Cisco Packet Tracer Overview March 2010

Agenda Cisco Packet Tracer Overview Packet Tracker Key Features Packet Tracer Key Benefits Summary Why did the official name for Packet Tracer change to Cisco Packet Tracer and why has the version number been eliminated from the official name; e.g. on the splash screen? We changed the name to Cisco Packet Tracer and removed the version number to better align with Cisco’s naming practices and to minimize changes required for new releases. The software version number remains visible in the About screen of the Packet Tracer software. To access the About screen, start Packet Tracker, click the Help menu at the top of the user interface, and then select About.

Packet Tracer Overview

What is Cisco Packet Tracer? Comprehensive networking technology teaching and learning software developed by Cisco Networking Academy Offers a unique combination of realistic simulation and visualization experiences, complex assessment and activity authoring capabilities, and opportunities for multiuser collaboration and competition Cisco Packet Tracer is far more than just another network simulation tool, it is primarily a teaching and learning software application and an integral part of the Cisco Networking Academy’s comprehensive learning experience.

Packet Tracer Simulation-Based Learning Innovative features help students and teachers collaborate, solve problems, and learn concepts in an engaging and dynamic social environment Supports lectures, group and individual labs, homework, exams, games, collaborations and competitions Allows instructors to easily teach and demonstrate complex technical concepts and networking systems design Helps students develop important 21st century skills .

Benefits of Simulation-Based Learning Students who explore and experiment using Packet Tracer develop intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. Packet Tracer’s visually rich simulation environment facilitates comprehension of complex technology concepts. Students who troubleshoot networks using Packet Tracer develop problem solving skills. Students who design and build virtual networks using Packet Tracer improve their innovation and creativity skills. Students who explore concepts at their own pace in Packet Tracer’s safe, virtual environment gain confidence in their decision making skills and abilities. Using Packet Tracer for team collaboration and competition activities builds social, communication, and negotiation skills. The simulation-based learning environment helps students develop 21st century skills

Packet Tracer Key Features

Simulation, Visualization, Collaboration Simulate IOS Commands Visualize Network Traffic Collaborate on Multiuser Activities Innovative features of Packet Tracer help students and teachers collaborate, solve problems, and learn concepts in an engaging and dynamic social environment. Some of the benefits of Packet Tracer are as follows: Provides a realistic simulation and visualization learning environment that supplements classroom equipment Enables multiuser, real-time collaboration and competition for dynamic learning

Supports Homework and Pre-Lab Prep These screenshots represent typical examples of how an instructor might use Packet Tracer support classroom activities. Allows students and teachers to design, build, configure, and troubleshoot networks using virtual equipment Supports a variety of teaching and learning tasks such as lectures, group and individual labs, homework, and competitions

Packet Tracer Activity Wizard Anyone can author, the PT Activity Wizard guides you The process is basically write instructions, build a correct answer network, specify grading, specify an initial network, save Ability to create your own learning activities, tasks, labs, games and complex assessments Build scaffolded learning experiences, formative and summative assessments The Activity Wizard allows users to set up scenarios using text, basic network topologies, and predefined packets. Users can create customized network scenarios and add instructional text. The Activity Wizard also includes grading and feedback capabilities. Instructors can use the Activity Wizard to create an unlimited number of guided and exploratory learning experiences that provide immediate feedback to students. These activities can also be saved and shared with other instructors in the Networking Academy community.

