I have a subject with questionable interests called network simulations. We use tools to create networks and simulate their real-world work. If you have been interested in network simulator tools, you may have encountered Cisco Packet Tracer. And if you want to download Cisco packet Tracer, read below.
The Netacad website now offers access to the newly launched Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2.1 for download during the summer of 2022. This bugfix release for Packet Tracer 8.2 addresses several issues with accessibility, usability, and security.
See Also: Download Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client 4.5 | Direct Links
Table of Contents
What Is Cisco Latest Version Of Packet Tracer?
The Cisco packet tracer is much like my simple NCTUns simulator; it’s more efficient and reliable. Unlike the NCTUns, the network tracer relies not solely on computer hardware, so simulated output rarely varies from system to system.
So if you are into professional network simulation, read this article and find out how to download the Cisco packet tracer for free (direct download links are also included).
Cisco also offers the facility to download Cisco AnyConnect with an offline installer. The version of the software we are discussing here is Cisco’s latest version of packet tracer. So, let’s get straight to it!
Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2 System Requirements
OS: Windows XP and above
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 dual-core and above, 3+ GHz recommended.
Memory: 500 MB RAM and above
Storage: 1+ GB of HDD/SSD capacity is recommended
Cisco Packet Tracer 8.2 Direct Download Links
Here is a direct download of the Cisco Packet Tracer for both Windows & Linux platforms.
Download: 7.1 for Windows 32-bit
Cisco Packet Tracer 7.1 for Windows 64-bit
Now, if you are still wondering why you should get this excellent and free network simulator, here are some features of the Cisco packet tracer:
Cisco Packet Tracer Features
Many new devices have been added to the more recent version of the Cisco Packet Tracer. Some major ones include a 2504 WLC, Generic WLC, Generic Light Weight Access Point, and Cisco Aironet 3702 lightweight wireless access point.
It supports new export formats such as .pkp for your projects, as well as support for more modern protocols like MQTT.
Not to mention the bug fixes and noticeable performance enhancements over its predecessors. Though this was more of a maintenance update for the series of versions 6.2, 6.3, and 7.0, not having to deal with several rashes while executing commands like ‘service password-encryption is excellent.
The user interface has been cleaned out. I have not been a long-time user of the previous versions, so I cannot tell much difference.
But I can stand proof that it is a clean and simple-to-use interface, even for those just starting. It might be the most comfortable tool to learn and get to know your way around within minutes of using it.
Below the traditional menu bar are the standard shortcuts like copy, paste, zoom in, zoom out, etc. All the devices you want to draw are in the bottom menu.
You use your mouse and click on the device you want to add, then click on the editor space wherever you want one of them placed. As I said, it’s much like the NCTUns tool but more predictable and reliable.
NCTUns
National Chiao Tung University – network simulators, also known as NCTUns, are strictly meant for experimental/prototype versions of application circuits and are not intended to represent the final simulated functionality of the same.
That is why it is typically used by students and beginners, myself included. On the other hand, this Tracer can be used for complex networks, which might involve a lot of troubleshooting and tweaking.
FAQs
Can I download Cisco Packet Tracer for Mac?
Mac does not support Cisco's earlier versions. But you can have Cisco Packet Tracer 8.1.1 in your macOS. First, create an account on the Netacad website. After that, log in to your account and go to Resources. And then click Download Packet Tracer. Once you scroll down, you'll see 'macOS Version 8.1.1, 64-bit download'; click on it. Open the downloaded file and confirm to install it on your macOS. After, accept the license agreement and then Install.
Can I download Cisco Packet Tracer for Windows for free?
Yes, you can download Packet Tracer for free and on Windows. You can read the methods above in this article.
How to update Packet Tracer?
You can log in to your Netacad account and then go to Resources and download the latest version for your computer.
What is the latest version of Cisco Packet Tracer?
The latest version of Packet Tracer is 8.1.1. You can download it from the Netacad website.
What is Cisco lab simulator?
With the simulator, you can simulate Cisco and non-Cisco networks with the use of authentic Cisco images.
Is there an older version of the Cisco Packet Tracer available to download?
Yes, Ciscos version 7.2.2 is still available to download because it is compatible with CCNA 6 and IoT course activities. But, you should use the latest version for more and better features.
Why is Cisco Tracer slow on my device?
For Cisco Tracer to run fast and smoothly on your device, you need to have the minimum storage requirements fulfilled. Check the memory or storage of your device. You can also try turning off the Sound and Animation option. It will increase the performance of your Tracer.
What are the system requirements for Cisco Packet Tracer 8.1?
For 64-bit: Windows 8.1, 10, 11, macOS 10.14 or newer. Also, 4GB RAM and 1.4 GB of free disk space. And amd64(x86-64) CPU For 32-bit: Windows 8.1, 10, 11. Also, 2GB free RAM and 1.4 GB free disk space. Best to have an x86 compatible CPU also.
Where is the 'Reset Activity' option in 8.1 or higher versions?
You can find the 'Reset Activity' option in the File Menu.
How to fix 'Sorry, we can't find a Netacad account associated with this Cisco account' issue?
This error occurs if you have opened your Netacad account but haven't enrolled in any course. You will be able to log in once you enroll in a course. Another possible cause for this error is that you have mismatched the login emails in Cisco and Netacad logins. You can get help from the support desk.
What is the use of the Cisco Packet Tracer?
It is a network simulation tool. Packet Tracer allows students to ask 'what if questions and experiment with different networks in the same place.
Conclusion
If you want to know the packet tracer’s full potential, check out the Net Academy website. They have courses and tutorials about the packet tracer to which you can enroll and get proper training with the pros.
Or you could go the convenient way and learn it on YouTube as I did! Anyway, here is their link if you want to check it out.
So what are you waiting for? Download the packet tracer from the above links for your system now.
