How to configure RIP version 2 on Cisco Packet Tracer | Cisco Series

While static routing is manageable for simple networks, dynamic routing protocols like RIPv2 (Routing Information Protocol Version 2) are essential for scale. RIPv2 automates the process of route discovery, allowing routers to share network information automatically. This tutorial walks you through setting up RIPv2 on Cisco routers in Packet Tracer.

1. Verification and Removal of Static Routes

If your routers were previously using static routes, you must remove them first. RIPv2 will take over the routing decisions.

1. Verify Existing Routes: In Privilege EXEC mode (Router#), use the following command to check the current routing table. C indicates directly connected networks, and S indicates static routes.

   show ip route
   

   (The terminal output of show ip route showing both C and S routes.) 

1. View Configuration: Use show running-config to find the static route commands (ip route...).

2. Remove Static Routes: Enter Global Configuration mode (Router(config)#) and preface the static route command with no.

   conf t
   no [paste the static ip route command here]
   

3. Verification: Test connectivity to the remote network (e.g., ping 192.168.1.1). It should fail .

2. Configuring RIPv2

The core of dynamic routing involves starting the RIP process, specifying the version, and advertising the directly connected networks.

1. Start RIP Process: Enter Global Configuration mode and start the RIP routing process.

   router rip
   

2. Specify Version 2: RIPv2 supports VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Masking) and sends multicast updates, making it superior to RIPv1.

   version 2
   

   (The CLI showing the commands router rip and version 2.)

3. Advertise Connected Networks: You must advertise every network that is directly connected to this router. Do not include the subnet mask.

   • Example (Router 1): If the router’s interfaces are on networks 192.168.1.0 (LAN) and 123.20.20.0 (WAN/Interconnect):

     network 123.20.20.0
     network 192.168.1.0
     

4. Repeat: Apply the exact same router rip, version 2, and network commands on the second router, advertising its directly connected networks (e.g., 123.20.20.0 and 192.168.2.0).

3. Final Verification

RIPv2 updates are exchanged periodically. After a short wait (up to 30 seconds), the routers should automatically learn the remote network routes.

1. Check Routing Table: Exit configuration mode and re-check the routing table.

   exit
   exit
   show ip route
   

   You should now see a route entry labeled R, indicating the route was learned dynamically via RIP . (The terminal output of show ip route showing the new route entry labeled with R.)

2. Test Connectivity: Ping the remote router’s interface IP.

   ping 192.168.1.1
   

   The ping should now be successful, confirming that RIPv2 is actively sharing routing information between the two networks.