Comparison of Virtual Network Simulators for CCST and CCNA Preparation

Comparison of Cert-Ex CCNA NetSim, GNS3, and Packet Tracer, three popular network simulation tools: 

1. Cert-Ex CCNA NetSim

• Purpose: Focused on CCNA exam preparation with pre-designed labs and exercises.
• Features:
  • Includes over 100 lab exercises aligned with CCNA objectives.
  • Simulates Cisco routers and switches with a user-friendly interface.
  • Built-in help and lab manuals for guided learning.
  • Suitable for beginners or those looking for structured, exam-oriented training.
• Strengths:
  • Simplifies learning by focusing on CCNA topics.
  • No requirement for external configurations or real IOS images.
• Limitations:
  • Less flexible for custom topologies compared to GNS3.
  • Focused on Cisco devices, limiting use beyond CCNA-level knowledge.
• Target Audience: CCNA aspirants and networking beginners.

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2. GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator 3)

• Purpose: Advanced network emulation for realistic lab environments.
• Features:
  • Integrates with real Cisco IOS images for highly accurate simulations.
  • Supports complex, multi-vendor network designs and virtual machine integration.
  • Includes both virtual and physical device connections.
• Strengths:
  • Highly flexible and customizable for enterprise-grade network scenarios.
  • Open-source and community-supported.
• Limitations:
  • Requires Cisco IOS images (license needed for legal use).
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners.
  • Demands significant computing resources.
• Target Audience: Advanced learners, network engineers, and professionals designing real-world networks.

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3. Packet Tracer

• Purpose: Cisco's official simulation tool for learning and certification.
• Features:
  • Simulates Cisco network devices and configurations.
  • Offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for creating network topologies.
  • Supports IoT and basic Python scripting.
• Strengths:
  • Lightweight and beginner-friendly.
  • Free for students and Cisco Networking Academy members.
  • Pre-built labs and scenarios tailored for Cisco certifications.
• Limitations:
  • Limited to Cisco technologies; lacks multi-vendor support.
  • Some advanced features available in real devices may not be supported.
• Target Audience: Students, entry-level learners, and Cisco certification candidates.

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Comparison Table

Feature	Cert-Ex CCNA NetSim	GNS3	Packet Tracer
Ease of Use	Beginner-friendly	Advanced (steep learning curve)	Beginner-friendly
Flexibility	Limited	Highly flexible	Moderate
Device Support	Cisco only (simulated)	Multi-vendor (requires IOS images)	Cisco only (emulated)
Resources Needed	Low	High	Low
Pre-Built Labs	Yes (focused on CCNA)	No	No
Best For	CCNA aspirants	Network professionals	Students and beginners

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Recommendation

• Cert-Ex CCNA NetSim: For focused CCNA exam preparation.
• GNS3: For advanced users and real-world enterprise network simulations.
• Packet Tracer: For beginners learning Cisco technologies or preparing for Cisco certifications.

How To Prepare For CCNA Exam At Home

Before we begin our main topic of discussion we will remember the changes taking place in the CCNA 200-125 routing and switching exam after 23 February 2020. If you have just started working for the current CCNA certification, go ahead. You have until February 23, 2020 to complete your current CCNA. The new CCNA 200-301 will go live on 24 February 2020 on-wards and new CCNA exam will give you the foundation you need to take your career in any direction. CCNA certification covers the topics, including:

• Network Fundamentals
• Network Access
• IP Connectivity
• IP Services
• Security Fundamentals
• Automation and Programmability

Let's get start the discussion on our topic, Preparing for CCNA certification through self-learning depends on how you are spending your time, effort and most importantly how much you practiced. If you are working in the networking domain or having experience and currently preparing for ccna is not that much difficult, if you are a fresher or beginner need to keep your career in networking then you have to put more concentration to get certified. As of my knowledge I'll share some tips for the preparation success.

Tips for making your ccna exam success:

Firstly, know the challenges you are going to face to get success in CCNA and try to overcome it. Once you started your preparation never give it up. Know and collect the materials for all ccna topics that help you in the preparation.

Create your own study plan: Without planning getting success is not possible every time so, create a study plan as per your convenience based on the exam date. Make sure to set the maximum time for the exam.

Find the best preparation methods that suit you: Use your past learning experiences to help you choose the method that will help you prepare better.

Prepare each topic: Prepare every small topic clearly and put a bit of interest in the topics which you felt difficult. revise the topics once the completion of the study.

Take the help of the CCNA Practice Tests: Writing practice exams before writing the actual test are the best way to test yourself, It helps you to know how much you are ready to take the real test. This is not only about having a good grasp on the subject but also knowing how structured the questions are and how real exam surroundings simulates.

