Hands-on experience with Cisco routers and switches is essential for mastering networking and preparing for certifications like CCENT, CCNA, or ICND2. However, acquiring physical hardware can be expensive and impractical for many learners. The Cisco CCNA Network Simulator (NetSim) from AnandSoft offers a virtual lab environment where you can build, configure, and troubleshoot network topologies without needing actual devices.
This simulator bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing you to gain real skills in a safe and controlled setting.
NetSim comes with a rich set of pre-designed lab exercises aligned to certification objectives. These labs guide you through incremental tasks and full network setups, helping you apply theoretical knowledge to real scenarios. It’s a structured way to practice common tasks and understand configuration workflows.
The simulator emulates Cisco routers (models like 2501, 2503, 26xx series) and switches (e.g. 1900, 2950). Because it mirrors real hardware, you can practice configurations, verify commands, and troubleshoot as you would on actual devices.
One of NetSim’s strengths is its support for over 200 IOS commands. You can use full commands, abbreviated (short form) commands, and tab completion—just as in real router/switch environments. This ensures that your command-line skills developed in simulation are directly transferable.
NetSim includes a graphical topology builder (Network Designer). You can drag routers, switches, hosts, and cables to create your network visually before configuring them via CLI. This visual layout makes it easier to plan topologies, test designs, and experiment.
Special labs are preconfigured for popular device types like 1900 and 2950 switches, and 25xx/26xx routers. These labs help you learn specific device behavior and features, making your practice more relevant.
When unsure about a command or a concept, NetSim provides built-in help files that explain commands, protocols, and lab objectives. This in-simulator help allows you to learn and correct mistakes without leaving the tool.
You’re not forced to type long commands. NetSim lets you use short forms (e.g., sh ip int br) as you would in real Cisco environments, making your workflow faster and more natural.