Cisco Packet Tracer 7.x new features

Packet Tracer 7.1 vs GNS3 2.1

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 01 October 2019 20:35

Published: Wednesday, 27 May 2015 13:18

Written by PacketTracerNetwork

Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.2 and GNS3 v2.2 maintenance versions have been released a few days ago. GNS3 v2.2 has now been released and provides a new HyperV GNS3 VM and link status detection on QEMU. Check download page !

Introduction

Cisco Packet Tracer 7.1 and GNS3 v2.1 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 QSEMU 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 v2.1 official release is now available for download on GNS3 website. This new version released on November 10, 2017 with packet loss and jitter support. GNS3 also introduced support of new Cisco security devices last sumer : 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.

Packet Tracer 7.1 and GNS3 v2.1 feature comparison

BGP features comparison

Cisco Packet Tracer 7.0 (simulated IOS features)

Router(config)#router bgp 65000
Router(config-router)#%BGP-4-NORTRID: BGP could not pick a router-id. Please configure manually.

Router(config-router)#?
  bgp              BGP specific commands
  distance         Define an administrative distance
  exit             Exit from routing protocol configuration mode
  neighbor         Specify a neighbor router
  network          Specify a network to announce via BGP
  no               Negate a command or set its defaults
  redistribute     Redistribute information from another routing protocol
  synchronization  Perform IGP synchronization
  timers           Adjust routing timers
              

GNS3 (emulated real IOS features)

R2(config)#router bgp 50000
R2(config-router)#?
Router configuration commands:
  address-family       Enter Address Family command mode
  aggregate-address    Configure BGP aggregate entries
  auto-summary         Enable automatic network number summarization
  bgp                  BGP specific commands
  default              Set a command to its defaults
  default-information  Control distribution of default information
  default-metric       Set metric of redistributed routes
  distance             Define an administrative distance
  distribute-list      Filter networks in routing updates
  exit                 Exit from routing protocol configuration mode
  help                 Description of the interactive help system
  maximum-paths        Forward packets over multiple paths
  neighbor             Specify a neighbor router
  network              Specify a network to announce via BGP
  no                   Negate a command or set its defaults
  redistribute         Redistribute information from another routing protocol
  synchronization      Perform IGP synchronization
  table-map            Map external entry attributes into routing table
  template             Enter template command mode
  timers               Adjust routing timers

              

Packet Tracer 7.2.1 available for download

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Last Updated: Thursday, 05 September 2019 20:20

Published: Sunday, 20 January 2019 21:19

Written by PacketTracerNetwork

Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.1 has ben released on December 28th, 2018 with version number 7.2.1.0218 and is now available for download on Cisco Netacad website. Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.1 is a maintenance release for Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2 correcting various issues, removing the netacad login requirement at each Packet Tracer launch. However, Netacad login is still required after each PC boot. This behavior is reported as normal by Cisco Packet Tracer development team on https://www.ptnetacad.net/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=22990

Update 05/09/2019 : Cisco updated Netacad and Packet Tracer 7.2.1 login to make it use the Cisco OneID Identity Provider. Password required to login in Packet Tracer might have changed if you had multiple Cisco accounts linked to the same email address. 

Download Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.1

A new build of Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.1 (build 222) is under active development and should be released soon. This new build will resolve some crashh issues described at the end of the page.

Read more ...

What's new in Packet Tracer 7.2 ?

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Last Updated: Saturday, 17 August 2019 12:45

Published: Saturday, 31 March 2018 16:23

Written by PacketTracerNetwork

 Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.1 has been released ! Current build is Packet Tracer 7.2.1.0218. Have a look on Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.1 new features.

What's new in Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2 ?

Packet Tracer 7.2 main new feature is the new theme of the user interface which has been redesigned to give a better network simulation experience.

Packet Tracer 7.2  workspace improvements :

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

Protocol and software improvements :

• PPPoE support
• 802.1x (useful for CCNP switch preparation)
• Answer tree filter
• Real TCP server (see Packet Tracer 7.2 - Real HTTP server using SBC device tutorial)
• Real Websocket
• Real-time activity grading
• Additional IOS security features
• Protocol improvements (see below)

New devices in Packet Tracer 7.2 :

• ASA 5506-X firewall (FirePOWER features not supported) (see Lab 18 - DMZ configuration with ASA 5506-X )
• 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, ...)

Meraki server and security appliance are the first two devices emulating Cisco Meraki cloud managed network equipment.

A valid Cisco Netacad account is needed to use Packet Tracer 7.2 . Netacad login is required once after every PC reboot.

Read more ...

Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.1 - Router devices and WIC modules

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 16 July 2019 21:16

Published: Friday, 07 January 2011 18:23

Written by PacketTracerNetwork

This page presents the Cisco ISR routers simulated in Cisco ^TM Packet Tracer 7.1.1 and the WAN Interface Cards (WIC) and Network Modules (NM) available for those equipments.

Router devices emulated in Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco 1841 ISR router

The Cisco 1841 Integrated Services Router provides two fixed 10/100 (100BASE-TX) Ethernet ports, two integrated High-Speed WAN Interface Card (HWIC) slots that are compatible with WAN Interface Card (WICs) and Voice/WAN Interface Cards (VWICs), and one internal Advanced Integration Module (AIM) slot.

Cisco 2620XM ISR router

The Cisco 2620XM Multiservice Router provides a one-network module slot platform with one fixed 10/100 (100BASE-TX) Ethernet port, two integrated WAN Interface Card (WIC) slots, and one Advanced Integration Module (AIM) slot.

Cisco 2621XM ISR router

The Cisco 2621XM Multiservice Router provides a one-network module slot platform with two fixed 10/100 (100BASE-TX) Ethernet ports, two integrated WAN Interface Card (WIC) slots, and one Advanced Integration Module (AIM) slot.

The 2621XM supports the same modules that the 2620XM supports.

Cisco 2811 ISR router

The Cisco 2811 Integrated Services Router provides one Enhanced Network-Module slot with two fixed 10/100 (100BASE-TX) Ethernet ports, four integrated High-Speed WAN Interface Card (HWIC) slots that are compatible with WAN Interface Card (WICs), Voice Interface Cards (VICs) and Voice/WAN Interface Cards (VWICs), and dual Advanced Integration Module (AIM) slots.

Cisco 1941 ISR router

The Cisco 1941 Integrated Services Router (ISR) delivers highly secure data, mobility, and application services. Key features include two integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, 2 enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card slots, HWIC1 Internal Services Module slot, Fully integrated power distribution to modules supporting 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Cisco Enhanced PoE.

Cisco 2901 ISR router

The Cisco 2901 Integrated Services Router (ISR) has been designed to delivers data, voice, video, and application services for branch offices. It includes 2 integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports and 4 enhanced high-speed WAN interface card slots. This router key features are hardware-accelerated VPN encryption, integrated threat control, and 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Cisco 2911 ISR router

The Cisco 2911 Integrated Services Router (ISR) provides 2 integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, 4 enhanced high-speed WAN interface card (WIC) slots, 2 onboard digital signal processor (DSP) slots and 1 onboard Internal Service Module for application services.

Cisco 819 ISR router

The Cisco 819 Integrated Services Router (ISR) supports machine-to-machine (M2M) applications that can enable enterprises to use 3G wireless WAN network services.

Cisco 829 ISR router

Cisco 829 Industrial Integrated Services Routers provide highly secure, reliable, and easy-to-manage 3G/4G LTE WAN cellular and Wireless LAN connectivity for mobile environments.

Cisco CGR 1240 rugged router

The CGR 1240 is a ruggedized communication platform, designed for use in Field Area Network (FAN) power distribution grids that require outdoor, pole-mounted routers. The FAN is a distribution system in which power generation and transmission are linked to the power consumers.

Cisco 4321 ISR router (added in Cisco Packet Tracer 7.1)

Added in Packet Tracer 7.1, the Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR) revolutionize WAN communications in the enterprise branch. With new levels of built-in intelligent network capabilities and convergence, the routers specifically address the growing need for application-aware networking in distributed enterprise sites.

WIC modules

Module	Photo	Description
WIC-1AM		The WIC-1AM provides one internal V.90 analog modems. This WIC can be used for basic telephone service connections. The WIC-1AM uses one port for connection to a standard telephone line, and the other port can be connected to a basic analog telephone for use when the modem is idle.
WIC-1ENET		The WIC-1ENET is a single-port 10 Mbps Ethernet interface card, for use with 10BASE-T Ethernet LANs.
WIC-1T		The WIC-1T provides a single port serial connection to remote sites or legacy serial network devices such as alarm systems, Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) concentrators, and packet over SONET devices. Sync Max Speed : 2048 Mbit/s Async Max Speed : 115.2 Kbit/s
WIC-2AM		The WIC-2AM card features dual RJ-11 connectors, which are used for basic telephone service connections. The WIC-2AM has two internal V.90 analog modems to allow multiple data communication connections. These WICs can be used for incoming or outgoing analog modem calls.
WIC-2T		The 2-port asynchronous/synchronous serial network module provides flexible multi-protocol support, with each port individually configurable in synchronous or asynchronous mode, offering mixed media dial support in a single chassis. Applications for asynchronous/synchronous support include: - Low speed WAN aggregation (up to 128 Kbps), - Dial-up modem support, - Async or Sync connections to management ports of other equipment, - Transport of legacy protocols such as Bi-sync and SDLC.
HWIC-4ESW		The HWIC-4ESW provides four switching ports.
HWIC-8A		New module included in CiscoPacket Tracer 6.0.1Cisco ISR routers. This serial modules allows out of band management of Cisco networking devices through their console port. The HWIC-8A module allows the connection of 8 console cables using the octal cable, each serial connection being mapped to a TCP port for telnet access.
WIC-Cover		The WIC cover plate provides protection for the internal electronic components. It also helps maintain adequate cooling by normalizing airflow.

