Download Packet Tracer 5 For Free
Packet Tracer 5 is a software suite used to train computer-networking students for CCNA certification. Its primary aim is towards students that don’t have constant access to a Cisco network of devices. It comes standard with tutorials, help topics, and troubleshooting tips that are present in every layer of the OSI model.
Packet Tracer 5 has gained its reputation as succeeding where other technology software suites have failed. Whereas one may argue that it’s impossible to teach “hands on” experience through reading and using programs, Packet Tracer 5 throws a few curve balls at students. If you notice that you can’t receive data over the network you’ve just created, you might have to check that you turned the router on first- just as you would when dealing with a real network!
Cisco’s Packet Tracer 5 is ideal for printing out schematics when it comes time to assemble a physical network. Instead of the paper full of scribbles and eraser marks, you can have a freshly-printed schematic designed to perfection. Printing out the running configuration also saves time in initial router setup.
The good news is that Packet Tracer is among the best in network simulation software- and it won’t cost students, alumni, and faculty a single penny to use. Those who have been members of the Cisco Networking Academy will get full access to the program, and its updates, via the Cisco.Netacad.net login portal. The bad news is that the program isn’t public; everyone else will have to find other means of obtaining it.
Help! I’m Not In The Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco doesn’t endorse the ability for outsiders to use their software. Packet Tracer 5 is free software that Cisco gives as an incentive for students to take a CCNA course. Software of its caliber would otherwise cost upwards of several hundred dollars or more.
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Self-learners are not without options, however, for they may either find alternative sources of downloading the material or side with another software suite.
Alternatives To Packet Tracer 5
The three major competitors are Boson’s Netsim, Dynagen, and GNS-3.
Boson’s Netsim – Netsim is the only one of the three that isn’t open source. Licensing ranges from $199 to $499, depending on the license necessary. Netsim is ideal for classrooms as it comes loaded with tutorials, quizzes, labs, and grading functions.
Dynagen – Dynagen is a front-end used with the Dynamips Cisco router emulator. The documentation isn’t the best for beginners to browse through, but it’s a free solution that is hard to beat.
GNS-3 – GNS-3 is also built to work with Dynamips. It’s considered to be more user-friendly and intuitive than Dynagen. It also offers video tutorials to get started and free support via forum in case problems arise or questions are formulated.
Downloading Packet Tracer 5 From Alternative Sources
You can’t be blamed if you want to stick with Packet Tracer 5. It’s the best there is, and it’s possible if you were to take a class in the future that you would be required to learn it. If you haven’t enrolled in Cisco classes, yet wish to learn more about Cisco networks, you can use the download link below to download the software:
- http://rapidshare.com/files/214896399/Packet_Tracer_5.1.rar
Closing Comments
Don’t expect Packet Tracer 5 to be a walk in the park. It’s a development program, much like AutoCAD, and will take a moderate amount of time in learning. You may browse the included help files in the program or browse tutorials on Learn-Networking.com for a quick start guide on getting ahead in your CCNA course.[/Are_PayPal_LoginPlease]
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Comment by jane w on 17 December 2009:
Great, thanks for the download! I couldn’t get Packet Tracer through the old Cisco website, despite being a previous student.
Lots of searching just to get this gem of a program.
Comment by winlin on 19 December 2009:
I hope you can make a videos tutorial with packet tracer , it will be an other great help for networking learners
Comment by corey L on 26 December 2009:
I just downloaded Packet Tracer 5 via your last link– it works great! I look forward to reading any video and web tutorials you come out with on Packet Tracer.
Comment by idioteque on 26 December 2009:
I remember the days of Packet Tracer 4. After upgrading to Packet Tracer 5 and learning the new tools & interface, I’m glad I made the switch.
It has been a lot easier for my students to grasp concepts in network topology, design, and troubleshooting.
Great job on Cisco’s part!
Comment by Hassan Imam on 12 January 2010:
I think this is a very good site for an advanced or primary computer networking student.
It’s been a great help to my study group.
Hassan,Co-chair,tech study group.
