CCNA Routing Topology Labs for Packet Tracer

CCNA routing topology labs help you move from reading commands to configuring, verifying, and troubleshooting complete networks. Cisco Packet Tracer is suitable for introductory labs, while physical or virtual equipment can be used for deeper practice.

Start with a Simple Three-Router Topology

Build three routers in a line, connect one LAN to each edge router, and assign IPv4 subnets to every link. Record the addressing plan before configuring devices.

Lab 1: Static Routing

1. Configure interface addresses and enable each interface.
2. Verify directly connected networks with show ip route.
3. Add static routes to remote LANs.
4. Test end-to-end connectivity with ping and traceroute.
5. Remove one route, observe the failure, and restore it.

Lab 2: Default Route

Configure a default route on a branch router toward the upstream router. Add a return route upstream, then confirm that unknown destinations follow the default route. Use show ip route static to identify the candidate default.

Lab 3: Single-Area OSPF

1. Enable OSPF with a unique router ID.
2. Advertise the required networks in area 0.
3. Verify neighbors with show ip ospf neighbor.
4. Inspect learned routes and their next hops.
5. Shut down a link and observe convergence.

Lab 4: IPv6 Routing

Assign IPv6 addresses, enable IPv6 routing, and practice static IPv6 routes. Verify with show ipv6 interface brief, show ipv6 route, ping, and traceroute.

Troubleshooting Checklist

• Confirm interfaces are up/up.
• Check addresses, masks, and IPv6 prefixes.
• Verify the next-hop address is reachable.
• Look for missing return routes.
• Confirm OSPF neighbors reach the FULL state.
• Check access lists before changing routing.
• Compare the routing table with the intended topology.

Document Every Lab

Save the topology, addressing table, device configurations, expected routes, test results, and the fault you introduced. Rebuilding a lab from a blank file improves retention more than repeatedly opening a completed topology.

Continue Your CCNA Preparation

Review our CCNA questions and answers. For structured exam practice, see the CCNA 200-301 Premium PDF with the latest available questions and answers.

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