What would be a good software to simulate a network topology? (Software Example)

 

 

 

 This post will have the aim of test and evaluate software that makes creating and testing networks before they come to life. Before we start talking about the software itself lets understand what will be expected of the software that we will be testing. The software will be evaluated in such a manner:

 

• How easy is to get it?

Is this software easy to get? Does the user have to pay to have access to it?

• How user friendly it is?

Is the program self-explanatory? Are the tools well labelled? Does the software explain where is the mistake if there is any? Does it allow the use freely use the tools or it limits the user? 

• Is it a complete software? 

Where can you get the software? Does it need a licence? Does the user have to pay for extra tools? Does the software need extra software in order to work?

 

Now that we have the guidelines that we will be using to evaluate the software lets have a look in a few of the options that we have in the market at the moment.

 

• Packet Tracer

Created by Cisco System this software have the function of the simulate network in cross platforms. Cisco Packet Tracer has been considered one of the best software out there to do network simulation. Cisco uses its software in its training courses and has proven to be very effective.

 

 

• Boson Netsim

It was created to simulate Cisco systems Boson Netsim is widely used among people that want to learn cisco system and how to manage it. Boson has created that system to teach people how to pass one of the Cisco technical courses. Boson charge for the services; therefore, the software is not free.    

 

Source: Boson Software

 

• GNS3 

it started as another software to emulate Cisco system however this software has come far and is not only focused in the Cisco anymore as they have support to other system such Brocade vRouters, Cumulus Linux switches, Docker instances, HPE VSRs, multiple Linux appliances and many others.  

 

Those are the leading software out there at the moment. As I have experienced and wrote about the Cisco Packet Tracer and  Boson Netsim is a paid software, I have decided to experience and analyse the GNS3. Therefore the fowling post will be me taking the software for a run and answering a few of the guidelines that we have mentioned before.