The Logical Workspace

The Logical Workspace is where you will spend the majority of your time building and configuring your network. In conjunction with Realtime Mode, you can use this workspace to complete many of the labs you encounter in your CCNA coursework.

First, you will want to create devices. This is done by choosing devices from the Network Component box. Then, you can do any of the following:

• Add modules to your devices to install additional interfaces. Note that you must turn off a device (by clicking its power button) before you can add a module.
• Connect your devices by choosing the appropriate cables (also found in the Network Component box).
• Configure device parameters (such as the device name and IP address) through graphical dialogue boxes or the Cisco IOS (in the case of routers and switches).
• Make advanced configurations and view network information from the CLI interface on a router or switch.

Creating Devices

To place a device onto the workspace, first choose a device type from the Device-Type Selection box. Then, click on the desired device model from the Device-Specific Selection box. Finally, click on a location in the workspace to put your device in that location. If you want to cancel your selection, click the Cancel icon for that device. Alternatively, you can click and drag a device from the Device-Specific Selection box onto the workspace. You can also click and drag a device directly from the Device-Type Selection box and a default device model will be chosen for you.

Moving Objects

To move an object around the Logical Workspace, be sure the Select Tool is selected on the Common Tools Bar. Once the Select Tool is selected, you can left-click and drag items around the Logical Workspace.

Adding Modules

Most Packet Tracer devices have modular bays or slots into which you can insert modules. In the workspace, click on a device to bring up its configuration window. By default, you will be in the Physical Device View sub-panel of the device. An interactive picture of the device is on the right of the panel, and a list of compatible modules is on the left. You can resize the picture with the Zoom In, Original Size, and Zoom Out buttons. You can also resize the entire configuration window by dragging its borders with the mouse. Alternatively, you can undock the window so that you can move it around and freely resize it. You can browse (by clicking) through the list of modules and read their description in the information box at the bottom. When you have found the module you want to add, simply drag it from the list into a compatible bay on the device picture. You can remove a module by dragging it from the device back into the list.

Making Connections

To make a connection between two devices, first click the Connections icon from the Device-Type Selection box to bring up the list of available connections. Then click the appropriate cable type. The mouse pointer will change into a "connection" cursor. Click on the first device and choose an appropriate interface to which to connect. Then click on the second device and do the same. A connection cable will appear between the two devices, along with link lights showing the link status on each end (for interfaces that have link lights). If you made a mistake by connecting to an incorrect interface or you want to change the connection to a different interface, click on the link light near the device to unplug the connection from the device. Click on the device again and select the desired interface to reconnect the device. For a full list of connections supported in Packet Tracer, please read the Connections / Links help page.

Logical Topology Editing Tools

You can use the tools in the Main Tool Bar, Logical/Physical Workspace Bar, and Common Tools Bar to edit and annotate your topology.

Configuring Devices

To make most of the devices useful, you need to configure some basic settings (for example, an interface IP address and subnet mask). You can set basic parameters through the GUI configuration screen of the device (click the Config tab from the configuration window). Different devices have different settings available. Refer to each help page of the device for detailed information.

Cisco IOS: Routers and Switches

For routers and switches, you will have access to a model of the Cisco IOS with a limited set of commands. You can use the software to make advanced configurations and view various network information in real time (if you are in Realtime Mode). Here are a few examples of the commands available to you: ping, traceroute, show interfaces, ip access-list, and switchport access vlan. Refer to the Configuring Devices section of the help files for all supported Cisco IOS commands.

Clustering Devices

Clustering devices allows you to simplify the appearance of the Logical Workspace by visually reducing a group of devices and connections into a single image. By default, all devices are created on the Logical Workspace are located in the Root level, which is indicated on the Logical/Physical Workspace Bar. You may reduce the amount of clutter on the workspace by clustering multiple devices together with the New Cluster feature. To cluster a group of devices, select the devices on the workspace and then click on the New Cluster button. You can then click on the newly created cluster to go inside its lower level (i.e., Cluster0 by default) and create sub-clusters within the main cluster as well. You may also rename the cluster by clicking on its label to enable the label textbox. You can navigate between levels by clicking on the appropriate level on the Navigation Bar. To uncluster a group of devices, highlight the cluster and then delete it with the Delete tool.

Once you create a cluster, you can make connections to devices in a cluster. To make a connection to devices in a cluster, you first select the connection type and then the cluster. A menu showing the devices in the cluster appears, allowing you to select a device. When you select the device, a menu showing the available interfaces appears. Select the interface and a connection is made if the selected connection type and interface are compatible.

Also, when you can create a cluster, you can move objects and devices within the cluster hierarchy with the Move Object button. To do so, click on the Move Object button and then select an object or device. This opens a menu showing the cluster hierarchy. You can then select the location to which the object should be moved.

Managing Workspace Clutter (Docking/Undocking Sub-windows)

There may be times when you need multiple windows open on your screen (especially when you start running simulations and have to keep track of many things at once). To minimize the visual clutter, you can arrange popup and sub-windows in various ways. Many windows can be docked to or undocked (floated) from the workspace. You can drag floating windows (via their title bar) and dock them to the left, right, or bottom edge of the workspace. Simply drag a window by its title bar until your cursor is near an edge and then release the mouse button. The window will dock to that edge. To undock a window, drag the window by its docked title bar and move it out of the workspace edge to anywhere on your screen.