1. Packet Tracer 5.0 Overview
July 14, 2008

2. Agenda Packet Tracer Overview PT 5.0 Key Features and What’s New
Expanded Platform Support
Enhanced Protocol Support
Multiuser Functionality
PT 5.0 Key Benefits
Summary

3. Packet Tracer Overview

4. What is Packet Tracer 5.0?
Comprehensive networking technology teaching and learning software with powerful simulation, visualization, authoring, assessment, and collaboration capabilities
Offers a unique combination of realistic simulation and visualization experiences, complex assessment and activity authoring capabilities, and opportunities for multiuser collaboration and competition
Packet Tracer 5.0 is far more than just another network simulation tool, it is primarily a teaching and learning software application.

5. Simulation, Visualization, Collaboration
simulate IOS commands
visualize network traffic
Innovative features of the PT 5.0 software will help students and teachers collaborate, solve problems, and learn concepts in an engaging and dynamic social environment. Some of the benefits of Packet Tracer 5.0 are as follows:
Provides a realistic simulation and visualization learning environment that supplements classroom equipment
Enables multiuser, real-time collaboration and competition for dynamic learning
collaborate on multiuser activities

6. Supports Homework and Pre-Lab Prep
These screenshots represent typical examples of how an instructor might use Packet Tracer support classroom activities.
Allows students and teachers to design, build, configure, and troubleshoot networks using virtual equipment
Supports a variety of teaching and learning tasks such as lectures, group and individual labs, homework, and competitions

7. Packet Tracer Activity Wizard
Anyone can author, the PT Activity Wizard guides you
The process is basically write instructions, build a correct answer network, specify grading, specify an initial network, save
Ability to create your own learning activities, tasks, labs, games and complex assessments
Build scaffolded learning experiences, formative and summative assessments
The Activity Wizard allows users to set up scenarios using text, basic network topologies, and predefined packets. Users can create customized network scenarios and add instructional text. The Activity Wizard also includes grading and feedback capabilities. Instructors can use the Activity Wizard to create an unlimited number of guided and exploratory learning experiences that provide immediate feedback to students. These activities can also be saved and shared with other instructors in the Networking Academy community.

8. Activity Wizard for Editing PT Activities
This examples shows how you can use the Activity Wizard to also edit existing activities, in this example the instructions were localized for a Spanish-speaking class.
Enables authoring and localization of structured learning activities such as labs, demonstrations, quizzes, exams, and games
Instructors can localize, edit or enhance existing activities using Activity Wizard

9. Packet Tracer: Key E-Learning Component
Learning theories stress early hands-on experiences
Key components of Networking Academy e-learning strategy include
In-person, hands-on labs with real equipment
Online curriculum and assessment
Packet Tracer
Instructor
Collaboration Tools
Learning cycles alternating both Packet Tracer activities and in-person, hands-on lab experiences with real equipment are a best practice for teaching CCNA-level networking to beginners
Packet Tracer is a supplement to hands-on lab equipment and is not a replacement for lab equipment. The Networking Academy program recommends the use of physical equipment for hands-on learning. This is a key differentiator relative to other programs. Packet Tracer simulations, which are embedded in the new curricula, are supplemental and designed to provide learning opportunities for environments that are not possible to re-create in the classroom.

10. Integrated into CCNA Curricula
Packet Tracer is a foundational teaching tool for CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration. Both curricula include embedded e-doing, which applies the principle that people learn best by interacting with computer-based activities. Interactive learning promotes the exploration of networking concepts and experimentation with tools such as Packet Tracer and Flash-based activities to help students develop a greater understanding of networking technologies. Packet Tracer activities are embedded in the course content.
Students launch PT directly from CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration to access activities that reinforce the curriculum

11. PT 5.0 Key Features

12. Packet Tracer Features
Logical and Physical Workspaces
Real-Time and Simulation Modes
User friendly CLI
Global event list (packet sniffer)
LAN, switching, TCP/IP, routing, and WAN protocols
Activity Wizard, Lab grading
Multiple platform support
Multiple language support
Integrated Help and Tutorials
Logical Workspace is the primary workspace for creating networks of any size and CCNA-level configuration.
Physical Workspace promotes an intuitive interaction with physical devices, with physical layout and distance representation including intercity, city, building, wiring closet, and device views.
Real-time Mode models real-time protocol updates and medium-fidelity Cisco IOS CLI configuration of switches and routers.
Simulation Mode allows for a detailed study of protocol interactions.
Global event list (packet sniffer): The packet sniffer in Packet Tracer allows students to see some of the same kinds of information that they would see with a commercial packet sniffing program, such as Ethereal. This functionality allows students to see just the amount of information that is appropriate for a CCNA level student without overwhelming them with the amount of information that would be seen in the commercial product.
Multiple languages are supported. Instructions are included for self-translation into other languages. To locate these instructions, go to the Help file and click on Translation Process in the navigation pane.
Physical interfaces model realistic equipment set up including adding and removing components.
Knowledge representations offer discovery learning by enabling "what if?" scenarios using the simulation-mode and visualization features that allow the student to “freeze time”.
Activity Wizard enables instructors to create automatically scored practice activities and enables instructors and students to easily create and share network templates. The Variable Manager enables the instructor to create multiple activities based on a single activity and the use of variables. These variables may be used in the activity instructions and initial values to create different correct answers each time.

