Network Architecture Overview
Add Devices in Packet Tracer
Add Serial Ports (Head Office ↔ Branch)
Connect R1 to the Distribution Switch (SW1)
Connect SW1 to SW2 (Access switch A)
Connect SW1 to SW3 (Access switch B)
Connect END DEVICES (PCs, Server, Wi-Fi router)
Name the devices (slow + precise)
Complete the Branch (Physical)
Interface Awareness (KNOW WHAT EACH PORT IS FOR)
IP Addressing Plan (ON PAPER ONLY)
Configure ONE LAN interface on HO-R1
Give ONE PC an IP & Test Ping
Configure the WAN link (HO-R1 ↔ BR-R2)
Configure the Branch LAN Interface (BR-R2)
Enable HQ ↔ Branch Routing (Static Routes)
Why Static Routes Don’t Scale (and Why OSPF Exists)
STEP 19 — Remove Static Routes (CLEAN START)
Configure OSPF (Single Area FIRST)
Create VLANs (Layer 2 only)
STEP 25 — Configure TRUNKS (Router-on-a-Stick preparation)
Configure Router-on-a-Stick (HO-R1)
VERIFY & TROUBLESHOOT ROAS
DHCP per VLAN (AUTOMATIC IP ADDRESSING)
DHCP Relay (ip helper-address)
Basic Device Configuration