Cisco packet tracer for windows student version

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Cisco Packet Tracer 64-bit is a powerful network simulation program that allows students to experiment with network behavior and ask “what if” questions. As an integral part of the Networking Academy comprehensive learning experience, Packet Tracer provides simulation, visualization, authoring, assessment, and collaboration capabilities and facilitates the teaching and learning of complex technology concepts. Cisco Packet Tracer student version is a great solution for you, check out now!

Cisco Packet Tracer 64-bit supplements physical equipment in the classroom by allowing students to create a network with an almost unlimited number of devices, encouraging practice, discovery, and troubleshooting.

The simulation-based learning environment helps students develop 21st-century skills such as decision making, creative and critical thinking, and problem-solving. Packet Tracer complements the Networking Academy curricula, allowing instructors to easily teach and demonstrate complex technical concepts and networking systems design. Download Cisco Packet Tracer Offline Installer Setup 64bit for PC!

The Packet Tracer software is available free of charge only to Networking Academy instructors, students, alumni, and administrators that are registered Academy Connection users.

Who uses Packet Tracer?

• Learners exploring networking and tech careers
• Networking, IoT, and cybersecurity students
• Engineers, educators, and trainers
• Distance teaching and learning

• Download the Cisco Packet Tracer software from the Cisco Networking Academy website or FileHorse.
• Once the download is complete, double-click on the installer file to begin the installation process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• Once the installation is complete, launch the Packet Tracer application from the Start menu or by clicking on the shortcut icon on your desktop.
• To start a new simulation, click on the «New» button on the main toolbar, or go to «File» and select «New.»
• To add network devices to your simulation, you can use the drag-and-drop interface or go to «Edit» and select «Add Device.»
• Connect the devices by dragging a cable from one device’s port to another.
• To configure the devices, double-click on them and select the «Config» tab.
• To run the simulation, click on the «Start» button on the main toolbar, or go to «Simulation» and select «Start.»
• To end the simulation, click on the «Stop» button on the main toolbar, or go to «Simulation» and select «Stop.»
• To save your simulation, go to «File» and select «Save» or «Save As.»

Download Cisco Packet Tracer (64-bit) Latest Version

Cisco Packet Tracer is one of the powerful network simulation tools from Cisco. It helps you to learn Networking efficiently.

If you are a beginner and want to Download and Install Cisco Packet Tracer on your computer, then, don’t worry, just follow the article. We will cover all the steps required to download and install the latest version of the cisco packet tracer.

Note: If you don’t have Cisco OneID, you need to create one, it’s free. You will get other benfits too. Don’t worry, it’s also explained in the same article.

Overview – Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet tracer is one of the best network simulators. It allows you to run the Cisco Virtual appliance in it. All the virtual appliances i.e. Router, Switch, Firewall are embedded in it.

Along with the Cisco devices, you can drag and drop many servers such as DNS, DHCP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP. So, during the simulation, you can connect the Cisco Routers or Switch to the servers. So, you will get complete network visibility and you can understand the behavior of many protocols during the lab.

The Installation of packet tracer is very easy, especially in the Windows environment. You just need to double click on the installation file to begin the installation. Later, you just click on the Next button by accepting the privacy policies of Cisco.

During the installation process, In case if your web browser is opened, you will get an information message “For Packet-Tracer Skill Based Assessment (PTSBA) to use this version of PacketTracer, please close all web browsers or restart your computer.” So, don’t worry, you just have to click on the OK button to close it.

While you run the packet tracer the first time, an additional information message will be displayed. It will show the default working directory for your projects.

Now, the application will start. Initially, you will get a window with the login screen. Here, you need to provide the Cisco OneID you created during the downloading process. However, if you don’t want to login using Cisco OneID, you can select Guest Login only after 15 seconds.

Note: The Guest login in the packet tracer doesn’t allow you to save the projects after 3 successfully saved projects. So, I always recommeds you to signin using your Cisco OneID.

Finally, you can see the dashboard of your Cisco PT. You can drag and drop any virtual appliance and start your study. In my case, I only took 4 ISR4321 Routers.

Benefits of using Cisco Packet Tracer

I am working in Network Security with an experience of 8 years. However, during my initial learning, I started using the Cisco PT for networking basics. It provides you many advantages.

