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Cathy Buggs

Updated 10 months ago

A full-fledged network simulation software from Cisco

Packet Tracer is a useful network simulation tool from Cisco. It’s a free tool designed to guide beginners about networking certifications, such as CCNA certifications. The program allows students to experiment with a system’s network behavior. Compared to PuTTY, Tera Term, and GNS3, this software is easier to navigate. 

Packet Tracer is an important part of the Cisco system software suite. It's an integral part of the Networking Academy. With this tool, students can gain a comprehensive learning experience. In addition to this, it supports numerous assessments, visualization, authoring, collaboration, and simulation capabilities to ensure hassle-free learning of complicated IT concepts. 

A powerful visual simulation software 

Cisco Packet Tracer is a popular choice among developers and IT students around the world. Cisco Systems has developed the program as a core part of the Networking Academy and has proven to be quite useful for running network configuration simulations. This multi-faceted, comprehensive software uses simulation to confirm theories, concepts, practical knowledge, and ideas. This tool is a good choice for beginners without much experience working with network simulations and configurations. 

This Cisco system software is still a good way to practice networking and visualization skills. The new version of the software comes with some improvements. For instance, this version doesn’t crash unexpectedly. In addition, the development team provides good support. The software offers support for numerous devices. Moreover, you can review processes and assess everything in a simulation. While the network simulation is high quality, it shouldn’t be replaced with infrastructure or physical hardware. 

What are the features? 

Since Cisco Packet Tracer integrates well with the Networking Academy, it covers the entire syllabus to help you understand the intricacies of networking simulation and visualization techniques. Thus, it lets teachers demonstrate complicated IT concepts without much hassle.  Moreover, this program can be used to teach a range of aspects associated with networking system design. With this tool, instructors can customize individual and multi-user activities, thereby ensuring a comprehensive experience for students. 

Students and beginners can use Packet Tracer to troubleshoot, build, and configure networks with virtual equipment and simulated connections. Since the software can be used as a standalone program or in collaboration with other tools, it ensures a better learning experience. The program remains updated as every version introduces better functions and optimization. For instance, the recent version added API v3, streamlined web interface, appended Swagger UI, added Zstd compression, and more. 

Master networking skills with Cisco Packet Tracer 

Cisco Packet Tracer is a versatile and powerful tool for learning and practicing networking concepts. Ideal for students and beginners, it offers realistic simulations and integrates seamlessly with the Networking Academy syllabus. With frequent updates and a user-friendly interface, it remains a top choice for mastering IT concepts. While it’s a great learning tool, it cannot fully replace hands-on experience with physical hardware. 

Avatar of Cathy Buggs

Cathy Buggs

    I was born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I started working in a branch of the military before moving into the computer industry in 1979. We moved to Cape Town in 1983 where I worked for a import/export company. I then joined De Beers, where I worked for the next 20 years, rising to become the IT Manager at one of the De Beers mines. I retired in 2007 and since then I have enjoyed a third career as a freelance writer, editor and freelance tutor to disadvantaged students mainly over the internet. I have always had a deep love for English and the written word and have relished writing and expanding my skill set. I love reading and also dabble in many arts and crafts. My husband and I love camping, travelling and using our 4X4 to spend as much time as possible in the wild areas of Southern Africa.

    • Pros

      • User-friendly for beginners
      • Receives good support
      • Comprehensive network simulation capabilities
      • Integration with Networking Academy syllabus
      • Regular updates and improvements
      • Multi-device and API support
    • Cons

      • Not ideal for experts
      • Limited compared to physical hardware
      • Best suited for academic use only
      • Requires understanding of basic networking concepts
     0/6

    App specs

    • License

      Free

    • Version

      8.2.2
    • Latest update

    • Platform

      Windows

    • OS

      Windows 10

    • Language

      English

      Available languages

      • Arabic
      • English
      • Spanish
      • French
      • Portuguese
      • Chinese
    • Downloads

      565.4K

      Last month's downloads

      • 9.8K
    • Developer

    Program available in other languages


    Icon of program: Cisco Packet Tracer

    Cisco Packet Tracer for PC

    • Free
    • 4
      1657
    • 565.4K
    • V8.2.2

    User reviews about Cisco Packet Tracer

    by santraj kumar Singh

    I will recommend it because it is very use full for training of configuration all devices.

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    Score result: Clean

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