# Networking Capstone

Congratulations! You've completed the Networking sub-module! Now, it's time for a quick test. We have two capstone assessments for Networking:

1. **Questions Test** – To assess your theoretical understanding.
2. **Practical Lab Implementation** – A hands-on challenge using Cisco Packet Tracer.

Get ready to apply what you've learned!

***

## Questions Test

We have questions to test your understanding uploaded in TryHackMe. You can access the lab here: <https://tryhackme.com/jr/networkingsubmodulecapstone>.

***

## Practical Lab Implementation

In this capstone project, you will learn how to set up a functional home lab using Cisco Packet Tracer. This includes configuring routers, switches, and DHCP servers, as well as designing a subnetted network to efficiently allocate IP addresses. By the end of this project, you will have hands-on experience with fundamental networking concepts applicable to real-world scenarios.

Expand following:

<details>

<summary>Scenario: Network Setup for XYZ Corp</summary>

XYZ Corp has hired you to design a simple yet efficient network infrastructure for their office building. The building consists of five floors, each requiring a separate subnet for efficient traffic management. The specific requirements are as follows:

#### Requirements:

* Each floor (except the top floor) has approximately 74 employees who need network access.
* The top floor is reserved for the Board of Directors (BOD) and has only 5 members.
* Each floor must have its own subnet.
* A router will act as the central DHCP server, assigning IP addresses dynamically.
* A switch will be used to connect devices on each floor.
* Use a **Class C private IP address** (`192.168.X.0/24`) and subnet accordingly.

#### Network IP Plan:

{% hint style="info" %}
Since we covered subnetting, you can plan which subnet is sufficient for each floors and start designing. :innocent:
{% endhint %}

</details>

<details>

<summary>Assignment Guidelines</summary>

#### Part 1: Network Design in Cisco Packet Tracer

1. **Setup the Devices**:
   * Add a **router** to act as the DHCP server.
   * Add five **switches**, one for each floor.
   * Connect end devices (PCs) to each switch.
2. **Configure the Router**:
   * Assign IP addresses to router interfaces.
   * Enable **DHCP** on the router and configure separate DHCP pools for each subnet.
   * Ensure correct subnet mask and gateway assignments.
3. **Configure the Switches**:
   * Assign management IPs to the switches *(optional)*.
   * Ensure proper connectivity between the router and switches.
4. **Test the Network**:
   * Verify that each device receives the correct IP from the DHCP pool.
   * Ensure inter-floor communication is possible if required.

#### Part 2: Documentation Submission

* Document your setup process in detail, including:
  * Device configurations (router, switches, PCs).
  * IP addressing and subnet calculations.
  * Screenshots of successful DHCP assignment.
* Write the documentation using one of the following methods:
  * **MS Word** and export as **PDF**.
  * **Obsidian** or **Notion** and export as **PDF**.
  * Publish on **Medium.com**.
  * Personal **blog/writeup website** (acceptable).

#### Part 3: Submission Guidelines

* Submit your **Packet Tracer (.pkt) file**.
* Submit a **PDF report** covering your network design and configurations.
* Ensure all configurations are functional before submission.

***

Your submission will be evaluated based on the following:

* **Correctness of the Network Setup** (30%)
* **Proper Subnetting and IP Allocation** (20%)
* **Successful DHCP Configuration** (20%)
* **Documentation Quality** (20%)
* **Presentation and Clarity** (10%)

</details>

<details>

<summary>I don't know how to set up a router, switch, or DHCP server, and I've never used Cisco Packet Tracer! Help!</summary>

If you don't know it yet, that's perfectly fine—you will learn it! The key to learning is **research**!

Here’s how you can get started:

1. **Google it!** – Look for beginner tutorials on setting up routers, switches, and DHCP servers in Cisco Packet Tracer.
2. **Ask AI & LLMs** – Use AI tools like ChatGPT to get step-by-step guidance.
3. **Utilize Community Resources** – Join networking forums, Discord servers, or subreddits like `r/ccna` to ask questions and see how others solve similar problems.
4. **Watch Tutorials** – YouTube has tons of free Cisco Packet Tracer tutorials.
5. **Practice, Practice, Practice!** – Open Packet Tracer, experiment, and break things—then fix them!

You’ve got this! 😃🔥

</details>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://handbook.ncateam.xyz/fundamentals/networking/networking-capstone.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.