You will get the following number of benefits while using Cisco Packet Tracer.

• It has to ability to run several Cisco appliances, i.e. Router, Switch, etc, which helps you practice for your Cisco CCNA & CCNP exams.
• It provides complete virtualization for your study, so, you may not need to buy the real appliances for practice. So, it can save you’re a huge amount of money.
• It is free for everyone. You just need to register to the Cisco NetAcad and get your practice application free.
• It is available for each platform. So, you can run it on Windows, Linux, macOS, and even on Android.
• If you are a beginner in networking, it helps you to understand frames and packets. You can easily, understand headers of many protocols, i.e. IPv4, ARP, Ethernet, and many more.
• It supports almost all CLI commands provided within the Cisco IOS (Internetworking Operating System).

Though, there are several limitations of the Cisco Packet tracer as well. So, let’s discuss some of the limitations:

• This network simulation tool is made by Cisco, so it only allows you to run Cisco virtual appliances.
• You can’t integrate packet tracer with the other tools like VMWare Workstation.
• Though it provides you a brief overview of the packets and frames. But, you can analyze more with the other simulation tools like GNS3, because, you can run Wireshark on it.

Comparison between PT version 7.3 and 7.2.2

In both versions, i.e. v7.3 & v7.2.2, there are many differences and Cisco also recommends you choose the version you practice wisely. So, let’s go through both versions one by one.

So, let’s go through the PT v7.3 features

The PT v7.3 is mainly designed for new CCNA 7. So, if your wishing to learn and practice for CCNA 7, you must go for this version. Although, If you are learning CCNA 6, cisco recommends you to download packet tracer v7.2.2.

Obviously, for supporting CCNA 7, in the latest version, Cisco has added several new appliances as well.

• Cisco 4331 – Integrated Service Router Added
• Cisco 3504 – WLC (Wireless LAN Controller) Added

Apart from the appliance, many other improvements are there’s.

• New themes were added in v7.3.
• You can align devices (i.e. Router, Switch, WLC, etc) to racks.
• You can name the rack you are working on
• Many other improvements related to the existing protocols.

Let’s discuss the PT v7.2.2 features

Unlike version 7.3, version 7.2.2 is a maintenance release. In PT v7.2.2. So, In this release, a major bug was removed.

In the previous version, you need to login to the packet tracer again and again upon each restart. So, this bug was removed. Also, Cisco decided to remove the previous buggy release from the official website. So, you can’t download the old version like 7.1.1.

However, In version 7.2.2, there are some additional enhancements as well.

• Cisco ASA 5506-X Firewall Added
• Cisco Meraki security appliance
• Home Router (With Additional Standard supported, i.e., 2.4G, 5G)

However, still, you were not able to run Cisco FirePower (Firewall + IPS) on this version. But, you will defiantly see the Protocol Enhancement in this version.

As you already know, Cisco Packet Tracer is a free network simulation tool. However, to download and run it on Windows, you need to signup on NetAcad Academy. The signup process is completely free.

Another benefit to signup for NetAcad Academy is you will defiantly get beginner courses which defiantly helps you to get started with Cisco Packet Tracer. So, let’s go through the Signup process which helps us to download the best network simulator. In case, if you are already registered with Cisco and have Cisco OneID, you can directly download packet tracer.

First, go to the Introduction to Packet Tracer page of NetAcad Academy and click on Sign Up today.

Now, a new tab of the web browser will open. Here, you need to provide basic detail such as Name, Mail ID.

Once, you click on submit upon filling in the basic details, you will get an email after a few minutes. You need to activate your Cisco OneID using a one-time code sent by Cisco.

After activating your account, you need to login to NetAcad Academy to download Cisco Packet Tracer. You can directly login by clicking the Cisco NetAcad Academy.

Upon successful authentication, navigate to Resources >> Download Packet Tracer, to download the latest cisco packet tracer.

Currently, the Latest Version of the Cisco Packet Tracer is 7.3. So, you can directly found the links to download packet tracer for Windows. For your simplicity, we have added to download it on 32 bit and 64 bit Windows operating systems.

Cisco Packet Tracer Version 7.3

Note: You must login to NetAcad Academy, otherwise below links will not works!