Activity Wizard for Editing PT Activities This examples shows how you can use the Activity Wizard to also edit existing activities, in this example the instructions were localized for a Spanish-speaking class. Enables authoring and localization of structured learning activities such as labs, demonstrations, quizzes, exams, and games Instructors can localize, edit, or enhance existing activities using the Activity Wizard

Packet Tracer Multiuser Functionality PT is a network-capable (peer to peer) application, using the real network (TCP socket connections) to carry the Packet Tracer virtual packets The PT application running on one computer can communicate with the PT application running on 1 or more other computers This connectivity between multiple instances of PT supports teamwork, classroom games, collaboration, competition, remote instructor-student interaction, and social networking

Example Multiuser Scenarios 2 teams, 1 instructor 3 Packet Tracer instances interacting via Packet Tracer Messaging Protocol (PTMP) 3 different classes Real TCP Socket Connection PC 2 PC 1 Examples of multiuser functionality might be An instructor watching 2 teams of students racing to see who completes an activity first 3 different CCNA classes in 3 different countries are playing a game 3 students are collaborating on a homework project from their homes Real TCP Socket Connection Real TCP Socket Connection 3 students from home PC 3

Multiuser Games for Social Learning These are examples of 2 multiuser games from the instructor’s view on his console Instructor console view of multiuser “Relay Race” game Instructor console view of multiuser “King of the Hill” game

Packet Tracer Features Logical and Physical Workspaces Real-Time and Simulation Modes User friendly Command Line Interface (CLI) Global event list (packet sniffer) LAN, switching, TCP/IP, routing, and WAN protocols Activity Wizard, Lab grading Multiuser functionality Multiple platform support Multiple language support Integrated Help and Tutorials Logical Workspace is the primary workspace for creating networks of any size and CCNA-level configuration. Physical Workspace promotes an intuitive interaction with physical devices, with physical layout and distance representation including intercity, city, building, wiring closet, and device views. Real-time Mode models real-time protocol updates and medium-fidelity Cisco IOS CLI configuration of switches and routers. Simulation Mode allows for a detailed study of protocol interactions. Global event list (packet sniffer): The packet sniffer in Packet Tracer allows students to see some of the same kinds of information that they would see with a commercial packet sniffing program, such as Ethereal. This functionality allows students to see just the amount of information that is appropriate for a CCNA level student without overwhelming them with the amount of information that would be seen in the commercial product. Multiple languages are supported. Instructions are included for self-translation into other languages. To locate these instructions, go to the Help file and click on Translation Process in the navigation pane. Physical interfaces model realistic equipment set up including adding and removing components. Multiuser Functionality: Cisco Packet Tracer is a network-capable application, with a multiuser peer-to-peer mode that allows collaborative construction of virtual networks over a real network. The multiuser feature enables exciting collaborative and competitive interactions, providing the option to progress from individual to social learning and features opportunities for collaboration, competition, remote instructor-student interactions, social networking, and gaming. Activity Wizard enables instructors to create automatically scored practice activities and enables instructors and students to easily create and share network templates. The Variable Manager enables the instructor to create multiple activities based on a single activity and the use of variables. These variables may be used in the activity instructions and initial values to create different correct answers each time.

Key E-Learning Component Learning theories stress early hands-on experiences Key components of Networking Academy e-learning strategy include In-person, hands-on labs with real equipment Online curriculum and assessment Cisco Packet Tracer Instructor Collaboration Tools Learning cycles alternating both Packet Tracer activities and in-person, hands-on lab experiences with real equipment are a best practice for teaching CCNA-level networking to beginners Packet Tracer is a supplement to hands-on lab equipment and is not a replacement for lab equipment. The Networking Academy program recommends the use of physical equipment for hands-on learning. This is a key differentiator relative to other programs. Packet Tracer simulations, which are embedded in the new curricula, are supplemental and designed to provide learning opportunities for environments that are not possible to re-create in the classroom.

