There is a free course on Cisco NetAcad for beginners:
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
It's a virtual environment for experimenting with cisco hardware. You can simulate an entire LAN/WAN setup to see how it all works together. I'm using "Cisco Packet Tracer" from https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
Definitely set up proxmox or some other hypervisor to get used to different OS'es and networking.
However, if you're looking to get experience w/ Cisco, I highly recommend Cisco Packet Tracer.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
It's free and can simulate many Cisco devices and help you build, learn, and troubleshoot networks virtually. CLI, simple networks, complex networks, routers, switches, follow along in courses - it'll help you do it all. Did I mention it's free?
Hi Karuragi, I know HowToNetwork.com provides access to Live Cisco Racks. I haven’t personally tried the racks myself. I am not skilled enough just yet.
You can learn more about the racks here: https://www.howtonetwork.com/live-cisco-racks/
You could also play around with Cisco Packet Tracer software: https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
Hope this helps!
To be honest with you, I would skip the home lab setup if you are just looking to study and practice for the CCNA. Cisco has a free program that you can download onto your computer called Packet Tracer. With this, you can simulate everything that you would want to do while studying. It allows you to add in multiple routers, and configure hosts, amongst many other things. I could go on but you would be better served by going to the following link (ill advised if you are concerned about security and malware) or searching for cisco packet tracer on your preferred search engine.
Also, the reason I would advise this route instead of investing into a home lab setup first is because you really don't know what you need and taking advice from strangers on the internet can be costly. This program is free...
Packet Tracer is your best best. You could also look at GNS3, but the last time I looked (it's been a while) it only supported very old IOS versions and switches.
​
Otherwise a really solid option would be to go with Cisco's VIRL - which is $199 for a year. It's a pretty good deal if you find that you need something a little more robust than Packet Tracer, but odds are you'll be fine with Packet Tracer for your first bit of intro into the world of Cisco networking.
​
Good luck!
Cisco offers a product called 'Packet Tracer' for setting up simulated networks, it's free, just have to sign up on their Networking Academy online course which is free, the material they provide should help you on your way to learning networking.
This will allow you to play with network topologies without taking down your home network.
Thanks!
You can download it from here: https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
The only thing the site is gonna ask you is to register and then you can download it. Pretty useful tool if you don’t feel like investing on equipment yet.
GNS3 is fantastic, although using GNS3 for Cisco is in a... legally grey area, depending on whether you have a licensed copy of whatever firmware you're using.
If you want to be totally legal, Cisco Packet Tracer is also a good option.
If you can’t afford a switch you can use Cisco PacketTracer for free by signing up for the intro class. Cisco PacketTracer allows you to simulate setting up pretty much all of the equipment they sell. Not sure about the quality of their classes because I used it with a college class but the app itself is as close to building a network as I have found. https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
"L2" refers to Layer 2 of the OSI model, where switching happens. Layer 3 is where routing happens, so an L2 switch doesn't have routing capabilities.
Here's the OSI model, for reference. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSI_model
I understand you're curious about networking, but you need a better conceptual understanding. If you continue learning about these things, you could get a high-paying job in IT. There are free training videos for CCNA at places like https://study-ccna.com/ and you can even do the labs with Packet Tracer from Cisco. https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
A good free tool that I used when learning was Cisco Packet Tracer. It's free, you just need to create a Cisco Academy account. Look for Network+ study guides, and once you grasp the basics conceptually, you can use Packet Tracer to apply those concepts in a virtual environment. It's not as good as an actual hardware lab, but it's pretty damn close and a lot cheaper. Learning how to configure actual routers and switches (and being able to visualize those communications) really helped me a ton.
When I was starting out, I found Cisco's Packet Tracer very useful for learning to configure networks. You can get it for free along with a course that includes several labs:
I don't know if there are any major changes between the 401 and 501 test. I did practice a lot of subnetting and Packet Tracer labs to get a better understanding of equipment, how they communicate, protocols, etc. Professor Messer was a big part of my study routine when going for sec+
I don't have personal experience with the current ICND/CCNA books so I don't know which is better. But I think the CCNA Cert guide should be sufficient.
For studying (for any cert) i would suggest the following;
For video courses Ine.com, CBTnuggets.com and Chris' Udemy course are the ones most used. The one on Udemy is a fraction of the price of the other two which which is why I suggested it.
For CCNA labbing you can use software like Packettracer which is free when you make an account;
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
The unofficial alternative is GNS3 and the official is VIRL.
To find more information on a topic the CCNA Cert Guide should suffice. If it doesn't there is tons of information to find on google, specially for CCNA level topics.
