Cisco Packet Tracer

Packet Tracer is a cross-platform visual simulation tool designed by Cisco Systems that allows users to create network topologies and imitate modern computer networks. The software allows users to simulate the configuration of Cisco routers and switches using a simulated command line interface. Packet Tracer makes use of a drag and drop user interface, allowing users to add and remove simulated network devices as they see fit. The software is mainly focused towards Certified Cisco Network Associate Academy students as an educational tool for helping them learn fundamental CCNA concepts. Students enrolled in a CCNA Academy program can freely download and use the tool free of charge for educational use.

Packet Tracer can be run on iOS, Linux and Microsoft Windows. A similar Android app is also available. Packet Tracer allows users to create simulated network topologies by dragging and dropping routers, Application Layer protocols, as well as basic routing with RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BDP, to the extents required by the current CCNA curriculum. As of version 5.3, Packet Tracer also supports the Border Gateway Protocol.

In addition to simulating certain aspects of computer networks, Packet Tracer can also be used for collaboration. As of Packet Tracer 5.0, Packet Tracer supports a multi-user system that enables multiple users to connect multiple topologies together over a computer network. Packet Tracer also allows instructors to create activities that students have to complete. Packet Tracer is often used in educational settings as a learning aid. Cisco Systems claims that Packet Tracer is useful for network experimentation

Packet Tracer, which is often not feasible with physical hardware, due to costs. Packet Tracer is commonly used by CCNA Academy students, since it is available to them for free. However, due to functional limitations, it is intended by CISCO to be used only as a learning aid, not a replacement for Cisco routers and switches. The application itself only has a small number of features found within the actual hardware running a current Cisco IOS version. Thus, Packet Tracer is unsuitable for modelling production networks. It has a limited command set, meaning it is not possible to practice all of the IOS commands that might be required.

Packet Tracer can be useful for understanding abstract networking concepts, such as the Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol by animating these elements in a visual form. Packet Tracer is also useful in education by providing additional components, including an authoring system, network protocol simulation and improving knowledge an assessment system.

  

The Introduction to Packet Tracer course is designed for beginners with no prior networking knowledge. The self-paced course teaches the basic operations of Cisco Packet Tracer, the robust simulation tool used to visualize networks. Multiple hands-on activities focus on everyday examples including networking and Internet of Things (IoT) exposing learners to important concepts while at the same time reinforcing learnings. Whether you want to develop networking knowledge or you plan to take one of the Networking Academy courses that use Packet Tracer, you’ll find Introduction to Packet Tracer provides valuable tips and best practices for using Cisco Packet Tracer.

-Learn the basic operations of Packet Tracer: - File commands, visualization and configuration of networking devices. 

-Simulate the interactions of data traveling through the network.

-Learn to visualize the network in logical and physical modes.

-Reinforce your understanding with extensive hands-on networking and IoT activities.

-Get immediate feedback on your work through built-in quizzes and tests.