Introduction


Welcome to Packet Tracer 4.11.

Packet Tracer 4.11 is a standalone, medium-fidelity, simulation-based learning environment for networking novices to design, configure, and troubleshoot computer networks at a CCNA-level of complexity. Packet Tracer supports student and instructor creation of simulations, visualizations, and animations of networking phenomena. Like any simulation, Packet Tracer 4.11 relies on a simplified model of networking devices and protocols. Real computer networks remain the benchmark for understanding network behavior and developing networking skills. Packet Tracer was created to help address the "digital divide" in networking education, where many students and teachers lack access to equipment, bandwidth, and interactive modes of learning networking. We invite you to use the help files and tutorials to learn about the major features of the program, which include the items in the following table

Item Description
Logical Workspace

Network topology creation

Devices: generic, real, and modular

Routers, switches, hosts, hubs, bridges, wireless access points, and clouds

Device interconnection through a variety of networking media

Physical Workspace

Hierarchy of device, wiring closet, building, city, and intercity views

Loading of user-created graphics

Wireless association management

Realtime Mode

Realtime protocol updates

Medium-fidelity Cisco IOS CLI configuration of switches and routers

Protocols

LAN: Ethernet (including CSMA/CD*), 802.11 wireless*

Switching: VLANs, 802.1q, trunking, VTP, DTP, STP*

TCP/IP: HTTP, DHCP, Telnet, TFTP, DNS, TCP*, UDP, IP, ICMP, and ARP

Routing: static, default, RIPv1, RIPv2, EIGRP, single area OSPF, and inter-VLAN routing

NAT (static, dynamic, and overload); ACLs (standard, extended, and named); CDP

WAN: HDLC, PPP, and Frame Relay*

* indicates substantial modeling limitations imposed

Simulation Mode

Packet animation

Global event list (packet sniffer)

OSI Model, Detailed PDU, and Device Table Views

User-defined multiple packet scenarios

Local Authoring and Sharing

Extensive file-saving options

Activity Wizard for authoring automatically scored practice activities and formative assessment

Challenge Mode allowing users to make device algorithm decisions on packets

Easily translated GUI

Extensive textual and graphical annotation features