1. Download for 64 bit Windows
   • File Name: PacketTracer-7.3.0-win64-setup.exe
2. Download for 32 bit Windows
   • File Name: PacketTracer-7.3.0-win34-setup.exe

Download Latest Cisco Packet Tracer for Linux, MAC  & Android Operating System

Cisco allows you to download the packet tracer for Linux, macOS, and Android operating systems as well. This means you don’t need to install wine to run it on Linux or macOS. You can directly download the installation files for Linux, macOS, and Android.

Download Cisco Packet Tracer for Linux

The given link allows you to download the .deb file of the Cisco Packet Tracer, which can be easily installed in Debian Based Linux, i.e. Ubuntu, Mint. The installation guide for Linux is given below in the same article.

• Download for Linux 64 bit
  • File Name: PacketTracer_730_amd64.deb

Download Cisco Packet Tracer for MAC OS

Similarly, you can also download it on macOS. However, you must log in to the NetAcad Academy to proceed with the download. Also, you don’t need to install wine to run Packet Tracer on macOS.

• Download for macOS
  • File Name: PacketTracer730_mac.dmg

Download Cisco Packet Tracer for Mobile

Now, with the starting of CCNA v7, Cisco launches the Mobile Version of Cisco Packet Tracer. So, it is possible to practice networking on Mobile Devices.

The current android version is v3. For you guys, I am directly putting the links to download it from Google Play Store for Android Mobiles and App Store for iPhone or iPad.

Don’t forget to login on NetAcad Academy usign your Cisco OneID.

• Download for Android
• Download for iPhone or iPad

Recommendation for Cisco Packet Tracer Version

The latest version, i.e. version 7.3.0, includes all the features of previous versions of packet tracer. However, if you preparing for Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) v7, you must download the Cisco Packet Tracer v7.3. It allows you to create the labs for practice according to CCNA v7 syllabus.

Old versions of Cisco Packet Tracer (Offline Installers)

If you are familiar with the older version of the packet tracer, Cisco allows you to download the older version on the NetAcad Website. You can download the older version of the Cisco Packet Tracer [i.e v7.2.2 & v7.2.1] by following links.

Given links allows you to download packet tracer version 7.2.2 for Windows 32 bit & 64 bit. So, you can download it according to your preference.

Installing Cisco Packet Tracer on Ubuntu 18.04 & 20.04

The process of installing Cisco packet tracer in Linux as easy as in the Windows system. First, you need to download the PacketTracer_730_amd64.deb from the above link. Once you download it, you need to know the download directory.

Note: Make Sure you have super user previledges to install cisco packettracer in Ubuntu!

Now, open the terminal (Alt+Ctrl+T), change the directory to the file directory, and type the following commands to install the Cisco Packet Tracer.

sudo dpkg –install PacketTracer_730_amd64.deb

Once you enter this command, you need to provide superuser credentials as shown in the below output.

[sudo] password for gns3network:

Now, you will need to accept the Cisco EULA (End-user license agreement) as shown in the below screenshot.

Navigate to Yes and hit Enter.

One, you accept the Cisco EULA, you will find that the installation will be continuing.

Selecting previously unselected package packettracer.

(Reading database … 239582 files and directories currently installed.)

Preparing to unpack PacketTracer_730_amd64.deb …

Unpacking packettracer (7.3.0) …

That’s it. We successfully installed it in Ubuntu!

Try Cisco Packet Tracer Online

Alternatively, if you want to try it online, yes you can do it. But the functionality in the online application is very less. However, you can get an overview of the application without installing it in your system. So, for the online demonstration, you can visit here.

Getting enroll in NetAcad Training

Definitely, upon installation, you want to more learn related to Cisco Router or Switch Configuration. I will also try to provide you latest labs with all configurations. However, it will take some time for me.

But, the best part is Cisco itself providing a free course for beginners. On behalf of Cisco OneID you created in the previous step, you will get a free course from Cisco.

You can go to the NetAcad Learning Portal and learn the following modules:

• Introduction
• Network Essentials (Routing, Switching)
• CCNA Security ( ASA, ACL, Natting)
• IoT Essentials – Getting started with IoT
• Cyber Ops (Cybersecurity Operations)
• Mobility Overview

I also recommend you go through to pre-saved projects is available in the application. It will really helpful for your upcoming projects in PT.

