Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer – represents the program simulator of network functioning and is used by instructors and students of Network academies Cisco around the world. Since the beginning of 2010 academic year the user interface of this product became available also in Russian.

The software solution Cisco Packet Tracer allows to imitate operation of different network devices: routers, switches, wireless access points, personal computers, network printers, IP phones, etc. Work with the interactive simulator gives very plausible feeling of setup of the real network consisting of tens or even hundreds of devices. Settings, in turn, depend on the nature of devices: some can be configured using commands of the Cisco IOS operating system, others – at the expense of a web-based graphical user interface, the third – through the command line of the operating system or graphic menus.

Thanks to such Cisco Packet Tracer property as the visualization mode, the user can monitor data movement on networks, emergence and change of parameters of IP packets when passing data via network devices, speed and ways of movement of IP packets. The analysis of the events happening in network allows to understand the mechanism of its work and to detect faults.

Cisco Packet Tracer can be used not only as the simulator, but also as the network application for simulating of a virtual network through real network, including the Internet. Users of different computers, irrespective of their location, can work on one network topology, making its setup or fixing problems. This function of the multi-user Cisco Packet Tracer mode is widely applied to the organization of team work and also to holding games and competitions between removed participants.

In addition, using Cisco Packet Tracer the user can simulate creation not only logical, but also physical model of network and, therefore, receive skills of design. The scheme of network can be imposed on the drawing of the real-life building or even city and to design all its cable wiring, to place devices in these or those buildings and premises taking into account physical restraints, such as length and type of the laid cable or the cell radius of a covering of a wireless network.

Simulation, visualization, the multi-user mode and possibility of design do Cisco Packet Tracer by the unique tool for training in network technologies. The program is distributed for free, but is available only to the registered listeners and instructors of Network academies Cisco. In addition to the listed characteristics, in Cisco Packet Tracer there are opportunities provided directly for teachers. Among them – the mode of automatic control of carrying out laboratory works. The instructor's task – to prepare a task or to use already developed educational templates, and result will automatically check the program. Especially the Cisco Packet Tracer simulator is irreplaceable during the lectures as it allows, without leaving a class, to show behavior of network equipment. If it is difficult to get access in the laboratory purposes to the real equipment, and work means carrying out an experiment and use of a large number of network devices, virtual opportunities of Cisco Packet Tracer easily solve the problems facing instructors.

Certainly, Cisco Packet Tracer cannot replace completely work experience in real network, but, as envisioned by developers, this product is capable to make process of teaching by more effective and to turn studying of network technologies into the fascinating process available at any time and in any place. Afterwards in specially equipped educational classes of Network academies Cisco listeners will be able to perfect the skills on this "iron" and to understand, than simulation differs from reality. It is unlikely someone will venture to become the passenger of the vehicle whose driver never drove this machine. Here and the ideology of training of Cisco means that, in addition to work with the simulator, practice of work with the real equipment is necessary for future professionals.