Cisco Packet Tracer vs ns-3

Cisco Packet Tracer is a free desktop network simulation and visualization tool for practicing networking, IoT and cybersecurity without physical lab hardware. Simulation Mode lets learners follow data as it travels through a network and analyze traffic. Physical Mode provides practice arranging a device rack and cables. The tool supports adding IoT devices, integrating Python code and practicing network automation. Tutored activities may provide hints, although Cisco says they are available for select courses. Packet Tracer runs on Windows, Linux and macOS, but not on smartphones or tablets. Learners can enroll in Cisco’s free Getting Started with Cisco Packet Tracer course to download the latest version. Installation opens a Packet Tracer Login window and may direct users to a browser for NetAcad sign-in. Some advanced functions, including multi-user Packet Tracer, require network access. On Ubuntu, Cisco’s instructions use the command line with elevated privileges. The Free plan costs nothing and requires course enrollment to download the latest version.

ns-3 is a free, discrete-event network simulator for research and education. It supports simulations of IP and non-IP networks, including wireless work involving Wi-Fi and LTE, and provides a workflow from configuring a simulation through collecting and analyzing traces. A real-time scheduler supports simulation-in-the-loop use, including sending and receiving ns-3 packets on real network devices. Its Direct Code Execution framework can run C or C++ applications or the Linux kernel networking stack within ns-3.

The project is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use, with desktop deployment listed. It is free software under GNU GPLv2, priced at free. Releases arrive roughly two or three times each year, mainly as compressed source archives. Documentation includes tutorials, installation guidance, model library material, a reference manual, and Doxygen API documentation. NetAnim and Bake are listed as related tools. Support channels include mailing lists, Zulip chat, and the issue tracker; the project says volunteers maintain it without company backing.