Related Article

• How to connect GNS3 Appliances to Internet
• The Complete Guide to Network Firewall 2020
• How to configure Palo Alto Networks Firewall as a DHCP Server
• IPSec VPN Between Cisco ASA and Palo Alto Firewall
• How to configure GRE Tunnel between Cisco Routers

Описание и рекомендации

Cisco Packet Tracer – программный пакет для моделирования и создания сетей передачи данных. Версия Desktop симулятора выпускается в четырех изданиях под Windows 11/10/8.1, macOS, Ubuntu. Для последних двух ОС приложение доступно только в разрядности 64 bit.

Инсталлятор под Windows представлен в двух редакциях. Можно загрузить установщик отдельно для 32 и 64-битной разрядности. Мобильная версия программы более не поддерживается. Но издание, выпущенное на Андроид, остается работоспособным.

Установка и аутентификация

Последняя версия симулятора доступна бесплатно, но загрузка инсталлятора с официального сайта и запуск программы требуют авторизации. Пользователю необходимо пройти регистрацию в Сетевой Академии Cisco.

Процедура не занимает много времени и выполняется по стандартной схеме. Вначале заполняются обязательные поля (e-mail, пароль, персональные данные) и нажимается клавиша для регистрации. Далее учетная запись активируется по ссылке в письме.

Первый запуск Циско Пакет Трейсер предваряет окно авторизации. Чтобы избежать запросов аутентификации на 3 месяца, необходимо сместить бегунок Keep me Logged in вправо.

Для авторизации следует:

• нажать синюю клавишу с логотипом Академии;
• указать логин (e-mail);
• ввести пароль.

Закрыть приложение можно двумя способами. Стандартный вариант сохраняет данные аутентификации на некоторое время. Закрывая симулятор через Exit and Logout, пользователь автоматически выходит из учетной записи.

Работать без регистрации можно с предыдущей версией пакета 7.3.0.1. Для анонимной аутентификации нужно нажать клавишу Guest Login, выждать окончание отсчета на таймере и подтвердить вход кнопкой Confirm Guest.

Добавление языковых пакетов

Стандартно интерфейс софта реализован на английском. Другие языки, включая русскую версию, сразу после инсталляции отсутствуют. Добавить их можно самостоятельно. Для этого необходимо скачать специальный файл PTL-формата с переводом интерфейса на соответствующий язык.

Далее остается выполнить следующие действия:

• перейти в директорию, где расположен пакет Cisco Packet Tracer;
• открыть папку Languages;
• разместить в этом каталоге PTL русификатор;
• выбрать пункт Options в главном меню программы и открыть вкладку Preferences;
• в поле под надписью Translator выделить файл с интерфейсом на русском языке;
• нажать клавишу Change Language.

Изменения вступят в силу сразу после перезапуска приложения. Качество и охват русификации зависят от скачанного файла с переводом.

Возможности Cisco Packet Tracer

Симулятор предоставляет мощный комплект инструментов для разработки и запуска локальных сетей, объединяющий компьютеры, смартфоны, коммутаторы, роутеры и прочие Smart устройства.

Функционал программы включает:

• создание онлайн инфраструктур для обмена данными;
• виртуализацию внутренних процессов;
• тестирование новых идей, управления элементами сети и обеспечение безопасности.

Макет виртуальной структуры можно предварительно тестировать на функциональные возможности, выявляя и устраняя недочеты. Целевая аудитория софта – сетевые администраторы.

Мобильная версия

Приложение для Android устройств подходит под телефоны с версией системы 4.2 и выше. Программа остается работоспособной, но ее поддержка разработчиком прекращена в 2017. В будущем ряд функций мобильного приложения могут выполняться некорректно.

Заключение

Инсталляторы с последним релизом и предыдущими версиями Cisco Packet Tracer скачать бесплатно можно у нас. Дополнительно на сайте представлен APK установщик на Android и файл с русификатором интерфейса.

