Packet Tracer 5 Limitations

[Fuzz]

I thought I'd build a list of what PT5 has trouble with, in regards to the Cisco exams. Hopefully it will build into a completed list of topics that would need to be practised by some other means.

OSPF

No support for manual summarisation through area...range
Cannot change the default reference bandwidth
Cannot change default load balancing options
No support for specifically debugging OSPF packets and hellos

EIGRP

Cannot change default hold time
Using variance does not place matching FS routes into the routing table
No support for key chains

ACLs

Does not support sequence numbers

Switching

Does not support Etherchannel on access layer switches
Screws up STP port states quite often, leading to loops

[lammle]

PT is a great, free router simlulator.
Better then most purchased versions.
However, it is only for CCNA.
The OSPF commands that you are mentioning Fuzz are not CCNA objectives so that does not suprise me that they don't work.
We'll see what their new simulators bring this year...
Cheers!
Todd

[Fuzz]

There are other CCNA objective-oriented commands that aren't supported, regarding VLANs and such. I can't remember what they are though, hence the reason I thought I'd make a list here for others to see aswell.

To be honest, I'd prefer to use GNS3 for anything routing oriented, but have you tried to save a configuration with that thing? It's a fair size, whereas PT is only a few Kb, giving it much better portability.

Also I had no idea they weren't CCNA objectives. Apart from manual summarisation, they're all included in the CP ICND2 exam prep guide. Maybe I'm trying to learn too much at this stage? Oh well, better to be over-prepared I guess. I've booked the exam for next week, so we'll see :)

[alabedekenny]

PT is a great, free router simlulator.
Better then most purchased versions.
However, it is only for CCNA.
The OSPF commands that you are mentioning Fuzz are not CCNA objectives so that does not suprise me that they don't work.
We'll see what their new simulators bring this year...
Cheers!
Todd

I agree with Fuzz.
PT does not also support configuring a router as a RF switch. (refer to Todd's CCNA Study guide 6th ed, page 840)
But which router simulator can one use, especially for CCNP :confused:

Wishing you best of success Fuzz :cool:

[Fuzz]

GNS3 is great for routing, and will support anything on the BSCI, ISCW and ONT exams with the right IOS images.

[alabedekenny]

GNS3 is great for routing, and will support anything on the BSCI, ISCW and ONT exams with the right IOS images.

thanks Fuzz.
got that info and will work 2wards it.

but my problem is this: i've not got enough bucks yet to lay my hands on d neccessary equipments, though i av a list of them. i rather want to start practicing with GNS3 before buying some more equipments - may be a 2800 and 2 3560 (8-port).

so how do i get d right IOS image to buy for d GNS3?

[amitjp]

GNS3 is gud but u need to download ios images for it to work so better practice it with boson