Cisco Packet Tracer 8.x new features
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Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.2 and GNS3 v2.2.48.1 have been released ! GNS3 v2.2.48 features a new option to keep the compute IDs unchanged when exporting a project and forbid use of unsafe Qemu additional options. Check download page !
GNS3 3.0 is under active development and should include at least the following major changes :
- Faster GNS3 server/controller based on FastAPI (API v3).
- Swagger UI / Redoc API documentation.
- Streamlined web interface
- User management and experimental RBAC API
- Zstd compression for importing/exporting projects
Introduction
Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2 and GNS3 v2.2 are two major network simulation software used for certification exam training (Cisco CCNA and CCNP for example) or network feature test without having to buy expensive real world equipment. The two software have been designed to address different needs.
Packet Tracer is a network simulator and embeds only limited real equipment features. GNS3 is a network emulator based on Dynamips and QEMU running real IOS images, virtual machines, ... The main limitation of GNS3 is the amount of ressources (CPU / memory) available on the PC for running the lab's emulated IOS images and virtual machines for clients & servers simulation.
GNS3 v2.2 official release is now available for download on GNS3 website. This new version released on September 30, 2019 with hyperV virtual machine and link status detection on QEUM. GNS3 also introduced support of new L4 / L7 devices :
- Cisco security devices : this powerful network emulator now supports new Cisco security appliance to help network and security administrators to prepare security certification exams : Cisco Firepower Next-Generation IPS (NGIPS) threat appliances, Cisco Firepower Threat Defense Virtual NGFW appliances and Firepower Management Center Virtual.
- Citrix ADC VPX load-balancer now available on GNS3 marketplace
Current GNS3 build is 2.2.48.1 as of July 12, 2024.
Update 06/04/2024 : A new Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.2 version has been released for download on Netacad website. This is a bugfix release fixing several bugs on accessibility, usability, and security of Packet Tracer 8.2. Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2 introduced a new command as well as bug fixing regarding incompatible DLLs that caused Packet Tracer crashes.
Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2 has been released for download in August 2022 on Cisco Netacad. Current build is Packet Tracer 8.2.2.0400. This is a maintenance release of Packet Tracer 8.X family with many message boxes being reworked for better clarity, bug fixes and a fix regarding incompatible DLLs that caused Packet Tracer crashes.
Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.2 build 0400 has been released for download ! Have a look at Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.2 new features.
Update 04/02/2022 : Cisco Packet Tracer 8.1.1 has just been released. Download Cisco Packet Tracer 8.1.1 on Netacad website !
Cisco Packet Tracer 8.1 has been released for download at the end of November 2021 on Cisco Netacad. Current build is Packet Tracer 8.1.0.0722.This is a maintenance release of Packet Tracer 8.X family with bug fixing and improvements on accessibility, usability, and security.
Packet Tracer 8.1 is the first Packet Tracer version with official Windows 11 support.
Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.2 build 0400 has been released for download ! Have a look at Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.2 new features.
Cisco Packet Tracer 8.0.1 build 8.0.1.0064 has been relaesed for download on Cisco Netacad website. This is a maintenance release of Packet Tracer 8.0.0 correcting various bugs and removing guest login at startup.
Packet Tracer 8.0.0 main new features were:
- An enhanced physical mode view which introduces a new virtual lab for a more realistic equipement cabling experience (racking, stacking, cable choice and cable management, ...). Experience is still far away from a real network room cabling experience ...
- A new SDN network controller emulating real world Cisco controller such as APIC-EM or Cisco DNA center. The controller can be accessed from the real world network and programmed through it's web API using Python, Postman, ...
As guest login option has now been removed by Cisco, a valid NetAcad.com or a SkillsForAll.com account is now require to use Packet Tracer 8.0.1
The “Keep me logged in” feature provides simplified login experience by giving you access to Cisco Packet Tracer 8.0.1 for 3 month without needing to re-enter your credentials each time. Using the “Keep me logged in” feature is only recommended for private computers.
Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.2 build 0400 has been released for download ! Have a look at Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.2 new features.
Packet Tracer 8.0.0 main new features are :
- A new SDN network controller device emulating controllers like APIC-EM or Cisco DNA center
- API programming capabilities which can be accessed from the host PC using real world programming tools (curl, Python 3, VS code, ....).
- Changes and improvements for IoT and IOS15 devices
- Improved support for IPv6
- Added ability to make the application be the default for PTSA assessments
User interface improvements:
- New user interface appearance
- New Packet Tracer splash screen
- Added new Window menu showing all top-level windows of the application
- Lists configuration dialogs, activity window, etc.
- Allows to enter/exit full screen mode.
- Improved Accessibility of application GUI :
- Better screen reader and tab order
- New default color theme.
Physical view new features :
- Cable Pegboards for cable inventory
- Shelves for device inventory
- Realistic interactive management and visualization of cabled connections
- Ability to view the invisible side of a device in a rack (front or rear)
- Interactive cabling on device ports located on the invisible side of the device (front or rear)
- Ability to stack devices on tables
- Device context menus
