Cisco Packet Tracer AlternativesTop Network Simulators and other similar apps like Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer is described as 'Packet Tracer is an essential learning tool used in these Cisco Networking Academy courses: IT Essentials, CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Security, Intro to Internet of Things (IoT), and Mobility Fundamentals' and is a network simulator in the education & reference category. There are seven alternatives to Cisco Packet Tracer for Windows, Linux and Mac. The best Cisco Packet Tracer alternative is GNS3, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Cisco Packet Tracer are NetSim, Eve-NG, Kathara and Dynamips.

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Alternatives list

  1. GNS3 icon

    GNS3

     48 likes
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    GNS3, short for Graphical Network Simulator 3, is a software that allows simulation of complex networks. It provides a graphical interface for designing and configuring virtual networks. This software is categorized as Free Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS), meaning it's freely available and can be modified or distributed under the same license. GNS3 supports a wide range of routers, switches, and firewalls, and it can also emulate several network hardware and software.

    As an alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3 offers a comparable set of features. Both tools are utilized for practicing network protocols and troubleshooting scenarios, but GNS3's open-source nature provides users with more flexibility and customization. It's worth noting that GNS3 is considered the most popular alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer. This popularity is often attributed to its ability to simulate complex network environments, similar to what Cisco Packet Tracer offers, but without the proprietary restrictions.

    7 GNS3 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
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    Comments about GNS3 as an Alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer
    Guest
    Positive
    5

    quite similiar to the features of cisco packet tracer

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    GNS3 is Free software (FLOSS)

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Cisco Packet Tracer Icon
    GNS3 icon

    • Almost everyone thinks GNS3 is a great Cisco Packet Tracer alternative.

    • GNS3 is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer.

    • GNS3 is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer.

    • GNS3 is Free and Open SourceCisco Packet Tracer is Free and Proprietary
  2. NetSim icon

    NetSim

     5 likes
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    NetSim, often referred to as 'NetSim for CCNP Network Simulator,' is a software platform that has recently been updated to support the new ROUTE, SWITCH, and TSHOOT technologies. The software offers a revamped interface that simplifies the process of completing labs, compiling new labs, and designing network topologies. The platform is designed to facilitate the creation and management of virtual networks, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to simulate network operations without the need for physical hardware.

    While Cisco Packet Tracer supports a broad range of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, NetSim is primarily designed for Windows users. This focus on a single operating system allows NetSim to offer a more streamlined and focused experience for Windows users, making it a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer's multi-platform approach.

    7 NetSim alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Boson's NetSim
     
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    Comments about NetSim as an Alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Netsim simulates the exact environment of a Router

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Cisco Packet Tracer Icon
    NetSim icon

    • Most users think NetSim is a great Cisco Packet Tracer alternative.

    • NetSim is the most popular commercial alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer.

    • NetSim is Paid and ProprietaryCisco Packet Tracer is Free and Proprietary
  4. Eve-NG icon

    Eve-NG

     4 likes
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    Eve-NG is a reliable alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer for Linux users. This popular Open Source platform is designed to meet the needs of enterprises, e-learning providers/centres, individuals and group collaborators who require virtual proof of concepts, solutions and training environments. While Cisco Packet Tracer supports multiple operating systems such as Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet & iPad, Eve-NG is exclusively supported on Linux. With Eve-NG, users can create virtual environments that are scalable and flexible, making it a top choice for those who require a dynamic platform.

    5 Eve-NG alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Eve-NG screenshot 1
     
  5. Kathara icon

    Kathara

     1 like
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    Kathara is an open source container-based network emulation system suitable for multiple purposes, such as interactive demos/lessons, testing production networks in a sandbox environment, or developing new network protocols. This software is a popular alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer for Mac users. While Cisco Packet Tracer is a versatile tool with support for multiple platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet & iPad, Kathara can be used on Mac, Windows & Linux operating systems.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     

  6. Dynamips

     4 likes
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    Dynamips is a popular emulator computer program that can emulate the hardware of Cisco series routing platforms. Created by Christophe Fillot, Dynamips is an excellent open-source alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer. It runs on Linux, Mac OS X or Windows, making it accessible for many users. Though it may not have the same range of platforms as Packet Tracer, Dynamips is a powerful tool for those looking for an emulator program that can emulate Cisco routers.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Dynamips screenshot 1
     

  7. MaSSHandra

     2 likes
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    3d Network Diagram and Design Tool Create network diagrams in real 3D. Access and monitor your devices from the diagrams. Easy creation of network diagrams with the network autodiscovery function.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    Network diagram
     

  9. Cable Project CAD

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    Cable Project CAD is a reliable alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer for network design purposes. This software offers a range of features, including auto-generation of rack diagrams, wiring log books, 3D views, bills of materials, and project specifications with associated costs. With Cable Project CAD, users no longer have to manually estimate project costs, making the design process more efficient and accurate. Whether you are a network engineer or a small business owner, Cable Project CAD is a valuable tool for creating and managing network designs.

    Cost / License

    • Subscription
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Cable Project CAD screenshot 1
     
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