Take this free packet tracer course to see if you like CISA for not. Just finish half the course, you will learn how to use an easier packet sniffer built in. (Way easier than wireshark.)
​
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
Start by getting a solid networking foundation. I used to watch Eli the computer guy on youtube and then simulated networks with Packet Tracer
If you are comfortable with the basics then look into building a home lab. You can usually get good, cheap firewalls on eBay or try out some online demos before you commit. My advice is to immerse yourself in as many different security domains as possible before you decide on a path. Personally I would skip the network+ and go right for security+. Splunk is also useful to learn but I would focus on that later.
Packet Tracer is the Cisco proprietary software. You could also use GNS3 which is free, but requires a more extensive setup process.
You have a lot to learn, young grasshopper. Here's a Networking 101 series.
Don't spend a bunch of money, yet. While physical hardware is the best, you can start with Cisco's Packet Tracer.
For CCNA, I would recommend using Packet Tracer which is completely free. You simply do a quick Cisco Learning Network course and then can download. For CCNP intro Packet Tracer would get you pretty far but then you would want CML-PE to move into advanced labs / routing topics, etc.
You do not have to be a paid Net Academy student to get Packet Tracer any more. I just ran through this to get the latest MAC version to see what changed.
How to download Packet Tracer To download Packet Tracer, follow these steps to create your Networking Academy registration:
Click the 'Enroll to Download Packet Tracer' button Enroll in the Introduction to Packet Tracer course Complete your Networking Academy registration Launch the Introduction to Packet Tracer course Download instructions are found within the course
I think he's talking about Packet Tracer software that is used to teach Cisco Net Academy students. It's basically like VIRL/GNS3 except you didn't need to worry about bring your own IOS. https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
It's been 10 years since I've used it, but it was a great tool for learning and could simulate Layer 2 designs really well without having hardware. Perfect for CCNA training.
Don't worry about understanding everything you see right off the bat. Packet tracer is going to make more and more sense as you go thru your course since it's meant to realistically simulate every piece of a network - individually, and the additional complexity that emerges when you add things together.
this might help you get going with a better foundation. stay with it. it's worth it.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
I didn't take many notes, but did when learning about subnetting. I forgot to mention the best practical tool I used... Cisco Packet Tracer - https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer-download/?p_auth=h6jOI2lZ&p_p_auth=iJXrHgDA&p_p_id=resendscreenname_WAR
I created everything that was describred in the Lammle book and ran the relevant commands as I went through. That book also includes labs at the end of each chapter which I built and completed too. I also bought a couple of old 2950 switches and an 850 router to create VLANs on etc. It was handy to play with real kit, but I'd say Packet Tracer would be enough.
> it gives me no time to change to F or O server.
There's no F or O server. Could you link me an episode with one of these servers?
​
Off topic, but I saw "PT" and my mind went to Packet Tracer (I'm in a Cisco networking class).
Along with what others have said - buy the Official Cert Guide for CCNA Routing and Switching! - you should consider downloading Packet Tracer in order to learn networking.
Also, you may want to look into Packet Tracer for later on for networking: it is free.
Video on Packet Tracer: https://youtu.be/VqMeJ-WH4E0
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
Erm, where did you acquire packet tracer? It's free from netacad, and an added benefit is that they make you go through an Introduction to Packet Tracer course that teaches you some of the basics of how to use the program.
Why not Packet Tracer? It's designed to be complete for what you'll need for CCNA. It may even be good through CCNP, I'm not sure.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer-download/
You can even find the pre-made labs if you look around.
Assuming you're running the VMs on a bog-standard desktop PC, I figure USB to Ethernet adapters would do fine. Just make sure they're recognizable by Windows or whatever OS you'd be using on the VMs. For the labs in the CCNA course (at least the one I took) you wouldn't suffer from using Linux on your VMs as at most, they'll be used to check connectivity and firewall rules, more than anything else. I don't know if the USB hub would do anything that would prevent passthrough to the VMs.
Also do note that if you're studying CCNA through Cisco's Network Academy program, you can get an application called Packet Tracer which can simulate all the devices needed for a CCNA certification, minus a few very niche features that I can't even recall off the top of my head. Packet Tracer will run on most any computer under the sun, so long as it's Windows or Ubuntu.
This is a good observation / reminder.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer-download/
Packet Tracer is imperfect. It certainly contains some frustrations & limitations.
But it is free, much more quiet to listen to than a 12 year old stack of 1841s, and is generally perfectly adequate for CCENT and CCNA Route/Switch.