Supports Networking Academy Curricula Supports the majority of protocols and technologies taught in CCNA Discovery, CCNA Exploration, and CCNA Security, and can also be used to teach concepts from IT Essentials and CCNP courses Packet Tracer is a foundational teaching tool for CCNA Discovery, CCNA Exploration, and CCNA Security. All 3 curricula include embedded e-doing, which applies the principle that people learn best by interacting with computer-based activities. Interactive learning promotes the exploration of networking concepts and experimentation with tools such as Packet Tracer and Flash-based activities to help students develop a greater understanding of networking technologies. Packet Tracer activities are embedded in the course content in the CCNA courses, for CCNA Security the Packet Tracer activities are provided outside of the course GUI.. Students Launch Packet Tracer Directly From CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration to Access Activities That Reinforce the Curriculum

Packet Tracer Version 5.3

What’s New in Packet Tracer 5.3 Improved Linksys models, wireless security Cable and DSL enhancements Call Manager Express (VOIP support) FTP server and routers/switches - Server and Client Email system (SMTP – POP3) - Server and Client BGP – limited implementation that allows for a more realistic representation of the Internet for scenarios Generic IP end devices – to create more versatility in device creation Activity Wizard Initial Tree enhancements – more scenario variations Packet Tracer 5.3 is a minor release that includes new and enhanced functionality.

PT 5.3 and CCNA and CCNP Curricula Version 5.3 enhancements provide new or enhanced functionality to help illustrate the following topics: CCNA Discovery D1: improved Linksys and wireless– Generic IP end devices D2: better DNS, improved DHCP, wireless security, new FTP, SMTP, POP3, D3: Improved multiarea OSPF, EIGRP, BGP D4: New ISR VOIP, Call Manager Express CCNA Exploration E1: improved HTTP, DNS, DHCP, new FTP, SMTP, POP3 E2: Improved multiarea OSPF, EIGRP, new BGP E3: Improved Linksys models, wireless security, 802.11 E4: New PPPoE, enhanced IPSec, Cable and DSL enhancements CCNP Improved multiarea OSPF, EIGRP, new BGP Although there are no CCNA Discovery or CCNA Exploration curriculum requirements that make it necessary to move to Packet Tracer 5.3, we recommend upgrading to the new version to take advantage of the many improvements included in this release.

Packet Tracer 5.3 Protocol Support Application FTP , SMTP, POP3, HTTP, TFTP, Telnet, SSH, DNS, DHCP, NTP, SNMP, AAA, ISR VOIP, SCCP config and calls ISR command support, Call Manager Express Transport TCP and UDP, TCP Nagle Algorithm & IP Fragmentation, RTP Network BGP, IPv4, ICMP, ARP, IPv6, ICMPv6, IPSec, RIPv1/v2/ng, Multi-Area OSPF, EIGRP, Static Routing, Route Redistribution, Multilayer Switching, L3 QoS, NAT, CBAL , Zone-based policy firewall and Intrusion Protection System on the ISR, GRE VPN, IPSec VPN Network Access/Interface Ethernet (802.3), 802.11, HDLC, Frame Relay, PPP, PPPoE, STP, RSTP, VTP, DTP, CDP, 802.1q, PAgP, L2 QoS, SLARP, Simple WEP, WPA, EAP Protocols listed in RED on this slide are new in PT 5.3 Protocols listed in BLUE on this slide are enhanced in PT 5.3 *New in PT 5.3 *Enhanced in PT 5.3 21

Packet Tracer Key Benefits

Packet Tracer Benefits Makes teaching easier by providing a free, multiuser environment for instructors to easily teach complex technical concepts Makes learning easier by providing a realistic simulation and visualization environment for exploration, experimentation and explanation Packet Tracer benefits both instructors and students in many ways Instructors and students can create their own virtual “network worlds” for teaching and learning networking concepts and technologies

