Router Simulator for Cisco Lab Scenarios

I was recently investigating a router simulator and have found several on the internet with a free demo. After reviewing it, I narrowed the available packages to four factories. The following are my opinions, respectively.

Dynamips:

Dynamips is available free of charge and runs on Linux, Mac OS X or Windows and can simulate Cisco serial series routing platform hardware by directly booting the actual Cisco IOS software image into the emulator. This allows users to build complex network topologies to test IOS functionality on desktop PCs, without the need for actual physical Cisco devices. Dynamips currently supports different network media such as Ethernet, Serial link, ATM, and POS interfaces for the Cisco 1700, 2600, 3600, 3700, 7200 and Juniper router hardware platforms and the Cisco PIX and ASA security platforms.

Even though there are switching platforms included in the application, there is no configuration on them but a simple VLAN port. There are no VTP, STP or ether channel configurations and of course no layer 3 switching.

Once installed, you must install the appropriate Cisco IOS for each router and security platform that you want to use. The switch does not require iOS because it doesn't have configuration capabilities. Frame-relay switches are included and configured with a number of virtual circuits and DLCI. Dynamips does not support ISDN.

This product is easy to install and use as long as you have access to Cisco IOS for devices, and even though it doesn't have a laboratory or tutorial including the right price. I would recommend this product for anyone studying for CCNA or the routing section of CCNP. The inclusion of PIX, ASA, and IDS security devices gives it additional capabilities for security laboratories. I would not recommend this for those who study for CCIE because of the lack of switch configurations.

Boson:

The NETSIM Boson Simulator is available in three variations. CCENT (99.00), CCNA (179.00) and CCNP (349.00). Each comes with additional functionality when prices rise.

Netsim will simulate 47 different Cisco devices. Cisco 800, 1000, 1600, 1700, 2500, 2600, 2811, 3600 routers; 1900, 2900, 3500 switches and 7960 IP Phones. It also supports several network media sulfur analyzer indonesia such as Ethernet, Serial, ISDN and Frame-Relay. And Simulate network traffic with virtual packet technology and HR emulation.

Netsim provides more switch configurations than any other simulator on the market today, but it still cannot match the hardware because the switch uses the ASIC design to make the switch and the software cannot be fully copied.

Netsim includes an extensive collection of CCNA and CCNP labs, tutorials, and can support up to 233 iOS commands depending on the software version you purchased. Although it does not have provisions for security laboratories, it has limited VOIP capabilities.

Netsim is easy to install and does not require additional iOS software or software to use. Although it is expensive I would recommend it to anyone who is studying for CCNA or CCNP.

SemSim, Certification Exams and Others:

SemSim, Cert Certams and a number of other simulators available are usually not expensive around 30 to 40 US dollars and most have laboratories and tutorials included and practice exams in some cases. It is my opinion that they are less functional and easy to use. I myself would choose Dynamips products over these products. Maybe it doesn't have a laboratory but the price is right.

Whatever product you get will provide additional training but not only training media. You should always buy good books such as the Cisco press and practice exams to complement your training material. Remember when you take the test, you will not be asked to configure the lab at least until you are ready for CCIE.