Cisco Network Simulators Available For Immediate Download Written on December 16, 2009, by Internet Garner.
A network emulator built for Cisco products will try to recreate the physical process of assembling a network, as well as going through the logic of the ordeal. Several choices exist, some being free and some paid, so that students and instructors alike can benefit from using the programs to get more practice in.
An expensive yet thorough solution is with Boson’s software packaged named Netsim. Netsim ranges in value, from $200 to $500, depending on the licensing and options needed. Netsim is the best bet for instructors, as it comes loaded with plenty of extras such as activities and grading programs. Perhaps less affordable for students, who are usually on a tight budget.
Dynagen is another program, only it’s absolutely free. Dynagen is an open source program that is built on the Dynamips emulator, available free to download at any time. Dynagen is criticized for its lack of an intuitive interface, yet also hailed as a very functional program once it’s learned. For the seemingly learning impaired, there are better options out there.
Dynamips also has GNS-3 to work with. Between Dynagen and GNS-3, GNS-3 is used more frequently among students. Students that are just beginning will be turned away from the difficult use of Dynagen. Luckily, GNS-3 has a forum, video documentation of using the program, and plenty of helping supporters. Students that are self-learning and not in a Cisco class will find this computer network simulator to be one of the finest of the bunch.
Packet Tracer is known to be the king of the industry. Cisco created this software for its own students in the CCNA course. It has the best tutorials, design, and functionality of all the programs listed. The only problem is that if you aren’t a Cisco student, alumni, or instructor- you won’t be able to get your hands on it. You couldn’t get it even if you offered them money; Cisco is strict on only allowing students to get their hands on this fine software. It’s at least worth considering a Cisco class to obtain.
Not all network simulators are desktop simulations. You can find some simulators available over the Internet through web browsers, using technology such as Java or JavaScript. You will find that these web-based programs can be less expensive, and some free, but you will have to have a connection to the Internet to access it. Thus, it could be hard studying if you don’t have access to the Internet.
Final Thoughts
You won’t find a much better network simulation package than Cisco’s Packet Tracer. If you can, find a way to get the program either by enrolling in the Cisco Academy or finding other means of getting it. It’s currently the best there is for learning advanced course materials.
Learn more about Download Packet Tracer 5 and Packet Tracer Configuration.
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