Data Sheet

Packet Tracer v4.1: Network Simulation Software

Cisco Networking Academy
We live in an increasingly connected world, creating a global
economy and a growing need for technical skills. Cisco
Networking Academy delivers information technology skills to
over 500,000 students a year in more than 165 countries worldwide. Networking Academy students have the opportunity to
participate in a powerful and consistent learning experience that
is supported by high quality, online curricula and assessments,
instructor training, hands-on labs, and classroom interaction. This
experience ensures the same level of qualifications and skills
regardless of where in the world a student is located.
Networking Academy students will become the architects of
the networked economy; enabling everyday experiences on
the global human network. With the ever-increasing demand for
their skills, Networking Academy students have the chance to
dream about business-critical positions never before imagined,
in industries ranging from medicine and finance to entertainment
and aerospace. Networking Academy opens doors to rewarding

careers and opportunities for economic advancement and local

community development. Students only need to be Mind Wide
Open to the possibilities.

The Packet Tracer Solution

Packet Tracer is a self-paced, visual, interactive teaching and
learning tool. It is designed to increase interaction between
students and instructors, promote student learning, and enhance
instructor presentations.
Lab activities are an important part of networking education.
However, lab equipment can be a scarce resource. Packet Tracer
provides a visual simulation of equipment and network processes
to offset the challenge of limited equipment. Students can spend
as much time as they like completing standard lab exercises
through Packet Tracer, and have the option to work from home.
Although other simulation products for Cisco equipment are
available, they do not include the unique visualization features of
Packet Tracer. This technology is a new and fun way to expand
teaching and learning experiences beyond the limitations of the
traditional lab environment. Packet Tracer helps resolve some
common challenges that instructors face on a daily basis, while
enabling us to explore new frontiers in networking education.

The Teaching Experience

Packet Tracer provides multiple opportunities for instructors to
demonstrate networking concepts. Although Packet Tracer is not a
substitute for real equipment, it allows students to practice using a
command line interface. This e-doing capability is a fundamental
component of learning how to configure routers and switches from
the command line.
Packet Tracers
simulation mode
allows instructors
to demonstrate
processes that
were formerly hidden to students.
Showing internal
functions in easyto-see tables and
diagrams simplifies the learning
process. The
simulation mode
also decreases instructor presentation time by replacing the white
board and static slides with real-time visuals.
Package Structure using Visualization Feature

Data Sheet

The Student Experience

Students who spend more time in an e-doing mode of learning,
with simulation and interaction, will be better equipped to apply
concepts and configuration fundamentals when exposed to real
equipment. As students gain practical experience with tasks, such
as troubleshooting, they become more confident in their abilities.
Another important aspect of
Packet Tracer is
discovery learning. Packet Tracer
generally provides
a greater variety
of equipment
combinations
than a student
would encounter
in a lab environment. Students
have the ability to
connect the equipment in as many different combinations as they
would like for each simulation. For example, students can create
a network that has 50 routers, connect the routers, and configure
the network to function properly. These types of capabilities give
students an opportunity to experiment and develop an in-depth
understanding of network processes and equipment. Another
important element of student learning that Packet Tracer encourages is that it is fun, which can be a very important motivation.
Geographical Representation of Network

The Activity
Wizard allows
users to set-up
a scenario using
text, a basic
network topology,
and predefined
packets. The activity
feedback is shown
in summary format.
Students can
create and answer
what if scenarios
and instructors
can create their
own self-evaluated activities that present immediate feedback to
students on their proficiency in completing the activity.
Wire Closet using Physical
Visualization Feature

The Real-Time Mode provides students with a viable alternative

to real equipment and allows them to gain configuration practice
before working with real equipment.

Additional Features
Lab grading function
Modular devices
User-friendly CLI and integrated help feature
Different device models for creating custom networks
Tutorial

Key Features

International language support

In the Simulation and Visualization Mode, students can see

and control time intervals, the inner workings of data transfer, and
the propagation of data across a network. This helps students understand the fundamental concepts behind network operations. A
solid understanding of network fundamentals can help accelerate
learning about related concepts.

Simple mode

The physical view of devices such as routers, switches, and

hosts, presents graphical representations of expansion cards and
identifies the capabilities of each card. The physical view also
provides geographic representations, including multiple cities,
buildings, and wiring closets.

Americas Headquarters
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-1706
USA
www.cisco.com
Tel: 408 526-4000
800 553-NETS (6387)
Fax: 408 527-0883

For more information

Cisco Networking Academy Program
www.cisco.com/go/netacad
Networking Academy Course Catalogue
www.cisco.com/edu/courses
Locate a Networking Academy
www.cisco.com/edu/locate
Certifications
www.cisco.com/go/certifications

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