Comment by Nessar Ahmad on 16 January 2010:
I want to download packet tracer setup in order to increase my studying.
thanks, i’m sure it’ll be a great help
Comment by raghav jha on 23 January 2010:
i want to download packet tracer 5.0 setup in order to increase my studying thanks, i’m sure it’ll be a great help
Comment by Segun Martins on 8 February 2010:
I want to download packet tracer setup to enhance my learning on networking.
Comment by poro on 15 February 2010:
thanks great help
Comment by hichm on 15 February 2010:
thanks for this free download i feel better prepered for ccna certicatiion
Comment by mehar ziauddin on 17 February 2010:
i want to learn more about packet tracer- cool find
Comment by ashok on 20 February 2010:
free packet tracer software download works thanks
Comment by mem0 on 28 February 2010:
thanks for the download link
Comment by Colby on 4 March 2010:
i need packet tracer 5.0
Comment by jj on 12 March 2010:
i can’t download your FREE packet tracer…..
Comment by rk on 18 March 2010:
can some some help me, not able to download packet tracer. radid share link is not working for me
Comment by madhukar on 23 March 2010:
Hi freinds this is nice site to find the information about routing
concepts
Really i got a clear idea abt the concepts which i have some doubts .
Comment by shaik akmal basha on 29 April 2010:
Thank you verymuch for this free service that you are providing online somany students will be benifitted by having this software this very good stuff that you are choosen. appreciated..
Comment by moazam on 13 May 2010:
Hey thanks a lote for this tremendiouse service.
Comment by ravi kapoor on 19 May 2010:
want to download packet tracer 5.0 setup in order to increase my studying thanks, i’m sure it’ll be a great help
Comment by kevin on 26 May 2010:
Thank you very much CISCO for simplifying life my life
Comment by vinod on 29 May 2010:
to practice ccna course
Comment by Jerry on 31 May 2010:
i need to work on packet tracer 5.0
Comment by santosh on 5 June 2010:
I am try to download packet tracer but i didnt get setup for packet tracer can please send link file or help
thank you
Comment by robadi kun on 17 June 2010:
why I can’t download paket tracer?
Comment by peminsi on 23 June 2010:
I like to work with packet Tracer
Comment by Clement on 23 June 2010:
Please I ccna certified and wish to download packet tracer.
Thanks,
Clement E.
Comment by balaji on 1 July 2010:
I like to work with packet Tracer
Comment by manjunath s g on 1 July 2010:
i want to download cisco packet tracer 5.0 but i try to download its not happening please suggest me…
Comment by Gustavo on 9 July 2010:
thanks for link download….
Comment by raj on 9 July 2010:
I am try to download packet tracer but i didnt get setup for packet tracer can please send link file or help
thank you
Comment by JIGAR PANCHAL on 14 July 2010:
i am try to download packet tracer but i did not get setup for packet tracer can please help me and send link file on my email ID. because it’s very urgent thank you
Comment by sanjeev on 15 July 2010:
http://rapidshare.com/files/214896399/Packet_Tracer_5.1.rar worked for me
Comment by arnel on 16 July 2010:
i would like to download a packet tracer 5
Comment by ankit on 16 July 2010:
i love this packet tracer
Comment by Franklina Osei-Ansah on 19 July 2010:
want to download packet tracer
Comment by Rita Wise on 19 July 2010:
I try to download Packet Tracer but nothing happens. I am taking the CCNA course through Avtech Technicology. Please send the link so I can download it.
Thanks!
Comment by Manisha on 20 July 2010:
I like to work with packet Tracer
Comment by Okoro Anselm on 27 July 2010:
I want to download d packet tracer. Pls. help me with the link. I want to write the exam. Thanks
Comment by xicohtl on 28 July 2010:
Hello,
I just wanto to let you know my own experience.
To study for my CCNA exam, I used Packet Tracer and GNS3; however, since Packet Tracer is a simulator, it doesn’t include all the commands, but is a very good tool.
GNS3 is excellent, GNS3 is an emulator, and since it uses Cisco IOSes, it means your are working with the real Cisco IOS where all the commands are available for you. (google is your friend on finding any Cisco IOS). After learning how to used it, I stop using Packet Tracer, GNS3 is much better. I really recommend this free software.
I don’t have experience with Dynagen, but I have been told that is excellent too.
Last, don’t waste your time and money with Boson’s Netsim. Just expend some time learning how to use GNS3 and you will be in good shape.