GNS3 is a more precise routing simulator and addresses a bunch of limitations of Packet Tracer.
But GNS3 is a memory hog, and requires you to obtain specific IOS images, which is an activity that technically violates EULA agreements.
just as an fyi, you can get packet tracer for free, the course doesn't even require a passing grade. the one benefit of gns3 though is the wan simulation is actually real, im still trying to figure out if packet tracer can actually bring in a wan connection.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
Packet Tracer, not packet tracking. It's an installed software like any other program. It's a self contained network simulator. It does not interact with the network. It has simulated Cisco CLI interfaces that you would find on Cisco switches and routers. It's not as robust as actual hardware or actual images, but you can setup EIGRP and OSPF, VLANs, DHCP servers, static routes, and basically everything you would need to do to be able to pass the CCNA. Or at least the old CCNA. It has features like having to connect the devices with the correct cables, being able to view the entire topology, being able to slow and pause the simulation so you can visibly see how the packets would move and change while traversing the network, and other cool features. You could do labs and everything else in it. The site appears to be down right now, but check it out when it's up. The software is free and is an incredible learning tool when you don't have physical devices or a virtual environment to learn on.
> This is some type of school task?
University.
> That would have been good to know.
Oh, sorry. I am just so intent on getting the hardware talking I didn't really think about that.
> Does that mean this is all being done in a simulator? That this isn't actual networking hardware?
Cisco Packet Tracer. https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
> Each interface of a router must be on a separate network. That's what routers are for; to connect different networks.
OK. Well the last thing I came up with was perhaps I should put a second module in each router to cope with the two subnets, but nobody has confirmed that as yet, and I'm not sure what I would do next if that is right. Maybe I need to assign two IPs and actually run two cables into it but I'm just guessing.
Not PBQs as such, but the course is hands-on and helps you get the cabling and subnetting part, creating WiFi networks, AAA concepts, in the Simulation mode you can watch the traffic flow throughout the network by specific protocol (eg. ARP, ICMP, HTTP...), and see PDU details.On the long run it is very useful to check it out. https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
Yeah if you want to be a pen tester you should know some scripting, and if you are interested in SIEM you could learn some automation like Python. I work in DFIR so I just know how to read some languages, I hate coding though, and i will only learn it if someone is offering me $$$ lol.
Hey you should check out Cisco Packet Tracer. It’s a fun way to learn networking and it’s free! You can download labs to do, and basically you’ll build little networks and watch traffic go through them. I used it in school.
A friend informed me that Cisco has a packet tracer simulation platform for this very thing https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer I believe it is free you just have to sign up but it allows you to setup a simulated network and you can use the CLI on each piece of simulated equipment. It is very useful for troubleshooting and practice.
My friend, I am happy to announce, I was able to get PT working on F34
[Packet-Tracer-Works-In-F34.png](https://postimg.cc/4nxsSS1h)
________________________________________________________________________________________
Here is a quick summarization of the install:
Step 1 - Download Packet Tracer (PT) from this link:-https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer Step 2 -Once logged into netacad, at the top of the links click:- Resources > Download Cisco Packet TracerStep 3 - Scroll down until you find:- Ubuntu Desktop Version 8.0.1 English 64 Bit Download- Download the .deb fileStep 4: Navigate to where you downloaded the .deb file:- right click a blank area in the folders section, select "Open in Terminal"- FROM THE TERMINAL, COPY AND PASTE:mkdir ~/PacketTracer8.0.1cp ~/Downloads/CiscoPacketTracer_801_Ubuntu_64bit.deb ~/PacketTracer8.0.1cd ~/PacketTracer8.0.1ar -xv CiscoPacketTracer_801_Ubuntu_64bit.debmkdir controlmkdir datatar -C control -Jxf control.tar.xztar -C data -Jxf data.tar.xzcd datasudo cp -r usr /#ENTER YOUR PASSWORDsudo cp -r opt /Step 5: Run the following commands FROM THE TERMINAL, COPY AND PASTE:sudo xdg-desktop-menu install /usr/share/applications/cisco-pt.desktopsudo xdg-desktop-menu install /usr/share/applications/cisco-ptsa.desktopsudo update-mime-database /usr/share/mimesudo gtk-update-icon-cache --force --ignore-theme-index /usr/share/icons/gnomesudo xdg-mime default cisco-ptsa.desktop x-scheme-handler/pttpsudo ln -sf /opt/pt/PacketTracer /usr/local/bin/PacketTracerStep 6:- Reboot- Applications > Others > Launch Packet Tracer
Use this link and if you haven't already sign up for the free course on how to use packet tracer and download your free version of packet tracer to work with. This is through Cisco Net Academy https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer.
