A Helpful List Of Computer Network Emulation Programs
The CCNA course offered by Cisco is one of the toughest courses a college student can take. It demands mastery of hardware and software that the student may not have outside of the classroom. As a result, students are looking towards Cisco network emulation software more now than ever, so that they may make the grade.
An expensive yet thorough solution is with Boson’s software packaged named Netsim. Netsim ranges in value, from $200 to $500, depending on the licensing and options needed. Netsim is the best bet for instructors, as it comes loaded with plenty of extras such as activities and grading programs. Perhaps less affordable for students, who are usually on a tight budget.
The problem with some open source programs is that support and documentation can be below average. Unfortunately this is the case with Dynagen, and open source package built to emulate a network. Dynagen will take time to learn, especially considering that it doesn’t have much of a documentation or easy to use interface to bolster the learning process.
GNS-3 is another program based on the Dynamips emulator. GNS-3 is more popular among beginners since it has a better interface and better support. GNS-3, or Graphical Network Simulator, has a developer’s forum and video tutorials to get students ready to use the program. It may not have key features that Netsim has, but teachers can still issue this free program to students and have take-home assignments for them to complete.
Cisco’s own program, Packet Tracer, is one that is only available to Academy students. To qualify, you only need to enroll in an accredited program. Most universities and community colleges will have some form of computer networking class that uses the Cisco learning suite. Packet tracer is considered to be the best option, but due to its lack of public availability, it’s the hardest to get. You may ask an instructor or friend in a class if you can use the software for personal learning means.
Not all network simulators are desktop simulations. You can find some simulators available over the Internet through web browsers, using technology such as Java or JavaScript. You will find that these web-based programs can be less expensive, and some free, but you will have to have a connection to the Internet to access it. Thus, it could be hard studying if you don’t have access to the Internet.
In Conclusion
Network simulation is advanced technology. Thus, there aren’t too many choices to dwell on while you are looking for a study aid. Check those mentioned and perhaps do some searching of your own to see if updates or new programs are on the horizon.
Learn more on Packet Tracer Tutorials and Packet Tracer 5.
