Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet Tracerfor Mac

Rating
4.9
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App info

LAST UPDATED:
2023-04-24
DEVELOPER:
Cisco Systems, Inc.
LICENSE:
Free
VERSION:
8.2.1
FILE SIZE:
257.02 MB
DOWNLOADS:
293
OPERATING SYSTEM:
Mac
FILENAME:
CiscoPacketTracer_821_MacOS_64bit.dmg
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Joseph Johnson
Joseph Johnson
Appsitory Reviewer

A high-quality network simulator

Cisco Packet Tracer is developed by Cisco and is recommended for use when studying telecommunication networks and network equipment and for conducting laboratory work in higher educational institutions. The program is multiplatform, so that it can be run on macOS devices. We will tell you more about it.

Primary features of the program

Cisco Packet Tracer for Mac has the following features:

  • A user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) helps users to understand the network organization and the principles of the device better;

  • The ability to simulate logical topology, a working space to create networks of any size at CCNA level of complexity;

  • Simulation in real-time mode;

  • The multilingual program interface allows you to learn the program in your language;

  • Advanced depiction of network equipment with the ability to add/remove different components;

  • Activity Wizard provides network engineers, students, and professors to create network templates and use them later;

  • Physical topology design: easy interaction with physical devices using concepts, such as city, building, rack, etc.

Where is this program used?

Various valuable features of this program allow network engineers to configure, debug, and build a network. This product is also indispensable in education as it provides a visual representation of the network, enhancing the learning of students.

The network emulator allows engineers to design networks of any complexity by creating and sending various data packets, saving, and commenting on their work. Professionals can learn and use network devices, such as Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches and workstations, determine the types of connections between them, and connect them.

Functionality

The Simulation Mode is one of the essential features of this simulator. All packets transmitted within the network are displayed graphically. This feature allows network professionals to visualize the packet traveling at a given moment, the protocol being used, etc.

However, that is not all of Packet Tracer's benefits. In Simulation Mode, network engineers can monitor the protocols in use and see a specific protocol involved in one of the seven layers of the OSI model.

This simplicity and clarity make training more helpful by combining learning and reinforcement.

Packet Tracer can simulate devices of various purposes and many different types of communication to design networks of any size at a high level of complexity.

Interface

The program interface consists of the following elements:

  • The main program menu;

  • The Toolbar duplicates some of the menu items;

  • The switcher between logical and physical organization;

  • Another toolbar with tools for selecting, deleting, moving, and scaling objects and forming arbitrary packages;

  • The switcher between real-time and simulation modes;

  • A panel with groups of end devices and communication lines;

  • End devices with all sorts of switchers, nodes, access points, and wires;

  • A panel for creating user scenarios;

  • A workspace.

The workspace occupies a large part of the program window. Here you can place various network devices, connect them differently, and obtain multiple network topologies.

Above the working area, there is the central panel of the program and its menu. The menu allows you to save and load network topologies, set up simulations, and use many other exciting features. The main panel contains the most frequently used menu functions.

To the right of the workspace, there is a sidebar with buttons responsible for moving the canvas of the workplace, deleting objects, etc.

Below the workspace, there is the equipment panel. This panel has the types of available devices in the left part and the available models in the correct position.

When you hover over each device, the rectangle in the center between them displays its type. The types of devices are most commonly used in the Packet Tracer labs.

Types of connections between devices

Cisco Packet Tracer for Mac allows you to work with the following types of connections:

  • The automatic type: Packet Tracer automatically selects the most preferred connection type for the selected devices;

  • The Console: console connections;

  • Copper Straight: copper cable connection of twisted pair type when both ends are crimped in the same layout. It is suitable for the following connections: switch—switch, switch—router, switch—computer, etc.;

  • Copper Crossover: the connection with a copper cable by the "twisted pair" type when the cable ends are crimped as a crossover. It is suitable for connecting two computers;

  • Optics: the connection with an optical cable is necessary to connect devices with visual interfaces;

  • A telephone cable: you may need to connect telephone sets with the ordinary telephone cable;

  • A coaxial cable: the connection between devices using a coaxial cable.

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Pros
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Receives good support
  • Easy to navigate
  • Offers value for money
  • Training guide
Cons
  • Not ideal for experts
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