Скриншоты

Другие версии

Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.0 для Windows (32-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.0 для Windows (64-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 8.1.1 для Windows (32-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 8.1.1 для Windows (64-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 8.1.0 для Windows (32-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 8.1.0 для Windows (64-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 8.0.1 для Windows (32-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 8.0.1 для Windows (64-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 7.3.0 для Windows (32-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 7.3.0 для Windows (64-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.1 для Windows (32/64-bit)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer 7.1.0 для Windows (32/64-bit)
Скачать файл русификации PTL (ZIP)
Скачать Cisco Packet Tracer для macOS (64-bit)

Packet Tracer 8.2, the most popular network simulator program worldwide, was released for download on the Netacad site in August 2022. People preparing for Cisco exams can log in to the Netacad website and download it to their computers to download this network simulator.

How to Download Cisco Packet Tracer Latest Version for Windows, Linux, and macOS

Cisco network simulator program is offered free to Cisco Networking Academy members. If you do not have a Cisco Netacad account, you can easily find and obtain this program over the Internet.

With this simulator program, you can create simple or complex network topologies and then convert/apply the logical topology you have created to the physical network.

Cisco has added significant features to the simulator software. In particular, the appearance of the program is quite different from the older versions. The new look of the Packet Tracer will allow you to design a more intuitive network.

The newest feature of Packet Tracer is that it includes CCNA 7 support without being compatible with previous versions. Therefore, for CCNA 6 or earlier versions, Cisco recommends version 7.2.2. In addition to this release, two new devices have been added to the Cisco 4331 Integrated Services Router and Cisco Wireless Lan Controller 3504.

   What’s New in Packet Tracer 8.0

1. Advanced Physical Mode

With Enhanced Physical Mode, users can experience a realistic cabling experience in the rack.

This innovation provides technical features such as placing devices in the rack, changing and configuring the power on the device, the option to cable the device from port to port, and troubleshooting.

2. Network Controller

This is a network controller feature similar to existing real-world SDN Controllers such as Cisco DNA Center and APIC-EM. With Network Controller, users can get a centralized network management experience.

Managed using the web GUI or APIs, the Network Controller monitors the status of the network, quickly identifies problems, and provides users with a central control panel to communicate configuration changes to all managed devices.

Also, users can access the Network Controller with a browser, real-world software like Python or Postman to execute the scripts they have created.

Other Features and Improvements

1. Working Area

• New themes
• Align workspace objects
• Ability to distribute the device to a specific rack
• Evaluation update
• Ability to name a rack

2. Other Changes

• PPPoE
• 1X
• Response tree filter
• True TCP Server
• Real Websocket
• Real-time activity note
• Show incorrect items in event results
• Netacad exam player
• Bluetooth tethering
• Additional security-related IOS commands
• Various improvements to existing protocols

3. New Devices

For Packet Tracer 7.3.0:

• Cisco 4331 Integrated Services Router
• Cisco Wireless Lan Controller 3504

For Packet Tracer 7.2.2:

• Meraki Server
• Meraki Security Appliance
• Home Router
• ASA 5506

   System Requirements

Minimum

• CPU: Intel Pentium 4, 2.53 GHz or equivalent
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows 8.1, Microsoft Windows 10 or Ubuntu 16.04 LTS
• RAM: 2 GB
• Storage: 1.4 GB free disk space
• Screen resolution: 1024 x 768
• Language fonts that support Unicode encoding (if displayed in a language other than English)
• Latest video card drivers and operating system updates

Recommended

• CPU: Intel Pentium 4, 3.0 GHz or higher
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 1.6 GB of free disk space
• Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Sound card and speakers
• Internet connection (if using multi-user feature or tutorials)

   Specifications

Download PT 8.2.0 for Windows 32-Bit

If you are using Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11 32 Bit operating systems, you can download the related setup file by clicking the button below.

Download

Download PT 8.2.0 for Windows 64-Bit

If you are using Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11 64 Bit operating systems, you can download the related setup file by clicking the button below.

Download

Download PT 8.2.0 for Linux

If you are using a Linux-based Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian, or Kali operating system, click the button below to download the simulator for Linux.

Download

Download PT 8.2.0 for Apple macOS Systems

With version 8.2 of PT, support for macOS operating systems is now available. The DMG file extension you will download is the extension that Mac computers support. Just click the button below to download the PT.dmg file.

Download

Download PT 8.2.0 for RPM-Based Linux Distributions

Click the button below to download the RPM installation file, which you can easily install the PT 8.2 version on RPM-based Linux distributions such as openSUSE or Fedora.