13. Moving to PT 5.0 – What’s New
Simulation and visualization of commonly used CCNA-level protocols
Activity Wizard allows field authoring and localization of activities
Win 2K, XP platforms
Used in lectures, labs, homework, assessments
Free for all students and instructors
Existing features plus:
Additional Protocol Support (e.g., IPv6)
Additional Platform Support (Linux, Vista)
Multiuser Capability
Packet Tracer 5.0 supports activities authored in PT 4.0, 4.01, 4.1, and All activities included in the CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration curricula are also fully compatible with Packet Tracer 5.0.

14. New Features in Packet Tracer 5.0
Expanded platform support
Windows (Widows XP, Windows 2000)
Vista (Vista Basic, Vista Premium)
Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora)
Enhanced protocol support
Expanded list of protocols to reflect current networking trends and practices in industry and government
More support for teaching CCNA-level commands
Deeper modeling for existing protocols
Multiuser functionality
Enables social learning instead of students working alone
PT 5.0 is now a network-capable (peer to peer) application
Supports collaboration, competition, remote instructor-student interaction, social networking, gaming
Additional platform support: Packet Tracer 5.0 runs on an expanded list of platforms, including Windows (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Vista Home Basic, and Vista Home Premium) and Linux (Ubuntu and Fedora).
Additional protocol support: Packet Tracer 5.0 supports an expanded list of protocols to reflect current networking trends in government and industry, including IPv6, multi-area OSPF, route redistribution, RSTP, SSH, and multilayer switching. PT 5.0 also includes more protocol support for teaching CCNA-level concepts and deeper modeling of protocols.
Multiuser functionality: Packet Tracer 5.0 is a peer-to-peer, network-capable application that enables social learning. The multiuser functionality supports collaboration, competition, remote instructor-student interaction, social networking, and gaming.

15. Packet Tracer 5.0 Protocol Support
HTTP, TFTP, Telnet, SSH, DNS, DHCP
TCP and UDP
IPv4, ICMP, ARP, IPv6, ICMPv6
RIPv1/v2/ng, Multi-Area OSPF, EIGRP, Static Routing, Route Redistribution, Multilayer Switching
Ethernet (802.3), HDLC, Frame Relay, PPP
STP, RSTP, VTP, DTP, CDP, 802.1q, PAgP
802.11
Protocols listed in RED on this slide are new in PT 5.0
PT supports application protocols, transport protocols, routed and routing protocols, switching and data layer protocols, and wireless
*New in PT 5.0 15

16. Packet Tracer 5.0 Multiuser Functionality
PT 5.0 is now a network-capable (peer to peer) application, using the real network (TCP socket connections) to carry the Packet Tracer virtual packets
The PT application running on one computer can communicate with the PT application running on 1 or more other computers
This connectivity between multiple instances of PT supports teamwork, classroom games, collaboration, competition, remote instructor-student interaction, and social networking

17. Example Multiuser Scenarios
2 teams,
1 instructor
3 Packet Tracer instances interacting via Packet Tracer Messaging Protocol (PTMP)
3 different classes
Real TCP Socket Connection
PC 2
PC 1
Examples of multiuser functionality might be
An instructor watching 2 teams of students racing to see who completes an activity first
3 different CCNA classes in 3 different countries are playing a game
3 students are collaborating on a homework project from their homes
Real TCP Socket Connection
Real TCP Socket Connection
3 students from home
PC 3

18. Multiuser Games for Social Learning
These are examples of 2 multiuser games from the instructor’s view on his console
Instructor console view of multiuser “Relay Race” game
Instructor console view of multiuser “King of the Hill” game

19. PT 5.0 Key Benefits

20. Packet Tracer 5.0 Key Benefits
Makes teaching easier by providing a free, multiuser environment for instructors to easily teach complex technical concepts
Makes learning easier by providing a realistic simulation and visualization environment for exploration, experimentation and explanation
These are the high-level benefits of PT 5.0
Instructors and students can create their own virtual “network worlds” for teaching and learning networking concepts and technologies

