How do I learn Packet Tracer?

DoubleNNs

I'm almost done w/ watching the CBT Nuggets CCENT series and a little less than halfway done w/ the CCENT for Dummies book. I plan on making a lot more progress this week (I have the entire day Tuesday to study + plan on studying after work the rest of the week). However, I want to start labbing by next weekend.

GNS3 is already downloaded and installed on my Macbook. I know that CBT Nuggets has a series on GNS3, which I plan to scan thru at some point.

I have the Wendell Odom book in my closet. I also have the Todd Lammle book too. I THINK they both have simulators on them. And I assume if they do, they have instructions on how to use them bundled in w/ their lab exercises.

A friend of mine is currently taking IT cert classes and we met up last week so I could get packet tracer from him. I loaded it up on a windows XP VM... but how do I learn how to use it?
Does anyone have any suggestions on quick tutorials/instructions I could look at? Is that even necessary or should I just dive in and figure it out myself?

More importantly - with the above materials I listed (GNS3/Odom/Lammle) would I even benefit from using Packet Tracer for CCENT/CCNA?

Any input is appreciated. I just want to be ready for when I decide to start labbing in a couple days, instead of feeling lost and not knowing where to take my 1st step forward.

Ltat42a

Check this out on YouTube -
Packet Tracer - YouTube

Lots of other tips on YouTube...


hth

DDWingate

In my opinion, the best way to learn packet tracer is just to play around with it. Think up concepts and scenarios, and do everything you can on packet tracer to make them come to life. There is no right or wrong way of using it. In my opinion it is a priceless tool for those of us who cannot afford to play around with real networking equipment.

In fact, Cisco themselves stated on their website that PT is a tool for our imaginations. I'm currently writing a Network+ blog, and on one entry I am attempting to explain the origins of the internet through packet tracer. I'm a rookie so it will be full of inconsistencies and anachronisms, but it will show just how useful packet tracer can be, and hopefully help people tackle a few vague concepts about networking and put the internet itself into perspective. It's a risky venture but I'm looking forward to sharing it with this forum.

Packet tracer is a godsend for someone like me who can't afford chunky servers and high power bills. Use it regularly, even if you don't know what you're doing

DrBr0b0tnik

I love PT. I have all of Cisco's pre-made exercises for CCNA modules 1 & 2 (CCENT basically) that I got through the netacad for my CC classes. But beyond those you can do anything as stated above. I re-created a lab we did in class with actual equipment at home on PT, and then went back and troubleshot my own mistakes. If you 'like' Cisco Network academy on facebook, they always post pictures of students who submit their personal projects from PT.

DoubleNNs

Well, the thing is that after firing PT up for a min or 2 I was more confused w/ the actual interface - how do I even get started, I didn't want to spend a whole weekend trying to figure out what each option/tab/button did. I kinda wanted some quick tutorials to get me acquainted w/ the tool itself so I could get to the actual labbing w/ it.

I think I'll use the youtube videos. Although I just reopened it again a few mins ago, and played around w/ things for a few more mins and I guess things don't seem as confusing as they did when I initially opened it.

This is going to be a fun and very interesting weekend. lol

HectorP

Try these labs: Packet Tracer 5.3 labs

The tutorials on youtube and these labs have helped me get started with packet tracer. Enjoy!

Nytrocide

I highly recommend DansCourses on YouTube. I knew absolutely nadda about PacketTracer and his videos are extremely helpful! Had me go from clueless to pretty good in a day. Here's a link to his first Packet Tracer for Beginners video...

Packet Tracer for Beginners - Part 1 - YouTube

DoubleNNs

Awesome! Thanks.

dazl1212

Half an hour messing with PT and you will be fine. Its really easy to use and self explanatory.
Do the labs at the end of each chapter in the Dummies book on PT. That's what I am doing and I seem to be doing fine.
Although I lab along with the writer each chapter as well.
Really seems to make it stick.
I think its a great book