Download

Download PT 8.2 for IOS Mobile

To use the Cisco network simulator on Apple’s mobile devices, scan the QR code below!

Download PT 8.2 for Android Mobile

If you are using an Android phone, scan the QR code below to download the Cisco simulator and download the app!

Download Packet Tracer Old Version

8.1.1 Versiyon

8.1.0 Version

8.0.1 Version

8.0 Version

7.3.1 Version

7.3.0 Version

7.2.2 Version

7.2.1 Version

7.1.1 Version

7.1 Version

7.0 Version

6.0.1 Version

5.3.2 Version

   Final Word

In this article, we have released the latest version of the Cisco Packet Tracer, which is used to prepare for the Cisco CCNA exams. Thanks for following us!

   Related Articles

♦ DHCP Configuration
♦ Telnet Configuration
♦ SSH Configuration
♦ OSPF Configuration
♦ EIGRP Configuration

Cisco Packet Tracer is a powerful network simulation tool for Cisco networks. You can simulate a complete Cisco network without actually connecting the devices physically.

Don’t worry, we will show you all the steps to download and install the Cisco Packet Tracer software. Just keep reading…

Cisco Packet Tracer is free to download but you need to register for Netacad Networking Academy which is also free. Registering is helpful because you will also need to sign in with the same ID when you run the simulation tool.

Let’s walk through the registration and download process here. This will let us download the Cisco Packet Tracer offline installer.

Download Cisco Packet Tracer

1. Go to the Signup page for Introduction to Packet Tracer course on Netacad Academy.
2. Enter your first name, last name, and email address and press the Submit button.
   
3. Check your email and click on the Get Started link to access your account. If you don’t get an email in a few minutes, please check your spam mail folder as I received it in my spam box.
   
4. Once activated, go to Netacad academy and sign in with your Cisco OneID you just created.
   
5. Once you have logged in, go to this Packet Tracer download page. Under the download section, you can download the latest version of the Cisco Packet Tracer.
   You can also directly click on the following links to start downloading Cisco Packet Tracer offline installer:
   Cisco Packet Tracer 7.3
   Packet Tracer 7.3 for Windows 64-bit
   Packet Tracer 7.3 for Windows 32-bit
   Packet Tracer 7.3 for Linux 64-bit
   Packet Tracer 7.3 for macOS
   Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.2
   Packet Tracer 7.2.2 for Windows 64-bit Download
   Packet Tracer 7.2.2 for Windows 32-bit Download
6. Packet Tracer 7.2.2 for Linux 64-bit Download
   Packet Tracer 7.2.2 for macOS Download
7. You can download Packet Tracer for Android and iOS directly using the links below (without signing in)
   Download Cisco Packet Tracer 3.0 for Mobile (iPhone and iPad)
   Download Cisco Packet Tracer 3.0 for Mobile (Android)

There will be times when you want to download the previous versions of Packet Tracer. The last two versions are available for download:

Windows Desktop Version 7.2.1 English
64 Bit Download
32 Bit Download

Linux Desktop Version 7.2.1 English
64 Bit Download

macOS Version 7.2.1 English
Download

Windows Desktop Version 7.1.1 English
64 Bit Download
32 Bit Download

Linux Desktop Version 7.1.1 English
Linux 64 Bit Download

More about packet tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer is a powerful network simulation software from Cisco Systems Inc which can simulate/create a network without having a physical network. It has a drag and drop interface that is easy to use yet highly effective while configuring complex networks.

Cisco Packet Tracer can also run as a hybrid network combining physical networks and the simulated networks. All this is achieved by using a drag and drop visual interface. This capability makes the software unique and highly useful across institutions and individuals worldwide who want to learn and practice their networking skills before touching the production networks.

Cisco Packet Tracer is one of the better initiatives by Cisco Systems for learning, institutions, and students can both benefit from skills and career building.

The benefits of using Cisco Packet Tracer

A few benefits of using Cisco Packet Tracer  simulator tool include the following:

• Free for everyone, institutions, and individuals around the world especially allowing students to have hands-on skills on a Cisco network. Earlier, it was only free for Cisco Network Academy students.
• Practice complete Cisco Packet Tracer labs from the Networking Academy in their skills and career-building program for learning (CCENT, CCN, CCNP Security and CCNP Switch exams, in fact, any Cisco certification).
• Equally useful program for learning for institutions and individuals.
• Users can run simulations on all devices compatible with Cisco Packet Tracer including Windows, Linux and Android mobile device (Cisco Packet Tracer Mobile)
• You can run and practice Cisco IOS Operating System without having a physical router and network.
• Last but not least, it can also run on a mobile device!

