This program is a simulator, which means that it tries to mimic the working of real switches, routers and other devices as closely as possible. In this article, I would try to give an overview of each, describe strengths and weaknesses, and in the end discuss some installation issues of GNS3.Įvery student in the Cisco Networking Academy have encountered a very good software tool to develop hands-on skills: this is Packet Tracer (or PT for short). The other best known tool for this purpose is GNS3, which is based on Dynamips, and is capable of building even more realistic networks. Cisco Academy users have a very nice tool: Packet Tracer, which is capable of creating a complex network and simulating its behavior. With the rising power of today’s computers, it can be easy to create a virtual network even on a PC, and experiment on it instead of the real gear. The simulation of a network can be useful in many ways: studying, troubleshooting, offline network modeling/testing and so on.
