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SPECIFICTION
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NetSim

netsim.boson.com

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Spec score 7.8 #15 of 31 in Network Simulation Software

What it is

NetSim is a browser-based simulator of Cisco networking hardware and software for certification training. Its preconfigured labs provide the materials needed to complete each objective. Learners can compare their configurations with expected configurations to identify mistakes and get instant feedback, while lab progress and history sync between devices. Labs run in a web browser on modern internet-capable devices without installation; supported systems include Linux, macOS, and Windows. Network Designer lets users create custom labs with complex topologies, devices, connections, annotations, imported icons, and saved device configurations. It is included with the listed certification-specific plans. NetSim also includes the IOS images needed for its labs, without requiring additional licensing of those materials. Listed lab packs cost $29 a year and include 10 or 16 guided labs. Certification plans cost $179 a year and list between 70 and 101 guided labs. Online licenses last one year from purchase and can be used without usage limits during that period.

Spec sheet

Purpose
NetSim simulates Cisco networking hardware and software for certification training.Read 9 Oct 2026 · boson.com
Support
Boson lists customer support by email at [email protected], by phone at 877-333-3926, and through a support ticket.Read 9 Oct 2026 · boson.com
Founded
1999Read 28 Sep 2026 · netsim.boson.com
Browser access
Users work through labs in a web browser on modern internet-capable devices, with no installation required.Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
Demo
Boson provides a NetSim demo link from its product page.Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
Grading
Users can compare configurations with expected configurations to track mistakes and receive instant feedback.Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
Included materials
NetSim includes IOS images needed to work through its labs without licensing additional materials.Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
Intended audience
Boson describes NetSim as a certification training product and its materials as serving individuals, businesses, academic institutions, and government entities.Read 9 Oct 2026 · boson.com
Lab progress
NetSim syncs lab progress and history between devices.Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
Labs
NetSim includes preconfigured labs with what users need to complete the lab objectives.Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
License period
The NetSim Online page states that a license lasts one year from the purchase date and can be used without usage limits during that period.Read 9 Oct 2026 · netsim.boson.com
Network Designer
The Network Designer lets users build custom labs with complex topologies, devices, connections, annotations, imported icons, and saved device configurations.Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
Supported systems
NetSim can be used on modern web browsers and devices including Macs, Linux, and Windows.Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com

Plans and prices

NetSim Lab Pack: IPv4 Subnetting $29 a year $29.00 / year 10 Guided Labs Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
NetSim Lab Pack: Troubleshooting $29 a year $29.00 / year 16 Guided Labs Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
NetSim Lab Pack: VLSM $29 a year $29.00 / year 10 Guided Labs Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
NetSim for Cisco 200-301 CCNA $179 a year $179.00 / year 101 Guided Labs · Network Designer Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
NetSim for Cisco 300-410 ENARSI $179 a year $179.00 / year 70 Guided Labs · Network Designer Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com
NetSim for Cisco 350-401 ENCOR $179 a year $179.00 / year 77 Guided Labs · Network Designer Read 9 Oct 2026 · wp.boson.com

Every NetSim plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Preconfigured labs include needed materials
  • Configuration comparison gives instant feedback
  • Lab progress and history sync between devices
  • Network Designer supports custom lab creation
  • IOS images for labs are included

Limits

  • Online license lasts one year
  • Certification plans cost $179 a year
  • No free plan

Who it suits

NetSim is for people and organizations using guided labs to prepare for Cisco certifications, including individuals, businesses, academic institutions, and government entities. Its browser access can support practice across modern devices.

Verdict

NetSim offers guided certification labs alongside a custom lab designer in listed certification plans. The online license period and per-year plan prices are specified, and browser access avoids installation.

Where Specifiction places it

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