Changelogs of Packet tracer recent versions

The main feature of Packet Tracer 7.3 is that it supports the latest CCNA 7 package. It is not compatible with the CCNA 6 package. If you are using CCNA 6, then you should stay with Packet Tracer 7.2.2. You can find the direct download links for both versions 7.3 and 7.2.2 below.

Other changes in Cisco Packet Tracer 7.3

Packet Tracer 7.3 workspace improvements :

• New workspace themes
• Aligned workspace objects
• Ability to deploy network devices to a specific rack
• Accessibility update
• Ability to name a physical rack

Protocol and software improvements :

• IP OSPF Point-to-Point on Ethernet interface
• IPv6 OSPF Point-to-Point on Ethernet interface
• Dynamic ARP inspection
• WLC GUI fixes and enhancements
• DHCP snooping fixes and enhancements
• Section output modifier for show commands
• Accessibility, security, and usability enhancements and optimizations for all platforms
• Upgraded PTSA and PTMO support
• Various enhancements to existing protocols

New devices in Packet Tracer 7.3 :

• Cisco 4331 Integrated Services Router
• Cisco Wireless Lan Controller 3504

Just like Cisco Packet Tracer 7.1.1, the version 7.2.2 is a maintenance release and does not contain any major updates. The complete build no. of this release is 7.2.2.0218. Only one major bug was fixed in this release. The bug in previous versions of Packet Tracer was that if the user had logged into Packet Tracer software, the user was required to log in again after every system restart.

Apart from this, all the features of version 7.2 remain the same. Cisco has removed Packet Tracer 7.2 from their website and it is not available for download anymore. So you should download this latest version for future installations. Here were the major features of version 7.2 major release:

Packet Tracer 7.2 workspace improvements:

• New themes
• Align workspace objects
• Ability to deploy the device to a specific rack
• Accessibility update
• Ability to name a rack

Protocol and software improvements :

• PPPoE support
• 802.1x (useful for a CCNP certification exam)
• Answer tree filter
• Real TCP server
• Real WebSocket
• Real-time activity grading
• Additional IOS security features
• Protocol improvements

New devices in Packet Tracer 7.2

• ASA 5506-X firewall (FirePOWER features not supported)
• Meraki security appliance
• Meraki server (for Meraki security appliance centralized configuration, emulating Cisco Meraki dashboard)
• Home router with advanced wireless capabilities (2.4G, 5G, beamforming, wireless bridge, …)

Getting started with Cisco Packet Tracer

Once you have downloaded the Cisco Packet Tracer, the installation process of the Cisco Packet Tracer is as simple as running the downloaded setup file and follow the instructions (usually pressing the Next button).

After installation, if you have a browser open, you will be asked to close the browser with the following message:

For Packet Tracer Skill-Based Assessment (PTSBA) to use this version of Packet Tracer, please close all web browsers or restart your computer.

After that, you will be shown another notice that you are running Packet Tracer for the first time so your files will be saved in the default folder.

And then you will get a login screen. You can either log in with your Cisco OneID and password or run the software as a guest. For running the software as a guest, press the “Guest Login” button at the bottom right side of the window. One caveat of guest login is that you will have to wait for a few seconds and then click on the “Confirm Guest” button to start using the software.

And then you can start using the software as per your choice.

How to use Packet Tracer?

There are a lot of tutorials on Youtube and the Internet which can guide you through the network learning process using the Cisco Packet Tracer. But for me, the best tutorial is from Cisco NetAcad.

You can go to netacad.com and sign-in with your Cisco OneID. Once signed in, you can click on any of the links below to start the guided tour of Packet Tracer and how to use it for network simulation.

• Introduction to Packet Tracer
• Introduction to IoT
• IT Essentials
• Networking Essentials
• CCNA Routing and Switching
• Cybersecurity Essentials
• CCNA Cybersecurity Operations
• CCNA Security
• IoT Fundamentals: Connecting Things
• Mobility Fundamentals

Also see: