NETWORK SIMULATORS

TYETAB

WHAT NETWORK SIMULATOR IS THE BEST? BOSON OR ROUTERSIM'S NETWORK VISUALIZER.

mikej412

D. None of the above.

But if someone has a gun to your head and forces you to use one -- and gnawing your foot off to escape isn't an option -- then Boson.

Most people will suggest building a small home lab, or using real equipment in a school or work lab -- check out the CCNA FAQ for more information.

phreak

I've used Boson before and it is fair. It really doesn't do much though compared to what you will find in an actual lab. If you are in a pinch and have no money........ Boson.



Disclaimer:


Don't blame me if you get Boson and find out the program doesn't offer the full feature set of commands and what not for the equipment, and you cannot perform the proper troubleshooting.

win2k8

if you are in cisco academy use PacketTracer its really good IMO. I dont know if people outside the academy can get it though.

win2k4

kadshah

I've spent over $200 on routersim visualizer 5.0 and 6.0.
Personally I feel it's a waste of money but this is just one man's opinion.
Maybe it works for others but not me.
Spend a little bit more and get yourself the real McCoy.
You can always sell your equipment at some point
and get most of your money back.

KGhaleon

I've used Boson, it's not bad. You should use actual routers and switches though. I went to a local school that had a networking lab, and got permission to use it. I had two schools lending me their network devices.

I've also heard Dynamips is good.

cool_waters

BOSON ROCKS!

cisco_trooper

Blah. If you must simulate, EMULATE.

Dynamips is the way to go if you're not building a lab. It is free. It emulates any IOS image you give it. Only downfall is you will still need to purchase switches as it will not emulate a switch very well.

empc4000xl

Its all about packet tracer. I know you miss out on a few things, but I have been working at a NOC since last year and I really can't tell there difference. I know I'm in more a WAN enviorment, so I don't get much with switches mostly just routers. But I really can't tell the difference for CCNA. I was all into the real gear until I started the NOC where I can't tell.

rjbarlow

I used Boson intensively when I prepared my CCNA, and i can say that finally he helped me much to get my certification, however if I had previously real equipment, I think I would have saved a month time.
Dinamips crashed to me so I could not use it unfortunately.