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

The best free alternative to Cisco Packet Tracer is GNS3, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked seven alternatives to Cisco Packet Tracer and five of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Cisco Packet Tracer are Eve-NG, Kathara, Dynamips and MaSSHandra.

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Alternatives list

  1. GNS3 icon

    GNS3

     48 likes

    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

    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.
    GNS3 icon
    GNS3 icon
    • GNS3 is Free and Open SourceCisco Packet Tracer is Free and Proprietary
  2. Eve-NG icon

    Eve-NG

     5 likes

    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
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Eve-NG screenshot 1
     
  4. Kathara icon

    Kathara

     1 like

    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

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     

  5. Dynamips

     4 likes

    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
     

  6. MaSSHandra

     2 likes

    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
     
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