Key Instructor Benefits Ability to teach complex networking concepts Demonstrate technologies and configurations Author custom guided activities, labs and assessments with immediate feedback using the Activity Wizard Use for lecture demonstration, individual and group labs, homework, assessments, games, network design, troubleshooting and modeling tasks, reinforcement of hands-on lab activities, case studies, competitions Supplements classroom equipment and provides complementary learning opportunities that are not possible in the classroom alone Supports social learning processes via multiuser collaboration and competition Ability to teach complex CCNA-level networking concepts Demonstrate technologies and configurations Author custom guided activities, labs and assessments with immediate feedback using the Activity Wizard Use for lecture demonstration, individual and group labs, homework, assessments, games, network design, troubleshooting and modeling tasks, reinforcement of hands-on lab activities, case studies, competitions Supplements classroom equipment and provides complementary learning opportunities that are not possible in the classroom alone Visualization, animation and detailed modeling provide a teaching environment enabling exploration, experimentation and explanation in new visual ways Supports self-paced learning outside the classroom Supports social learning processes via multiuser collaboration and competition Overall enhanced student satisfaction and success, adds additional value to attract more students to program

Benefits for Students Provides a free practice and visualization environment for the design, configuration and troubleshooting of network environments Observe virtual packets real time as they travel through your network Allows practice outside of the physical classroom and lab (home computers, mobile laptops) Create and configure much larger topologies than possible with physical equipment available Provides a rich learning environment beyond standard networking technology instructional practices Provides valuable hands-on expertise to help you succeed in the classroom and on the job Students who spend more time in a hands-on mode of learning, with simulation and interactive capabilities, will be better equipped to apply concepts and configuration fundamentals when exposed to real equipment. As students gain practical experience with tasks such as troubleshooting, they become more confident in their abilities. Packet Tracer provides an opportunity for social learning, allowing students to compete with each other and play games that enhance the learning experience. Students can connect networking equipment in many different combinations, allowing for experimentation and encouraging a deeper understanding of networking protocols. Packet Tracer can be freely distributed to any Networking Academy instructor, student, or alumni. This enables students to use Packet Tracer on any computer outside of class for homework, practice, and exploratory learning.

Summary

Packet Tracer Key Take Aways Packet Tracer is a powerful network simulation program that allows students to experiment with network behavior and ask “what if” questions Makes teaching and learning networking technology easier Not intended to replace experiences with real equipment, but rather to complement them A laboratory for teaching and learning; you can experiment, you can create your own virtual network “world” Helps students develop 21st century skills such as decision making, creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Packet Tracer is an integral part of the Networking Academy comprehensive learning experience

Packet Tracer Availability Packet Tracer is available free to all Networking Academy instructors, students and alumni on Academy Connection To obtain Packet Tracer Log in to Academy Connection Click the Packet Tracer image on the left side of your Home Page Select the appropriate download option Recommendation Download to a local server at your academy and have students install Packet Tracer from the local server Packet Tracer 5.3 has superseded PT 5.2 and is the only version of Packet Tracer that is currently available for download from Academy Connection.

Resources on Academy Connection FAQs At A Glance Datasheet Overview Presentation Video viewing link and video downloads Instructor training materials Link to Instructor Guides Release Notes Supplementary activities for the CCNA curricula Link to Packet Tracer Trivia game Link to Packet Tracer Discussion Forum And More…See Packet Tracer resource page on Academy Connection

Packet Tracer Trivia A fun activity that demonstrates how Packet Tracer is transforming student learning and helping to build 21st century skills Available on www.packettracertrivia.com Available on micro site www.packettracertrivia.com Engaging game interface communicates some key benefits of simulation software-enabled learning Uses Packet Tracer animations to answer the trivia questions Demonstrates how Packet Tracer helps develop 21st century skills such as critical thinking and problem solving We hope this provides a fun opportunity for interaction and conversation on the many benefits of a Networking Academy education! Promotional tool for academy/instructor use

Packet Tracer Discussion Forum Access the global instructor community for questions, discussions, collaboration, and activity sharing You can discuss using Packet Tracer in the classroom, ask other instructors for ideas and feedback, or share Packet Tracer activities that you have developed To collaborate with other instructors, join the Cisco Packet Tracer community discussion. To access the discussion board, log in to Academy Connection and click Forums & Chat under Resources, then select Instructor Community > Packet Tracer.