21. Key Instructor Benefits
Ability to teach complex CCNA-level networking concepts
Demonstrate technologies and configurations
Author custom guided activities, labs and assessments with immediate feedback using the Activity Wizard
Use for lecture demonstration, individual and group labs, homework, assessments, games, network design, troubleshooting and modeling tasks, reinforcement of hands-on lab activities, case studies, competitions
Supplements classroom equipment and provides complementary learning opportunities that are not possible in the classroom alone
Visualization, animation and detailed modeling provide a teaching environment enabling exploration, experimentation and explanation in new visual ways
Supports self-paced learning outside the classroom
Supports social learning processes via multiuser collaboration and competition
Overall enhanced student satisfaction and success, adds additional value to attract more students to program
Use PT for:
Lecture demonstrations
Individual labs and group labs
Homework
Assessments and games
Network design, troubleshooting, and modeling tasks
Reinforcement of hands-on lab activities
Case studies
Competitions
Problem-solving activities in concept-building, skill-building, design, and troubleshooting

22. Key Student Benefits
Provides a free practice and visualization environment for the design, configuration and troubleshooting of network environments
Exploratory development environment for CCNA-level concepts and protocols
Design, build and configure your own network with drag and drop devices
Observe virtual packets real time as they travel through your network
Allows practice outside of the physical classroom and lab (can be run on home computers, mobile laptops)
Practice your problem-solving and troubleshooting skills at your own convenience
Create and configure much larger topologies than possible with physical equipment available
Provides a rich learning environment beyond standard networking technology instructional practices
Explore concepts, conduct experiments, test your understanding
Provides valuable hands-on expertise to help you succeed in the classroom and on the job
Multiuser functionality provides more collaboration, competition and fun learning opportunities
Students who spend more time in a hands-on mode of learning, with simulation and interactive capabilities, will be better equipped to apply concepts and configuration fundamentals when exposed to real equipment. As students gain practical experience with tasks such as troubleshooting, they become more confident in their abilities.
Packet Tracer provides an opportunity for social learning, allowing students to compete with each other and play games that enhance the learning experience. Students can connect networking equipment in many different combinations, allowing for experimentation and encouraging a deeper understanding of networking protocols.

23. PT5.0 Summary

24. Impact Summary of New PT 5.0 Features
On Students
On Instructors
On Authors
Additional Platforms
Ability to run PT on more operating systems, supports more out of classroom environments
Ability to run PT on more operating systems both in and out of classroom
Improved support for authoring on more operating systems
More Protocols
Free practice and visualization environment for crucial networking technologies
Ability to use PT to teach more topics (like IPv6)
Improved support for creating CCNA-level curriculum and assessments
Multiuser Functionality
More collaboration, competition, and fun
More support for social learning processes
More instructional design possibilities
The new features of Packet Tracer 5.0 benefit all users: students, instructors and authors. 24

25. Packet Tracer 5.0 Key Take Aways
PT 5.0 makes teaching and learning networking technology easier
PT 5.0 is a key Networking Academy e-learning component
PT 5.0 is not intended to replace experiences with real equipment, but rather to complement them
PT 5.0 is a laboratory for teaching and learning; you can experiment, you can create your own virtual network “world”
PT 5.0 is going social with multiuser functionality; it isn’t just what you do yourself, it is what you can do with others too

26. Packet Tracer 5.0 Availability
Packet Tracer 5.0 is scheduled for release July 28, 2008
Available free to all Networking Academy instructors, students and alumni on Academy Connection
To obtain Packet Tracer 5.0
Log in to Academy Connection
Click the Packet Tracer image on the left side of your Home Page
Select the appropriate download option
PT 5.0 is available free of charge to all Networking Academy instructors, students, and alumni. The software can be downloaded from the Packet Tracer resource page on Academy Connection. To access this page, log in to Academy Connection and click the Packet Tracer graphic on the left of the page, then select the appropriate download package for your needs.
Packet Tracer 5.0 has superseded PT 4.11 and is the only version of Packet Tracer that is currently available for download from Academy Connection.
Packet Tracer 5.0 is a major new release that includes numerous functions that are not available in PT Although there are no curricula requirements that make it necessary to move to PT 5.0, you may want to upgrade to the new version to take advantage of the many improvements and new features included in this release.

27. Packet Tracer 5.0 Additional Resources
The following additional resources will be available on the Packet Tracer resource page on July 28, 2008
FAQs
Datasheet
Brochure
Video
Link to instructor training materials (including 2 new resources - Beginner and Advanced Guides)
New PT 5.0 supplementary activities
Supplemental PT 5.0 activities that complement the CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration curricula are available for download from the Packet Tracer resource page, including activities demonstrating OSPF, IPv6, SSH, RSTP, Spanning Tree, VLANs, and Frame Relay.

28. Packet Tracer Discussion Forum
Access the global instructor community for questions, discussions, and activity sharing
Where can I go to discuss using Packet Tracer in the classroom, ask other instructors for ideas and feedback, or share Packet Tracer activities that I’ve developed?
To collaborate with other instructors, join the Packet Tracer community discussion. To access the discussion board, log in to Academy Connection and click Forums & Chat under Resources, then select Instructor Community, then Packet Tracer.
Participate in discussions about instructional uses of PT
Share .pkt and .pka files
Share success stories
Make suggestions for possible future versions