Is Cisco "Packet Tracer" software good for troubleshooting ASA issues?

[jmaxwellUSAF]

Hello.

I will be troubleshooting ASAs indefinitely. I have basically zero experience with the Cisco "Packet Tracer" software.

1. Is Cisco "Packet Tracer" software good for troubleshooting ASA issues?

2. Does it allow me to input the config of ASA 5525s, and cisco ASA 1100s, then simulate the results?

3. Are there any important considerations in implementing this software strategy?

Thank you!

[Rob Ingram]

@jmaxwellUSAF not really IMO, Packet Tracer is an emulator, not all features work reliably. I'd avoid it personally.

If you don't have spare ASA hardware, then perhaps try EVE-NG, GNS3 or CML with the ASAv software image.

[jmaxwellUSAF]

Thank you for your reply, Rob.

Are EVE-NG, GNS3 and CML free to use?

Does Cisco's "Packet Tracer" have any advantages over these others?

What are the advantages of these others?

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Additional community members, I would appreciate your feedback as well. Thank you!

[Rob Ingram]

@jmaxwellUSAF packet tracer has no advantages over anything. Using ASAv on the afforemented allows you to run the latest ASA software images.

EVE-NG and GNS3 are free, CML (Cisco Modeling Labs) is a cost of I think $199.

[jmaxwellUSAF]

OK, I am going to request my company buy the best software for my needs. So, if cost is irrelevant, what software do you suggest I commit to learning/using?

[Rob Ingram · Accepted solution]

@jmaxwellUSAF well the advantage of using CML is you get the images, IOS, ASA, NX-OS etc - so might be more useful. With EVE-NG and GNS3, you need to source these images from elsewhere.

[MHM Cisco World · Accepted solution]

I recommend CML than GNS3, I use gns3 and for Nexus and ASR and even ASA it not work smooth.

[jmaxwellUSAF]

Does the CML software run on a local endpoint or an internal server? Are there any security concerns with running this from within my enterprise?

Thank you MHM.

[Rob Ingram]

@jmaxwellUSAF you install CML on Vmware workstation (on your laptop) or on ESXi server.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/cloud_services/cisco_modeling_labs/v200/admin/guide/b_cml_admin_guide_2-0/m_installing_cml.html