Packet Tracer(PT) is comprehensive networking technology teaching and 

learning software with powerful simulation, visualization, authoring, 

assessment, and collaboration capabilities. Packet Tracer makes both 

teaching and learning easier - instructors and students can create their 

own virtual "network worlds" for exploration, experimentation, and 

explanation of networking concepts and technologies.

Instructors can demonstrate technologies and configurations using Packet 

Tracer to teach complex CCNA-level networking concepts, making it 

extremely useful for lectures, group and individual labs, assessments, 

troubleshooting and modeling tasks, homework, games, and competitions. 

It supplements classroom equipment and provides students complementary 

learning opportunities that are not possible in the classroom alone. In 

addition, Packet Tracer activities are embedded in the new CCNA 

Discovery and CCNA Exploration curricula to provide rich networking 

technology learning experiences.

PT 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 v5.1 Software Downloads
Packet Tracer version 5.1 is a major new release that includes 

additional functionality not available in Packet Tracer version 4.11. 

While there are no curricula requirements that make it necessary to move 

to PT5.1, you may want to upgrade to the new version to take advantage 

of the improvements and new features included in this release.PT5.1 

supports activities authored in Packet Tracer 4.0, 4.1 and 4.11. and 

5.0. Packet Tracer 5.0 has been replaced by PT5.1 and is no longer 

available for download. Please note that the last two courses of the 

CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration curricula require Packet Tracer 

version 4.11 at a minimum, and both curricula are fully compatible with 

PT5.1