I have recently investigated simulators, routers, and we found several on the Internet, with free screenings. After careful consideration, I have limited offerings in four factories. What follows is my opinion on anyone.

Dynamips :

Dynamips is free and runs on Linux, Mac OS X or Windows and is the hardware of the series to emulate Cisco routing platforms directly from the actual start of the Cisco IOS software image in the emulator. It allows users to complex network topologies design, the functionality of IOS on a desktop PC for free, without an actual physical device Cisco. Dynamips currently supports various networking opportunities, such as Ethernet, serial, ATM and POS interfaces for the> Cisco 1700, 2600, 3600, 3700, 7200 platforms and hardware routers from Juniper and Cisco PIX and ASA Security Even if it included switching platforms in the application, there is no configuration on the VLAN port, but simple. There is no VTP, STP, or ether-channel configuration, and of course no Layer 3 switching.

Once installed, you must have a corresponding Cisco IOS Routers and Security for the various platforms that you want to use. The switches do not need a IOS, because they lack the ability configuration. A frame relay switch is included and can be a number of Virtual Circuits and DLCIs configured. Dynamips does not support> ISDN.

This product is easy to install and use, as long as you have access to Cisco IOS devices, and even if it is contained no laboratories or tutorials the price is right. I recommend this book for anyone studying for the CCNA or CCNP routing part. The involvement of PIX, ASA, IDS and provide security features, additional capacity for safety in the laboratory. I would not recommend it to students for the CCIE because of the absence of the switch configuration.

Boson:

Boson NetSim simulator is available in three variants. The CCENT (99.00), CCNA (179.00) and CCNP (349.00). Each comes with additional features such as higher prices.

NetSim simulate 47 different Cisco devices. Cisco 800, 1000, 1600, 1700, 2500, 2600, 2811, 3600 Router, 1900, 2900, 3500 and 7960 Switches IP Phone. It also supports a means for networking as several Ethernet, Serial, ISDN and Frame Relay. As network traffic with technology simulates virtual package and the simulation of the SDM.

NetSim provides a configuration more than any other emulators switch on the market today, but still not with the hardware such as switches ASIC design to use for a change and the software was not able to emulate them completely.

NetSim includes an extensive collection of CCNA and CCNP labs, tutorials and supports up to 233 IOS commands, depending on the version of the software that you buy. Although it contains no provision for Security Labs, it has only a limited capacity VOIP.

NetSim is easy to install and requires no additional software or IOS use. Although expensive, I recommend it to anyone studying for the CCNA or CCNP.

SemSim, examinations and other Cert:

SemSim, Cert exams and a number of other emulators are available usually cost 30-40 dollars, and most do contain laboratories and tutorials, and practical exams certain cases. That said I do not think they have the functionality and usability. I would like to choose the product Dynamips on these products. It is not about the laboratories, but the price is right.

product will offer additional hands on training, but should not do the exercise for the media only. You should always buy top quality books such as the Cisco Press and practical exams to complete your training materials. > Remember, if the test you are not prompted to set up a laboratory, at least not until you are ready for the CCIE pass.


Cisco 2811