The free Cisco Packet Tracer software helps you to practice your network configuration and troubleshooting skills using your desktop or laptop computer. It allows you to simulate networks without having access to physical equipment.

User Interface

Packet Tracer allows you to simulate real networks. It provides three main menus that you can use for the following:

• Add devices and connect them via cables or wireless
• Select, delete, inspect, label, and group components within your network
• Manage your network

The network management menu lets you do the following:

• Open an existing/sample network
• Save your current network
• Modify your user profile or your preferences

Creating a Simple Network

I added the following devices to the workspace:

• PC
• Laptop
• Cable Modem
• Wireless Router
• ISP Internet
• Cisco Server

Adding physical cabling between devices