Cisco Packet Tracer

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For more general and professional alternative: GNS3

Cisco packet tracer is a powerful network simulation tool for free. It helps:

  • Practice building simple and complex networks.
  • Visualize how a network works.
  • Practice rack, stack and cabling skills in the virtual labs.
  • Integrate IoT devices, Python code or network automation.

Courses

Go to course website and register to kick off:

https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer

I have completed the Getting Started course.

What is PTTA

This is a form of the interactive toturial with hints provided along the way.

File Type

  • .pka: activity for initial and answer network.
  • .pkt: for simulated network built and saving.
  • .pksz: for PTTA tutorial.
  • .pkz: deprecated file type.

Cable Type

There are 2 copper cable types provided in packet tracer:

  • Straight-Through cable: connect two devices of different types.
  • Cross-Over cable: connect two devices of the same type.

Issues

DHCP Failed. APIPA is being used

It is odd that sometimes PC and Home router connection with cable results in failure: DHCP Failed. APIPA is being used, if I switch to wireless connection, it works good.

Solution:

  • Wait until Home router is fully up, delete PC cable connection, power cycle the PC, reconnect and set DHCP again.
  • Use wireless connection.
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