{
  "id": 15253328,
  "title": "HANDS-ON NETWORKING LAB: Configuring 20 PCs, 1 DHCP Server, and 2 Switches",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/hands-on-networking-lab-configuring-20-pcs-1-dhcp-server-and-2",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-17T18:25:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/adams_adam_02860737759bbb/hands-on-networking-lab-configuring-20-pcs-1-dhcp-server-and-2-switches-3nmn"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a hands-on networking lab, I set up a small office network using Cisco Packet Tracer. The network consisted of 20 client PCs, one DHCP server, and two switches. The main objective was to design a system where the client computers would automatically receive their IP addresses and other network settings from the central DHCP server.\n\nThe network setup included 20 PCs serving as client devices, one DHCP server, and two network switches connected via Ethernet cables. Each PC was assigned an IP address from the DHCP server, which had the following configuration: IP address 192.168.1.1, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, and default gateway 192.168.1.254. The DHCP server's address range began at 192.168.1.2.\n\nThe overall function of the network was straightforward. The DHCP server automatically provided IP configurations to the end-user computers. The two switches connected the 20 PCs and facilitated the forwarding of traffic within the local network. When a PC needed an IP address, it would request one from the DHCP server. Once the PCs were configured, they could communicate with other devices on the same network, provided the network and device settings were correct.\n\nThis practical exercise underscored the significance of proper IP address management and reliable network design in a small business environment. Despite my current role as a Cloud & DevOps Engineer, I continually strive to improve my hands-on networking skills.",
  "summary": "As part of my practical networking journey, I worked on a small office network infrastructure consisting of 20 client PCs, 1 DHCP server, and 2 switches using Cisco Packet Tracer. Objective To design and configure a network where client computers automatically receive their IP addresses and other network settings from a central DHCP server. Network Components 20 PCs (client devices) 1 DHCP server…",
  "key_points": [
    "20 client PCs configured in network lab",
    "One DHCP server assigns IP addresses",
    "Two switches connect PCs in network"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}