This is the first Ethernet LAN connection.
What we are doing (1 line)
We are connecting the core router (R1) to the distribution switch (SW1).
Exactly what to do
Cable type
- Copper Straight-Through
Ports to use
- R1 → GigabitEthernet0/0
- SW1 → GigabitEthernet0/1
Click-by-click
- Click Connections (⚡ icon)
- Select Copper Straight-Through
- Click R1
- Choose GigabitEthernet0/0
- Click SW1
- Choose GigabitEthernet0/1
Stop.
What you should see
- Link light turns amber, then green
- Amber for a few seconds is normal (switch behaviour)
Why this matters
This link will later carry:
- VLAN traffic (trunk)
- Inter-VLAN routing (router-on-a-stick)
- Default gateway traffic
But NOT NOW — for now it’s just a cable.
Do NOT do anything else yet
❌ No VLANs
❌ No IP addresses
❌ No trunk config
Extras:
STEP 4A — Make sure devices are ON
1️⃣ Check R1
- Click R1
- Go to Physical tab
- Look at the power switch
- It must be ON
- If OFF → turn it ON
2️⃣ Check SW1
- Click SW1
- Go to Physical
- Make sure power is ON
Switches are usually ON by default, but check anyway.
STEP 4B — Check the correct ports are used
On R1
- Confirm you used GigabitEthernet0/0
- NOT:
- Console
- AUX
- Serial
- GigabitEthernet0/1 (unless you chose that intentionally)
On SW1
- Confirm you used GigabitEthernet0/1
- NOT:
- FastEthernet0/x by mistake
If unsure:
- Delete the cable
- Re-connect exactly:
- R1 → G0/0
- SW1 → G0/1
STEP 4C — Use the correct cable
For Router ↔ Switch you must use:
- ✅ Copper Straight-Through
If you used:
- ❌ Serial
- ❌ Console
- ❌ Fibre
Delete it and re-add Copper Straight-Through.
STEP 4D — Wait 20–30 seconds
Switch ports do this:
- 🔶 Amber (initialising / STP)
- 🟢 Green (forwarding)
Do not rush — Packet Tracer is slow sometimes.
VERY IMPORTANT (CCNA reality)
Even if:
- the port is administratively down
- no IP
- no VLAN
- no trunk
You should still eventually see a light if:
- device is ON
- correct port
- correct cable
