5 Alternatives to Cisco Packet Tracer for Network Simulation

By Gregor K. published about 2023-01-19 11:38:12

Are you looking for a great alternative to Cisco's Packet Tracer? If so, you've come to the right place! In this article, we've compiled a list of the best Packet Tracer alternatives that you should check out. Whether you're a network engineer, student, or just curious about network simulations, these programs can give you the ability to test and practice your skills. Read on to find out more about these fantastic alternatives.

Packet Tracer

323

https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/

Network Troubleshooting Network Security

Packet Tracer is a network simulator and visualization tool used for Cisco CCNA and CCNP exams. It allows students to create a virtual network with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, simulate how packets traverse a network, and analyze network behavior.

Features

Drag-and-drop network design
Simulation of network behavior
Network diagnosis and troubleshooting
Lab activities and assessment tools

1Introduction
2Packet Tracer Alternatives
3Packet Tracer History
4Packet Tracer Status
5Comments
6Further Links

Packet Tracer Alternatives

GNS3

Networking Emulation Cloud Computing Virtualization Network Security

GNS3 is a software package that allows network professionals to quickly and easily create and configure complex network topologies without having to purchase expensive physical equipment. GNS3 also allows for the integration of multiple vendors’ equipment into a single simulation.

Both are open-source and free to use, can be used to create virtual networks and simulate real networks, both have GUI-based interfaces.

Packet Tracer is owned by Cisco and only supports Cisco devices, whereas GNS3 supports a wider range of devices from multiple vendors.

Is GNS3 a good alternative?

NetSim

Networking Computer Science Network Security Network Performance

NetSim is a network simulator and emulator that enables users to design, simulate and analyze various network scenarios and architectures. It allows users to develop and evaluate network protocols, and to analyze the performance of a variety of communication systems.

Both are network simulators that enable users to create virtual networks and simulate real networks.

NetSim is a commercial product, whereas Packet Tracer is free to use.

Is NetSim a good alternative?

Wireshark

Network Analysis Network Troubleshooting Security Network Monitoring Network Management

Wireshark is a free and open source network protocol analyzer. It is the world’s foremost network protocol analyzer, and is the de facto standard across many industries and educational institutions. Wireshark development thrives thanks to the contributions of networking experts across the globe.

Both offer a graphical user interface and provide network monitoring capabilities.

WireShark is used for network troubleshooting and analysis, whereas Packet Tracer is used for network design and simulation.

Is Wireshark a good alternative?

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor

Network Troubleshooting

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM) is a comprehensive network and application performance monitoring solution that provides visibility into the health, performance, and availability of your entire network infrastructure. It monitors your routers, switches, servers, firewalls, application performance, wireless networks, and more from a single web-based console.

Both are used for network monitoring and analysis.

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor is a commercial product, whereas Packet Tracer is free to use.

Is SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor a good alternative?

NetBrain

Network Management Network Security Network Monitoring

NetBrain is a network automation platform designed to help businesses manage their networks more efficiently. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for network automation, helping to automate processes such as provisioning, troubleshooting and policy enforcement.

Both are used for network automation and analysis.

NetBrain is a commercial product, whereas Packet Tracer is free to use.

Is NetBrain a good alternative?

CloudShark

Network Security Network Analysis Network Troubleshooting Cloud Computing

CloudShark is an online tool used to capture, analyze and share network traffic. It provides users with the ability to quickly and securely investigate network traffic, troubleshoot and debug applications, and ensure compliance with security and regulatory frameworks.

Both are used for network troubleshooting and analysis.

CloudShark is a cloud-based service, whereas Packet Tracer is a desktop application.

Is CloudShark a good alternative?

NetBeans

Programming Open Source Application Development

NetBeans is a free, open source integrated development environment (IDE) used by developers to create desktop, mobile, and web applications with Java, JavaScript, HTML5, PHP, C/C++, and more. It offers an intuitive interface and powerful tools to help developers quickly and efficiently create applications.

Both are used for network development.

NetBeans is a development environment, whereas Packet Tracer is a network simulator.

Is NetBeans a good alternative?

History of Packet Tracer

Packet Tracer is a network simulation and visualization tool developed by a large networking company. It is used to simulate networking topologies and visualize their behavior. It was initially released in 2004 and quickly gained popularity in the networking field. It has since been used in a variety of settings, from teaching networking fundamentals to designing large-scale networks. Its popularity has grown steadily ever since.

Packet Tracer Status

The Packet Tracer website on online and reachable (last checked on 2024-04-24 01:00:41).

Online

Last checked 2024-04-24 01:00:41.

Uptime overview of the past three days.

Do you have problems accessing Packet Tracer's website? .

Check Packet Tracer's Twitter for recent updates.

Comments

K. Peebles

I guess I'm going to have to use a 'packet tracker' now!

2023-02-09 00:48:41 ·
G. H.

I guess I don't have to be a packet tracer anymore, I can be a packet tracker!

2023-02-23 22:13:07 ·
J. Campbell

Well, if I can't find a packet tracer, I guess I'll have to settle for a packet tracker!

2023-03-19 20:56:00 ·
Edward Gibson

Packet Tracer has competition now, the race is on!

2023-11-05 21:24:05 ·
Caroline

With this list, I'll be able to find the right packet tracker for me!

2024-02-11 15:39:42 ·
Jasmine

The internet is a wonderful place for packet tracers!

2024-03-14 13:20:04 ·
Adam M

Who knew there were so many other websites that could trace packets?

2024-03-25 00:34:52 ·