virtual networks?

Does anyone know of any free virtual networking simulators to get a feel for the layout and concepts? I'm downloading wireshark now but thats just a packet analyzer. I work at a help desk in an Enterprise environment but I'd like to practice Networking at home some how.

BTW, I have Windows 8.1.

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Alex90

GNS3 is free, I don't use it myself but you'll find a lot of members on this site that do.

--chris--

Alex90 wrote: »

GNS3 is free, I don't use it myself but you'll find a lot of members on this site that do.

+1 to GNS3. Also if you are going to get serious about studying with it, it would be worth the $40 donation to early access to GNS3 1.0 and other nice features.

chipcreep

I looked at their site last night when I was searching around. It looks like the best option but this is what threw me off:

"In most situations, to use GNS3 you first need to provide your own copy of a network operating system, like Cisco IOS, PIX, ASA, IPS or Juniper JunOS."

Is that something I would need to use the program?

FrankGuthrie

Yes, you need your own IOS, PIX etc image to run the devices.

SecurityThroughObscurity

chipcreep wrote: »

Does anyone know of any free virtual networking simulators to get a feel for the layout and concepts? I'm downloading wireshark now but thats just a packet analyzer. I work at a help desk in an Enterprise environment but I'd like to practice Networking at home some how.

BTW, I have Windows 8.1.

I would strongly recommend cisco packet tracer, in the first place, not GNS3.