Certexams is a well-known site that is offering ccna certification practice test and lab simulators. The practice tests will have more than 500 ccna routing and switching test questions with detailed answers. The CCNA test simulator is the best in its class, considering the following features of ccna exam simulator:

• Multiple Choice single/multiple answers
• Simlets
• Testlets
• Router Simulations

About Certexams: As I said earlier certexams is the famous website that offers network simulators, lab simulators and exam simulators for IT certifications like cisco, comptia, juniper, pmp, and others. Each product in certexams designed based on the new objectives of relevant exam, tested and verified by the experts in the field.

Disclaimer: CertExams.com is neither associated nor affiliated with Cisco® Systems, Inc. or any other company. CCNA™ is trademarks of Cisco® Systems and duly acknowledged. The cheatsheets and practice tests material is a copyright of CertExams.com and the same is not approved or endorsed by respective certifying bodies.

CCNA 200-125 has been replaced with CCNA 200-301, which will go live on February 2020

Cisco will release a new, consolidated CCNA exam on 24 February 2020. it means CCNA 200-125 certification exam series and objectives are going to change on the last week of February 2020. If you have started working towards CCNA Routing and Switching certification, keep going. You have until 23 February 2020, to complete your current CCNA.

• If you complete any current CCNA certification before February 24, you’ll receive the new CCNA certification and a training badge in the corresponding technology area.
• If you already earned your CCENT (Cisco® Certified Entry Network Technician)certification and would like to earn CCNA, you have until February 23 to complete your CCNA certification in the current program.  you will need to take the new exam to complete CCNA certification.
• As of February 24, you should have to take a single exam 200-301 to earn the new CCNA Certification. There are no prerequisites for the 200-301. Previously, Candidates has the two options either a single CCNA Routing and Switching (200-125) or CCENT(100-105) and CCNA-ICND2(200-105) to get certified in CCNA. The new exam scheduled to go live on 24 Feb 2020.

The New CCNA Cert will validate a broad range of knowledge and skills and the exam covers networking and security fundamentals, as well as automation and programmability. If you would like to earn any current Cisco® CCNA™, CCENT™ and ICND2 certifications you can just take the advantages of the examguides and Practice tests which is providing real exam questions with detailed answers in real exam surroundings. Check it out.

CCNA: http://www.certexams.com/cisco/ccna/exam-details.htm
CCENT: http://www.certexams.com/cisco/ccent/exam-details.htm
CCNA-ICND2: http://www.certexams.com/cisco/ccna-icnd2/exam-details.htm

How to prepare for CCNA so that you can pass first time.

Proper preparation for CCNA is important as the failure rate is high among candidates taking the exam for the first time. For absolute new comers to the networking technology, it is recommended to take CCENT+ICND2 instead of single exam (CCNA). For those desirous of taking the CCNA exam, one needs to follow a proper study and practice plan. Study plan typically consists of the following:

1. Acquire course books, like study guides. Cisco official CCNA study guide is a very good place to start. Give lot of importance to the fundamentals. It is impossible to clear CCNA exam if you don't get the fundamentals (conceptual understanding) right. One example of such fundamental area is subnetworking. You need to thoroughly understand IPv4 subnetworking and how it is implemented.

Recommended books:

• CCNA Routing and Switching Study Guide: Exam 100-101, 200-101, 200-120 by Todd Lammle

• Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND 200-120 by Wendell Odom

2. Get some good practice tests: This step comes after your initial preparation. Now, you are contemplating to take the exam during next couple of weeks. It is time for you to test your preparedness and fill any gaps in your learning. When buying any practice tests, remember that Cisco exams are NOT just multiple choice or exhibit based questions. The question types consist of Simlets (where you will be given a scenario, and given access to the network in a simulated environment. You may be required to run some relevant commands to know complete the question. For example, the question might ask you to find the problem with a small network consisting of a few routers and other networking devices . You may be required to run "show config" command on the routers to know if the IP/subnet addresses are configured properly.

Checkout the following practice tests:

• CCNA 200-120 Practice Tests

You need to retake the practice tests until you are comfortable with all the concepts and the labs presented in the practice tests

3. Recently, CCNA has become more skill oriented and requires that a candidate configure or troubleshoot a problem with a given network. Therefore, you need to have hands-on experience in networking using Cisco routers and switches.  If you have access to real world router network, it would be good. However, most people can't afford to have such hardware for preparation. In such event, the following resources are useful:

• CertExams CCNA Network Simulator with Designer

The software simulates a router/switch network with the ability to develope your own labs using GUI based network visualizer and designer. One has to go through all the labs, and develop one's own labs for thorough preparation.

Note that it requires at least 3 - 6 months for thorough preparation for CCNA exam. It is recommended that you don't use any brain dumps, as they are mostly outdated, and gives false sense of confidence.

If you follow all these steps, you have very good chance of success in clearing the exam in the first attempt.

Good luck!