The title says it all- but let me explain:
Where I'm coming from: I am a Learner by Cisco netacad terms, I'm a student aiming to become a Data technician specialised in infrastructure as we call it in Danish, which is a role similar to a Network Engineer / Systems Administrator.
In the course of this education I've been introduced to Packet Tracer, but the more experience I get the more I see the flaws.
The company I have an apprenticeship with is using Cisco hardware so I work with the CLI almost daily. So when I went back to school for apprentices and was told to download Packet Tracer, and during a training course I stumbled across the following issues:
Outdated Devices and Inconsistent Commands:
Most of the devices in packet tracer is either no longer in market and is also out of service (or end of life). The commands used in the devices, is sometimes different from what you would use in the real world, or the ones you learn to use in the real world is not functional in packet tracer. take something simple as:
show running-config interface fastethernet 0/1 or ( show run int fa0/1 )
won't work in the newest version of packet tracer.
Another example: you get blocked from putting a port in trunk mode because it's in auto, so you'll have to write
switchport mode trunk encapsulation dot1q
Where in real life you just fire off the
switchport mode trunk
switchport trunk access xxx xxx x ( I think you know what I mean even if they aren't perfect replicas of the real commands)
Why should Cisco care:
A large part of Cisco's success is built on its education ecosystem, and that ecosystem is fuelled by students like me. Educational institutions invest heavily in Cisco's Netacad program because it promises to train the next generation of network professionals. However, when the primary training tool provides an experience that is out of sync with real-world equipment, it undermines the value proposition of the entire program.
- Protecting the Investment: Schools pay to be part of the Netacad program. They expect a return on that investment in the form of well-prepared students. When those students are forced to "un-learn" commands, the perceived value of the program diminishes.
- Maintaining Industry Leadership: Packet Tracer is a core part of Cisco's brand in the educational sphere. If it's seen as an outdated or unreliable tool, it could push students and institutions toward alternative simulation software that offers a more accurate representation of modern networks.
- Fostering Future Experts: The most important asset Cisco has is the community of certified network professionals. Providing a simulator that aligns with modern devices—like the Catalyst 9200 series switches or ISR 4000 series routers—ensures that newly certified engineers are immediately valuable in the workforce. This, in turn, strengthens Cisco's position as the leading provider of networking solutions.
The goal of education is to prepare students for the real world, not to teach them to navigate a vintage, simulated one. A modern, updated Packet Tracer would ensure that the foundation of knowledge we build is solid and directly applicable to the networks of today.
I believe this is a critical issue that needs attention to maintain the integrity and relevance of the Cisco Networking Academy.
I am aware that Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is a thing, and a similar program like EveNG and GNS3. And if CML is going to replace Packet Tracer and be offered to educational institutions instead then I'll have nothing but respect.
Why do I care? Because I was told I might be the one teaching the apprentices that come after me, and I'll then have to explain each and every time that, "Ok everything you learned doing the Packet Tracer is not always right, because the devices is outdated" which is not only inefficient but also undermines the credibility of the very curriculum you're teaching. And lastly, I hope that future students won't be experiencing the same frustration as me.
Ps.:I even found that some videos on Youtube on the subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1zRwhtVAq4
edit : I know the examples of the commands are not extreme cases, but I just couldn't remember the bigger issues on the top of my head.