Packet tracer is the primary tool being used to instruct for the CCNA 200-301 or NetAcad v7. Your school is using what the top trainers are currently using. The tool is not super robust but gives you what you need to develop this competency for free.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
Create a Cisco account and get this going. It will 100% help you towards Net+ and CCNA level certs.
If you want something more in depth, Cisco CML is $200 and worth the expense.
The COM port should appear even if the switch isn't connected. The USB device should emulate the COM port. I think you've answered your own question in that the driver is missing and you need to install it.
Once the driver is installed and the COM port visible in Device Manager you can configure a connection in PuTTY.
Edit: Incidently, Packet Tracer is now available to everyone, not just people registered on offical Cisco courses. You can simulate whole networks rather than just playing with individual physical devices.
Take a look at Cisco Packet Tracer. You get it for free by taking a short intro course (also free). I just learned of this tool and will be using it to do just what you have described.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
There are many videos on YouTube that teach networking using this tool as well.
If you get bored, check out Cisco's Packet Tracer - it's a great resource to simulate the flow of network traffic. Might give you some insight into the process the devices go through, and if you've any intention of pursuing a Cisco cert it's the program to know.
Probaj ovaj ofcilnog kursa iz Ciscoa preko interneta
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
​
Enroll (it's free) and start looking at doing labs for real world exercises.
That's a good one, I know Cisco also has a free online lab for any networking-related skillsets: https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
And here's another for pentesting: https://www.offensive-security.com/labs/individual/
To be honest, I always learn best while working hands on myself. You should take a look at Cisco's Packet Tracer program. You can do almost anything in this program that you would do on a switch, router or some other common devices.
Hey Italian guy!
For practice labs, most people here use a software called ‘Packet Tracer’ to get hands on practice configuring routers and switches. You can create a free account with Cisco and download the software. link
If you want some guided Packet Tracer labs to do with instructions and help, you can purchase Neil Anderson’s or David Bombal’s courses on Udemy.com. They provide a lot of labs which you can practice with and also go over a lot of material for the exam.
In terms of practice exams, there’s no ‘right’ way to prepare, but most people on this sub really recommend the Boson exams. There are also some people on this sub who passed using only the OCG’s free practice exams. I took both the Boson exams and the OCG’s free practice exams just to get more practice.
It let's you visually build a network first by dropping icons on a diagram and then configuring everything as if every cisco devices was real, and connected as you laid out via the CLI. It's great.
Login into your NetAcad account and download the *.deb file of Packettracer
Thats the package you need for Debian/Ubuntu systems
I have seen alot of good reviews udemy. You can get a class for $11-$20. One big thing is to get your hands dirty and actually work with equipment. Now if you would like to learn virtual with virtual equipment I would highly recommend packet tracers.
Okay i just signed up for this Cisco packet tracer: https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
Is this what you would recommend?
> without having to pay Cisco for their packet tracers.
Packet tracer is free from Cisco.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
Make an account, enroll in the free course and it'll give you a download link.
>retail living paycheck to paycheck and was actually able to do something I enjoyed then I guarantee I would be happier.
Then make it happen dude. I know how it feels to be in your position but if you have a few hours to spend on reddit or watch Twitch you can use that time to develop some IT skills which can land you a more comfortable life style. I have recently started up on this CISCO program to study concepts im gonna need for my CCNA exam. https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer I believe in you buddy :) oh its also 100% FREE.
I taught the CompTIA certs, Novell, Cisco Academy , VMWare and Microsoft academies for 20 years. Here is my advice.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals just for giggles then A+, Net+, Security+ and Linux+. TestOut isn't too bad for these or get on Udemy and grab some Dion Training or Mike Meyers when on sale for like $12.00 and check out professor messer or maybe someone here knows of better free resources. If you can find a Cisco academy in your school district see if you can audit or somehow get into that.
Some people will tell you that getting Cisco certs only teaches you Cisco equipment. Not True. The academies and at least the CCNA (do the NEW one) do a great job of teaching HOW networks work using Cisco equipment. Get thier Packet Tracer https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer or Boson or the one I have used for years and LOVE is GNS3. Join groups, forums and if you are in Utah PM me.
Doesn't look like there's anything active on Meetup.com right now, but I've seen them in the past. You could also check out /r/ccna if you haven't already, but the sub is mostly people just posting about passing the exam.
How are you scoring on practice tests? Have you already become comfortable with Packet Tracer and worked through some labs? CCNA R&S is pretty straightforward; are there certain areas you feel weak in?
