Packet Tracer topology before cabling — all devices unconnected

Objective

Connect a full multi-site network topology in Packet Tracer using the correct cable type for each connection. The lab starts with all devices placed but completely unconnected — the task is to identify what cable goes where based on device type, port type, and distance.

Auto MDI-X is disabled, so cable selection actually matters. You have to think about whether each link needs straight-through, crossover, or fiber.

Topology

Two sites connected by WAN links through four routers:

Site 1 (Left):

  • R1 → R2 (50 meter distance)
  • R2 → SW1 and SW2 via distribution links
  • SW1 ↔ SW2 (switch-to-switch interconnect)
  • SW1 → SW3, SW2 → SW4 (access layer)
  • SW3 → PC1, SW4 → PC2 (end devices)

Site 2 (Right):

  • R3 → R4 (250 meter distance)
  • R4 → SW5 and SW6 via distribution links
  • SW5 ↔ SW6 (switch-to-switch interconnect)
  • SW5 → SW7, SW6 → SW8 (access layer)
  • SW7 → PC3, SW8 → SRV1 (end devices)

WAN:

  • R1 → R3 (3 kilometer distance)

Packet Tracer topology after cabling — all connections made with correct cable types

Cable Selection Logic

Straight-Through (Copper)

Used for unlike devices — router to switch, switch to PC, switch to server:

  • R2 → SW1, R2 → SW2
  • R4 → SW5, R4 → SW6
  • SW3 → PC1, SW4 → PC2
  • SW7 → PC3, SW8 → SRV1

Crossover (Copper)

Used for like devices — switch to switch, router to router (short distance):

  • SW1 ↔ SW2, SW1 → SW3, SW2 → SW4
  • SW5 ↔ SW6, SW5 → SW7, SW6 → SW8
  • R1 → R2 (50m — copper is fine at this distance)

Fiber

Used for long distance links where copper can’t reach:

  • R3 → R4 (250 meters) — exceeds the 100m limit for copper Ethernet, needs fiber
  • R1 → R3 (3 kilometers) — definitely fiber, likely single-mode at this distance

Key Takeaways

  • 100 meters is the max for copper Ethernet (Cat5e/Cat6) — anything beyond that needs fiber
  • Multimode fiber works for shorter runs (up to ~550m for 1Gbps)
  • Single-mode fiber is for long hauls (kilometers) — the R1-R3 link at 3km would use this
  • With Auto MDI-X disabled, using the wrong cable type means the link stays down — red indicators in Packet Tracer make this obvious
  • The green triangles on each port confirm the link is up and the correct cable was used

Resources