Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I just installed this software, and so far - it's just what I was expecting. I have the unique position of having tried both Boson's NetSim and RouterSim's Network Visualizer simulation software packages, and although both are excellent products (and getting better) I find Wendell Odom's product to be more intuitive and easier to just jump right in. In my opinion, the design process that goes into designing any network simulation software, is similar to designing a game. Some games require you to learn the controls, before you can really get started, while others are so well thought out that you can well, just jump right in.
However, if anyone has any plans to progress beyond the CCNA (eg. CCNP, etc.), I would recommend taking a look at the other two simulators. When I first purchased RouterSim's Network Visualizer, it was still a buggy product and prone to crashes. Even so, it was the only worthwhile game in town, at the time (2004). I never got the opportunity to finish the labs, as I was called to active duty and served over seas for almost two years. RouterSim's Network Visualizer has a particularly strict software license. You only get one, and in order to install it on another machine, you have to send your activation key back to the company (online, via the software itself). Once the license is back with the company, you can then install the software again on another computer, and then activate the product by downloading activation key from them once again. Ever served in the military? Well when you get those orders, you go. There is not a lot of time. You may have a few days to settle any pending business, like saying goodbye to your family and friends, making sure your will is in order, arrange for your bills to be paid, and so on. So transferring a software license wasn't on the top of my list. My software was originally installed on a desktop and I was not about to lug that (and the monitor) with me in my ruck. By the time I came back, the CCNA exam had changed so much that my simulator was, yes - outdated. I tried explaining my situation to the nice folks at RouterSim, but I was informed nicely that I can just purchase the upgrade. Remembering my experiences with the software crashes, I declined and signed up to take a CCNA cram class instead. Big mistake.
For a newbie, cram courses don't work. Eight days (8 hours a day) of instruction will not teach you the operations of a network and how Routers and Switches come into play so much so that you can pass the CCNA. Much less, get you so familiar with the input commands that you can use on the job. In my class, I had an Egyptian instructor who may be very knowledgeable, but help me if I can understand a darn thing that he was saying. I just couldn't get pass the accent. The school did however, introduced me to Boson's NetSim, a far superior product than my older version of RouterSim's Network Visualizer. Oh yes, if you decide on taking a class, make sure that they give you access to ACTUAL Cisco equipment! They didn't technically lie to me however, the school did have Cisco equipment, but that was a very brief show and tell. We primarily were working with the NetSim software. There are several versions now - CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, etc. They also sell videos and mp3's, besides the simulation software. Cisco seems to be endorsing them, you can find links to Boson from the Cisco website. To briefly describe the product, you basically have a network simulation software package along with a couple of pdf lab manuals (they are compressed and will appear once you've installed the software). I would print out the manuals and follow through the lessons, chapter by chapter.
So why do I prefer Wendell Odom's Network Simulator over the others? One, you get 4 licenses. Yes, you can install your product on FOUR separate computers. Two, the price. Wendell Odom's Network Simulator is under $100 (Amazon price, retail is $149). RouterSim's CCNA Network Visualizer is $229.00. And Boson's NetSim for CCNA is $249. And third, the pdf step-by-step lessons on Wendell Odom's Network Simulator pops up as you activate the corresponding lesson simulation. Something that I can really appreciate, as I will be traveling a lot on my new job, and don't want to carry a hard copy lesson book with me, nor scroll through the pages to the lesson I want. Dual monitors would serve you well here. It really is just simpler to use. You are presented with a lesson menu on the right side. A diagram of your network is on the top left, and the command line section (where you type) is below that. Click on the computer icon on your virtual network, and on the command line section you're looking at the CLI interpretation of what you would see if you were logged on to that computer. The same goes for the switches and the routers. Neat.
Do bear in mind however, that network simulators are just that, they only simulate the network and is not the real thing. They are by no means a perfect substitution for actual equipment. The lessons on either of the packages mentioned, must be executed on the respective software packages themselves, in the specific manner that is described, or they may not work. This new test (640-802) has challenged even Network Engineers currently in the workforce. I know a couple of techs, currently going through the recertification process, and even they are intimidated. One of the reasons is increased focus on Switching, a previously intermediate (CCNP) level subject. And there is the current approval of Subnet Zeros for the CCNA, that's gotta throw some people off. It did for me, I was taught something else.
If you are going for your certification for the first time - I recommend signing up for a Cisco Network Academy class. It may take up to a year to graduate, but you will not be wasting your time. Another option, is to get your own equipment. But, if none of these are options for you - Wendell Odom's Network Simulator is by far the cheapest solution on the market. Whatever option you finally choose, designing networks and supporting network equipment is not a book learning exercise. You shouldn't read your books from cover to cover, and then do the exercises - let the exercises be your guide. Just remember, it is critical that you get some hands-on experience (simulators, or the real deal).
Unfortunately, I had to buy this product from an Amazon.com competitor. It was on my Shopping Cart, but when I went to pay for it, Amazon took it off, "for review". I waited a day or so, and it was still under "review", so I had no choice but to go elsewhere. I had to pay a little more, but I was already waiting a month or so for this simulator to come on the market and had put my studies on hold until it does, therefore, I just couldn't wait anymore. Sorry, Amazon.com.
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The most effective router and switch simulator for hands-on CCNA® skills enhancementThis software only product covers all CCNA topics 250 labs 8 different lab topologies 3000+ hands-on tasks Three Unique types of labs CCNA 640-802 Network Simulator helps you develop and improve hands-on configuration and troubleshooting skills without the investment in expensive lab hardware. This state-of-the-art, interactive simulation software allows you to practice your networking skills with more than 250 structured labs designed to help you learn by doing, the most effective method of learning. Experience realistic network device response as you work through each of the labs (available in electronic form on the CD), which include detailed instructions, topology diagrams, hints, and full answers. Unlike other simulators on the market, the lab scenarios included in the CCNA 640-802 Network Simulator are far more complex, challenging you to learn how to perform realistic network configuration and troubleshooting tasks.This unique network simulation software helps you master the hands-on skills needed to succeed on the CCNA® exam. Topics covered include:Router and switch navigation and administration LAN switching IP addressing Routing WANs VLANs and trunking IP routing protocols Scaling IP TroubleshootingSystem Requirements:500 MHz or higher processor 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended) 500 MB hard drive space 32-bit true color monitor (1024x768 resolution) Microsoft Windows XP Professional with SP3, Microsoft Vista, or Mac OS X Version 10.4.11 or higher Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 1.5.0 Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.0 Connection to the Internet during installation for access code validationAlthough this product was published before these operating systems were released, this product has been tested and successfully installed on Windows 7 platforms as well as Mac OS X Snow Leopard (version 10.6). If you experience any trouble installing the software on these platforms, please contact Pearson Customer Technical Support at: http://www.informit.com/about/contact_us/. Category: Cisco® CertificationCovers: CCNA exam 640-802
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