What's New


Users of previous versions of Packet Tracer will note a variety of new features in this version of Packet Tracer.

Protocol Improvements

Packet Tracer now models protocols not included in earlier versions. Security-related protocols and technologies include IPSec, GRE, ISAKMP, NTP, AAA, RADIUS, SNMP, SSH, SYSLOG, CBAC, Zone-based policy firewall, and improved wireless security. CCNA-related protocols and technologies include improved models of HTTP, DNS, DHCP, TCP, and IP. Extensive QoS modeling and visualization is also included.

Extendable Architecture

Packet Tracer is designed in a modular fashion for future expansion and the Packet Tracer team is interested in learning what new features would be most useful to the community. For example, with the Inter-Process Communication (IPC) feature, it enables external applications (ExApps) to be added to Packet Tracer to extend its functionality. As a result, the IPC has been improved, and further expands the capabilities that Packet Tracer can provide without having to wait for the actual Packet Tracer core program to be enhanced. Several examples of external applications with source code are available.

GUI Improvements

Packet Tracer retains the logical topology as the primary workspace but adds additional physical representations of devices, Realtime and Simulation modes, and a wider variety of views and windows. The GUI supports multiple languages so the application and activities may be locally translated. Other new features included in Packet Tracer are the following: optimized Multiuser, improved Physical Workspace (structured cabling), and improved accessibility.

Representation and Visualization Tools

An Event List, a form of global network sniffer, is included in Packet Tracer. This allows the display of the majority of simulated PDUs as events. For detailed protocol analysis, these events may be played in a continuous animation mode, forward, backward or in a stepped through process. Powerful OSI Layer view and PDU view, and more sophisticated custom PDUs, are also supported. Patterns of custom PDUs may now be created via a traffic generator feature. Since many new security protocols, CCNA-level protocol improvements, and QoS features have been modeled, they may now be displayed and visualized as well.

Annotation and Authoring Capabilities

This version of Packet Tracer improves substantially upon the Activity Wizard of prior versions, with novice, intermediate, and advanced profiles to allow a wide range of scaffolding, feedback, and assessment to be authored. When authoring activities we recommend the author consider templates, or "design patterns," for four different types of problem-solving activities: concept builders (network modeling problems), skill builders (pre-lab and post-lab implementation and practice activities), design problems, and troubleshooting problems.