802
Cisco CCNA Network Simulator
Reviewer: Stephen Luhan, IT Specialist
Reviewer Certifications: A+, Network+, MCP
Rating: **** out of *****
The next best thing to having the real equipment! Cisco CCNA Network Simulator (CCNA Self-Study, 640-801), ISBN 1587201313, by Boson Software, Inc. can be compared to having your own lab in your home. Although the simulator is in its first version on the evaluated CD, it has several advantages over the nearest competitor. The update feature of the software allows the simulator to be constantly up to date. As of this date, the current version is 5.00.
Most of the IT work force either can not afford to have our own lab environment in their own home, or may not have access to hand-on experience needed to obtain competency working with Cisco equipment and/or preparing for certification exams. You can learn at your own pace and gain the necessary skills in working with Cisco equipment.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exams require that the certification candidate have hands-on experience. This software prepares the individual for the 640-801 CCNA exam, as well as, the 640-821 INTRO and 640-811 ICND exams respectively. The router simulator engine and network designer, mentioned later in this review, both support over 45 different Cisco device models, including the following switches: Cisco 800 Series Routers, Cisco 1000 Series Routers, Cisco 1600 Series Routers, Cisco 1700 Series Routers, Cisco 2500 Series Routers, Cisco 2600 Series Routers, Cisco 3600 Series Routers, Cisco 4500 Series Routers, Cisco 1900 Series Switches, Cisco 2950 Series Switches, Slot-Based devices with capability to change modules, and hosts with friendly CLI and Integrated help.
The installation of the software was extremely easy and very user friendly. From start to finish the total installation time took approximately 5 minutes. The system requirements to install and utilize the software are:
- IBM-PC 100% Compatible at 500 MHz or faster
- Windows 98 or ME with 64 MB RAM
- Windows 2000 or XP with 128 MB RAM
- CD-ROM disk drive 4x or faster
- 100 MB of free disk space
- TCP/IP installed
- Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5.0 or higher
- Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher
- Video card capable of 800 x 600 resolution with 8-bit (256) colors
- Internet access for immediate registration
Unfortunately, for total system compatibility, Apple Macintosh, Windows 95 and Windows NT workstation and server are not supported in the evaluated version.
The features of the software include over 100 CCNA labs, 37 Standalone labs, 20 sequential labs, 26 scenario labs, 5 intro labs, and 15 ICND labs. One of the greatest features is that the user can add your own custom labs. All labs can be graded, as well as, the instructional program tutorial video and user’s guide is included to guide you on how to utilize the labs and software. You can also, load and save the entire network, utilize snapshots with configs, load and save individual router and switch device configs, load real router and switch device configs, telnet to a device with any standard telnet program, telnet to a device using the simulated terminal server, add different device models for making custom network and utilize simultaneous devices in the same network.
The closest competitor only has approximately 80 labs and none of the advanced features that this product offers. I installed and utilized other software and have found this training simulation much better than any other product.
The Network Simulator also has a full-version of the Cisco Network Designer module built into the software to build a simple network, a complex network, or even model an existing network. Also, you can utilize the tool to create your own custom network. This is a very useful tool to use when you are familiar with the network topology and devices that interconnect with each other.
The list price of the software retails for: $149.95 USA, but you may be able to purchase it at a lower cost from different retailers. Boson Software, Inc. has been the leader in “certification solutions”. The alignment of Boson and Cisco was a stroke of genius! I am currently studying for my CCNA exam and have found this software one of the best on the market! The CCNA Network Simulator (CCNA Self-Study, 640-801), ISBN 1587201313, by Boson Software, Inc. is rated 4 out of 5 stars. If you are serious about getting certified and having hands-on experience this software and training simulation is a must buy!
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