Free Router Simulators

Obviously, where possible, training on the real thing when it comes to Cisco routers and other hardware is better when it comes to preparing for an exam. But when the budget doesn't stretch that far, or you only have limited access to hardware, then router simulators are the next best thing. So following are a number of free router simulators that you can download, trial and practice with for your Cisco certification.

SemSim - Free Trial Version of their Cisco router simulator with free CCNA router simulation lab & 20 flash cards. At 2.3Mb this is an easy demo to download with good training and functionality features.

Boson NetSim - Good demo versions of their Cisco router simulators. The demo download files can be pretty big if you're on a dial-up connection (nearly 40Mb) but the demo's offer good functionality to get you started.

CertExams - The demo version of their Cisco router simulation is limited to a few labs, and only up to global configuration mode is supported. The download is about 13Mb.

RouterSim's Network VisualizerT 4.0. A good functional demo, with more eye candy at the interface level. It's a 37Mb download but there are video captures of the program on the download page that you can look at before you decide to download this free router demo.

MIMIC CCNA VIrtual Lab Good functional Cisco router simulator that has a number of good, practical features with an intuitive interface. The free trial version can be a little off-putting to download though with all the questions you need to fill out.

TechExams A free Java-based Cisco router simulation that you can use but you need to register first with the site. The simulator has training prompts to help you if you need it along the way. Was still in beta as of the time of writing.

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