Cisco decided to make Packet Tracer 100% free a few years back. Just go to https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer and click "Enroll to Download Packet Tracer". No need to pirate anymore.
https://www.draw.io/ can do something like that.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer is a tool from Cisco that is network virtualization where you can add equipment and plug-in cables and whatnot.
I would advise you go to Cisco Networking Academy website and signup for the free class in the link below. The class is free. Supplement that with youtube videos and you will be on the top.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
I didn't mention Packet tracing. I mentioned Packet Tracer
As I said, I recommend picking up some of the curriculum books as I think you have a very different expectation than what is actually being taught. Adjust your expectations accordingly.
The CCNA changes in Feb 2020 so it's possible to get ICND1 and ICND2 before then but if you're new to Networking it may take longer. As for inexpensive Udemy will be your best bet. You can get Chris Bryant's course right now for $12.99 right now. Packet Tracer is free to use and should be enough to get you started. I'll PM you some other an article you may find useful. Hopefully, this was the answer you were looking for.
This wasn't very clear at all on their site. I used to have an account through my College, but it's been a couple years since I graduated and the college deactivated my account. I thought I could sign up for a free Netacad account now by enrolling in the free packet tracer course.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
If you download packet tracer to your PC you can click on his labs and they will open up in packet tracer.
​
Or working on networks in general...as this would be your main job. What interested you in networking in the first place and what are you trying to get out of it? You gotta do what you love in life.
If you just wrote a frustrated post about not having the proper setup, therefore you don’t like labbing because it’s hard for you to do or understand how to setup, I would recommend downloading Cisco’s Packet Tracer which is now free to the public, you just gotta register with your email and you’re all set. Also, reading can take a lot of you sometimes.
I recommend signing up for a free trial of CBTNuggets(just don’t forget to cancel in time...it’s pricey) and watching the ICND-1 course and ICND2 course by Jeremy Cioara and following along using packet tracer. Jeremy sparks a new life into networking and makes you feel truly excited about what you’re learning and working on.
Take the free online course and you get a copy of packet tracer. There are quite a few videos on YouTube about using Packet Tracer to configure wireless networks.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
You can buy CCNA kits on eBay on the cheap (few hundred bucks for a bunch of older hardware to play on). Or if you're on a budget download Packet Tracer. I really need to get myself motivated to do more networking stuff and learn myself, just been busy learning a lot of other stuff currently. Some day, when I'm sort of caught up on the rest of it.
> I'm not looking to emulate/simulate the products, just trouble shooting via the cmd box.
I'm not sure what you mean by this, so I'm going to ignore it and just say Packet Tracer is free and should be all you need to lab CCENT/CCNA.
SmartScreen is a part of Windows that inspects downloaded programs to try to stop you from installing malware. Look up the specific SmartScreen errors and try to figure out how to bypass or get around them, since it sounds like it's having trouble contacting Microsoft's servers from your PC right now.
Note: Packet Tracer is free, so if you're downloading it from Cisco's Netacad website, you can trust that it is malware free and do whatever you need to do to bypass those SmartScreen messages. If you are trying to download it from a third-party, STOP, don't do that, it may actually contain malware. In the past, Packet Tracer was not free, so it was (and still is) commonly available through piracy channels, where it may be bundled with malware.
Reading the book for sure. I took my Sec+ back in 2014 and Professor Messer was like my main source for studying. There are many good resources like Quizlet! Making your own flashcards is something I really had a positive experience with. I'd also look for practice labs using Packet Tracer. It may be confusing starting out, but after a few labs you'll be flying through it no problem!
Are you getting out of the Military soon? or are you already out? (Assuming because of the clearance) I have a clearance as well as Sec+ and more, and I can tell you that (as far as working for the DoD/Gov) you are higher on the echelon list for a callback. If you have any questions PM me!
*Super Sidebar*
Since you're starting out maybe look into Packet Tracer/Network Academy?
Thats helped me a lot https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
Am currently learning Packet Tracer for college myself.. Cisco have a great online course to teach you the basics of Packet Tracer. So far I’m thoroughly impressed with the software!
It is, but locked behind CISCO accounts now, just need to sign up - https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
Finding a way to get Packet Tracer from Cisco netacad would be a much cheaper and faster way to learn in my opinion. Setup/tear down of simulations is substantially faster for learning raw routing and switching.
https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer/introduction-packet-tracer
Packet Tracer is the way to go if you are looking to learn. This will allow you to create much larger environments and learn about more complex ideas.