Network modules (NM)

Module	Photo	Description
NM-1E		The NM-1E features a single Ethernet port that can connect a LAN backbone which can also support either six PRI connections to aggregate ISDN lines, or 24 synchronous/asynchronous ports.
NM-1E2W		The NM-1E2W provides a single Ethernet port with two WIC slots that can support a single Ethernet LAN, together with two serial/ISDN backhaul lines, and still allow multiple serial or ISDN in the same chassis.
NM-1FE-FX		The NM-1FE-FX Module provides one Fast-Ethernet interface for use with fiber media. Ideal for a wide range of LAN applications, the Fast Ethernet network modules support many internetworking features and standards. Single port network modules offer autosensing 10/100BaseTX or 100BaseFX Ethernet.
NM-1FE-TX		The NM-1FE-TX Module provides one Fast-Ethernet interface for use with copper media. Ideal for a wide range of LAN applications, the Fast Ethernet network modules support many internetworking features and standards. Single port network modules offer autosensing 10/100BaseTX or 100BaseFX Ethernet. The TX (copper) version supports virtual LAN (VLAN) deployment.
NM-1FE2W		The NM-1FE2W Module provides one Fast-Ethernet interface for use with copper media, in addition to two Wan Interface Card expansion slots. Ideal for a wide range of LAN applications, the Fast Ethernet network modules support many internetworking features and standards. Single port network modules offer autosensing 10/100BaseTX or 100BaseFX Ethernet. The TX (copper) version supports virtual LAN (VLAN) deployment.
NM-2E2W		The NM-2E2W provides two Ethernet ports with two WIC slots that can support two Ethernet LANs, together with two serial/ISDN backhaul lines, and still allow multiple serial or ISDN in the same chassis.
NM-2FE2W		The NM-2FE2W Module provides two Fast-Ethernet interfaces for use with copper media, in addition to two Wan Interface Card expansion slots. Ideal for a wide range of LAN applications, the Fast Ethernet network modules support many internetworking features and standards.
NM-2W		The NM-2W Module provides two WAN Interface Card expansion slots. It can be used with a broad range of interface cards, supporting a diverse array of physical media and network protocols.
NM-4A/S		The 4-port asynchronous/synchronous serial network module provides flexible multi-protocol support, with each port individually configurable in synchronous or asynchronous mode, offering mixed-media dial support in a single chassis. Applications for Asynchronous/Synchronous support include: Low speed WAN aggregation (up to 128 Kbps), dial-up modem support, Async or Sync connections to management ports of other equipment, and transport of legacy protocols such as Bi-sync and SDLC.
NM-4E		The NM-4E features four Ethernet ports for multifunction solutions that require higher-density Ethernet than the mixed-media network modules.
NM-8A/S		The 8-port asynchronous/synchronous serial network module provides flexible multi-protocol support, with each port individually configurable in synchronous or asynchronous mode, offering mixed-media dial support in a single chassis. Applications for Asynchronous/Synchronous support include: Low speed WAN aggregation (up to 128 Kbps), dial-up modem support, Async or Sync connections to management ports of other equipment, and transport of legacy protocols such as Bi-sync and SDLC.
NM-8AM		The NM-8AM Integrated V.92 analog modem network module provides cost-effective analog telephone service connectivity for lower-density remote-access service (RAS), dial-out and fax-out modem access, asynchronous dial-on-demand routing (DDR) plus dial backup, and remote router management. Both the 8-port and 16-port versions use RJ-11 jacks to connect the integrated modems to basic analog telephone lines on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or private telephony systems.
NM-Cover		The NM cover plate provides protection for the internal electronic components. It also helps maintain adequate cooling by normalizing airflow.