Cisco's free network simulator for CCNA and computer-networks labs. By Cisco Systems, Inc. (Networking Academy)
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
By the ToolsBharat teamLink checked 30 Oct 2026How we check
Quick answer
Cisco Packet Tracer is free software for Windows, macOS and Linux from Cisco Systems, Inc. (Networking Academy). Cisco's free network simulator for CCNA and computer-networks labs. Download it only from netacad.com. The latest version we track is Latest on the NetAcad Resource Hub (sign-in required). ToolsBharat links straight to the publisher's own download page, with no bundled offers.
- Latest version:
- Latest on the NetAcad Resource Hub (sign-in required)
- Publisher:
- Cisco Systems, Inc. (Networking Academy)
- Official site:
- netacad.com
- Licence:
- Free — Proprietary — free with a Cisco Networking Academy account
- Requirements:
- Windows, macOS, Linux (Ubuntu .deb)
Our verdict
Packet Tracer is the network simulator used in CCNA courses and in most B.Tech/BCA computer-networks labs: you build networks of routers, switches and PCs, configure them with the Cisco IOS command line and watch packets move. It is free, but the official download is in the Networking Academy Resource Hub and you sign in with a NetAcad account — also when you first open the app. There is no mobile version.
Key features
- Simulated Cisco routers, switches, PCs and IoT devices
- IOS command-line configuration
- Simulation mode to step through packets
- Multi-user activities
Pros
- Pro: Free and official
- Pro: Matches CCNA and university lab exercises
- Pro: Windows, macOS and Ubuntu builds
Cons
- Con: Requires a NetAcad login to download and use
- Con: Not available for phones or tablets
- Con: Simulated devices do not support every real IOS feature
What's new in Latest on the NetAcad Resource Hub (sign-in required)
See what changed in Latest on the NetAcad Resource Hub (sign-in required) in the official release notes
Version history
Version Latest on the NetAcad Resource Hub (sign-in required)Latest
date not stated- SHA-256
- The developer does not publish one
- Source
- Release notes
Official downloads by platform
For Windows, use the Download button. Other platforms go straight to the publisher's own page or official store.
Requirements
- OS
- Windows, macOS, Linux (Ubuntu .deb)
- Architecture
- 64-bit
Licence
- Type
- Free
- Licence
- Proprietary — free with a Cisco Networking Academy account
- Publisher
- netacad.com
Where these facts come from
Checked 30 Oct 2026
FAQ
How do I download Packet Tracer for free?
Create a free Cisco Networking Academy account, sign in, open the Resource Hub (netacad.com/resources/lab-downloads) and pick the installer for your OS. Cisco's instructions also ask you to log in with that account the first time Packet Tracer starts.
Is there Packet Tracer for Android?
No. Cisco states Packet Tracer is not available for smartphones or tablets.
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Alternatives
Cisco Packet Tracer
Latest on the NetAcad Resource Hub (sign-in required) · Not stated