify that switching is working:

  1. On PC0, open the Command Prompt.

  2. Ping PC1:

    ping 192.168.20.2

You should receive successful replies.

If not, double-check:

  • All interfaces on both switches are no shutdown

  • All ports are on the same VLAN

  • PC IP addresses are correct and in the same subnet

  • Cabling is correct

Figure 2

Figure 2

Summary#

In this tutorial, you have:

  • Connected two PCs across two switches

  • Assigned static IPv4 addresses in the same subnet

  • Verified port activation and VLAN assignment on switches

  • Successfully tested communication across a multi-switch setup

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