Cisco Packet Tracer vs Eve-NG

Struggling to choose between Cisco Packet Tracer and Eve-NG? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Cisco Packet Tracer is a Network & Admin solution with tags like networking, simulation, cisco, packet-tracer.

It boasts features such as Network simulation tool for modeling and visualizing network behavior, Supports a wide range of Cisco networking devices like routers, switches, firewalls, access points, etc, Allows configuring devices through a GUI and via CLI, Models different network topologies like star, mesh, ring, etc, Supports various network protocols like IP, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, etc, Allows packet capture for troubleshooting, Supports WLAN modeling with mobility and roaming, Models SDN environments with controllers, Has assessment and activity design features for education and pros including Free to download and use, Provides a realistic hands-on learning experience, Allows experimenting with network designs safely, No need for physical equipment, Visual network topology representation, Ideal for students to practice networking concepts.

On the other hand, Eve-NG is a Network & Admin product tagged with emulation, network, testing, virtualization.

Its standout features include Emulation of real networks with virtual routers and switches, Supports many vendor platforms like Cisco, Juniper, Arista, etc, Allows design of complex network topologies, Provides access to virtual device consoles, Integrates with other tools like Wireshark for packet capture, and it shines with pros like Lower cost than physical lab equipment, Allows testing of configurations without impacting production network, Easily create complex network scenarios, Great for learning networking concepts.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer is a network simulation program used for configuring and troubleshooting networks. It allows students and professionals to design, build, and configure local, wide area, and cloud networks in a simulated environment.

Categories:
networking simulation cisco packet-tracer

Cisco Packet Tracer Features

  1. Network simulation tool for modeling and visualizing network behavior
  2. Supports a wide range of Cisco networking devices like routers, switches, firewalls, access points, etc
  3. Allows configuring devices through a GUI and via CLI
  4. Models different network topologies like star, mesh, ring, etc
  5. Supports various network protocols like IP, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, etc
  6. Allows packet capture for troubleshooting
  7. Supports WLAN modeling with mobility and roaming
  8. Models SDN environments with controllers
  9. Has assessment and activity design features for education

Pricing

  • Free
  • Freemium

Pros

Free to download and use

Provides a realistic hands-on learning experience

Allows experimenting with network designs safely

No need for physical equipment

Visual network topology representation

Ideal for students to practice networking concepts

Cons

Does not completely emulate real equipment behavior

Limited scale - cannot model very large networks

Models are simpler than real-world complexities

Advanced features require subscription

Not suitable for enterprise network modeling


Eve-NG

Eve-NG

Eve-NG is an open-source network emulator that allows users to build virtual networks and test configurations on virtual routers and switches. It provides a graphical interface for designing topologies and configuring virtual devices.

Categories:
emulation network testing virtualization

Eve-NG Features

  1. Emulation of real networks with virtual routers and switches
  2. Supports many vendor platforms like Cisco, Juniper, Arista, etc
  3. Allows design of complex network topologies
  4. Provides access to virtual device consoles
  5. Integrates with other tools like Wireshark for packet capture

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Lower cost than physical lab equipment

Allows testing of configurations without impacting production network

Easily create complex network scenarios

Great for learning networking concepts

Cons

Does not perfectly emulate all features of physical hardware

Performance limited by host hardware resources

Initial setup can be complex for large topologies