Cisco Packet Tracer 7.3 is a powerful network simulator for CCNA^TM and CCNP^TM certification exam training allowing students to create networks with an almost unlimited number of devices and to experience troubleshooting without having to buy real Cisco^TM routers or switches.

Cisco Packet Tracer features an array of simulated routing & switching protocols with STP, HSRP, RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP to the extent required by the current Cisco CCNA curriculum as well as application layer protocols (HTTP, DNS, …) to simulate network trafic .

It also includes Cisco IOS 15 with licence features, wireless capabilities with WLC and lightweight access point, and security devices with ASA 5505 and 5506-X firewalls.

Compared with Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3 runs real IOS images and emulates all the features of real Cisco ISR routers, Cisco security devices, L4/L7 appliances, ...

From GNS3 installation through the creation of complex simulated netwoks, this guide to GNS3 will give you the know-how needed for Cisco CCNP ROUTE, TSHOOT, and CCIE certifications :

• Install GNS3 on Windows, OS X, and Linux
• Build simulations using Cisco routers, layer 3 switches, and Virtual PCs
• Examine your simulated traffic with Wiresharks
• Include virtualized computers into your simulations
• Simulate Juniper and Vyatta routers
• Debug using the GNS3 command console
• [...]

An open source version of PTBridge is now available on GitHub. This PTBridge version works with Packet Tracer 6.2 multiuser connection (server mode). It translates Packet Tracer packets and protocols to real ones and allows real network interaction with Packet Tracer simulated environment. ASA features such as IPSEC VPN or SSL clientless will be tested soon. Wait for upcoming test results !

Since Cisco Packet Tracer 5.3.3, it has been possible to connect Cisco Packet Tracer simulated environment to real world networks using PTBridge which is an external java application (PT533-Bridge-1.0.11.jar for Cisco Packet Tracer 5.3.3) working with the following components :

• Java JRE > 6
• WinPcap v4.1.2 (captures the packets)
• JnetPcap v1.3.0 (decodes the captured packets)
• Packet Tracer multiuser cloud configured on TCP 38000 port.