Packet Tracer

Packet Tracer
	File:Cisco Packet Tracer.png Cisco Packet Tracer 5.0 in Windows 7
Developer(s)	Cisco Systems
Stable release	5.3.1
Operating system	Microsoft Windows and Ubuntu-Like Linux
Website	www.cisco.com

Packet Tracer is a Cisco router emulator that can be utilized in training and education, but also in research for simple computer network simulations. The tool is created by Cisco Systems and provided for free distribution to faculty, students, and alumni who are or have participated in the Cisco Academy program. The purpose of Packet Tracer is to offer students and teachers a tool to learn the principles of networking as well as develop Cisco Technology specific skills.

Packet Tracer versions

Packet Tracer is currently at version 5.3.1 and can be obtained from the Packet Tracer website. The software is only available to Cisco Netacad students, faculty, and alumni. Version 5.3.1 is available for Windows and Linux operating systems.

System requirements

CPU: Intel Pentium 300 MHz or equivalent
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium, Fedora 7, or Ubuntu 7.10
RAM: 96 MB
Storage: 250 MB of free disk space
Screen resolution: 800 x 600 or higher
Macromedia Flash Player 6.0 or higher

Packet Tracer features

The current version of Packet Tracer supports an array of simulated Application layer protocols, as well as basic routing with RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP, to the extent required by the current CCNA curriculum. While Packet Tracer aims to provide a realistic simulation of functional networks, the application itself utilizes only a small number of features found within the actual hardware running a current Cisco IOS. Thus, Packet Tracer is unsuitable for modeling production networks. With the introduction of version 5.3, several new features were added, including BGP. BGP is not part of the CCNA curriculum. It is part of the CCNP curriculum.

Use in education

Packet Tracer is commonly used by Cisco Networking Academy students working towards Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. 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.

Packet Tracer research

References

External links

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