Boson Netsim v5.27 Reviewed

Posts: 3257 · Posted: Mon May 03, 2004 9:27 pm Post subject: Boson Netsim v5.27 Reviewed

Author: HamDemon

A review of Netsim v5.27 by Boson Software

Network simulation software is used for just what is sounds like: to simulate a network. You can set up a virtual network, place the hardware you are considering buying in it, set up all the connections, and see how it all works together. This allows you to have an idea of what it is going to do when you go out to purchase the actual hardware. Cisco router simulators are used to configure an imaginary router: You can enter the commands as you normally would, and it will respond as if it were a "real" router (a physical piece of equipment). It also allows you to save the configuration to load into a real router later. Boson NetSim is a combination of these two things, you can set up a virtual network, place Cisco routers and switches in it, and configure them to see how they work, before going through the hassle of setting up a physical network.

This lets you plan out your network in an easily changed environment. Instead of unplugging, and rearranging the connections to (possibly a large number) of routers, you can hit the "delete" button, and have the connection gone. Since everything is done digitally, it also allows you to set up your ideal network, and find out exactly what components you will need. This way you can be assured that it will work how you had planned (via the settings transfer interface).

Netsim is a Cisco network simulation program created by Boson. A very nice network simulation program I might add. Netsim is heads and shoulders above any other program I have used. The program you learn on in the CCNA (cisco certified network associate) classes was, ironically, was the worst program I have used. Netsim puts it to shame.

The first part of this program that caught my attention was the drag and drop Network Designer. This allows you to edit a network just how the name says, with a "drag and drop" interface. You can drag whatever you want into or out of the network with a simple click-drag-release motion.

Netsim uses a simple drag and drop interface. This makes setting and editing connections extremely easy.

This version of NetSim contains 42 different Cisco routers, hailing from the 800, 1000, 1600, 1700, 2500, 2600, 3600, and 4500 series. You can choose to add any of these routers to your network, and see how each would behave in the environment you create for it. Netsim can also simulate 4 different Cisco switches, the 1912, 2950, 3550, and 5002 switches, and of course a simulated PC. Within Netsim, you can set up connectians via Ethernet, Serial, and ISDN. In addition, you can view all connections going to and from a device very easily (image below).

Connections In and Out of any device are easily accessable, and easy to read.

After you are done dragging, dropping, and connecting, you can load your network into the simulator.

Look Familiar?

And here is something that looks, feels, and even smells (technically, everything on my monitor smells the same) like the Cisco IOS command line interface, which makes sense, being that the Cisco IOS command line behavior is the entire purpose of this program.

Send commands just like you were working with real hardware!

A few more well placed clicks, and you can configure your simulated PCs.

A major factor to my ratings is that Boson has included tutorials for everything you learn in the CCNA classes and more, starting from the basics. The tutorials are very useful for three reasons.

You can learn everything you need to know without taking the classes.
If you do take the classes, you can practice at home (without expensive hardware).
If you happen to have a Cisco router or switch, and want to do something you don't know how to do, you can follow the lab and learn how; step by step.

Tutorials help you learn everything. From the basics to the advanced, its all here.

A very useful feature not found in the CCNA class provided simulator is the ability to save your configurations for later use. In Boson's Netsim you can configure everything the way you want it, then load it into the router or switch later.

The value of the software depends on how you look at it. At $250, it isn't exactly cheap, but it's not overly expensive. I have heard of people actually going out and buying 5 routers to practice the CCNA labs with, or to learn this stuff on their own. Buying the routers would cost you slightly more than $250 (and by slightly, I mean thousands of dollars more). Here are some routers by price: Routers

Ease of Use: 5/5
A Drag and drop interface, could you ask for more?
Features: 5/5
Configure your routers and switches, set them up the way you want, and then save them for later use with real hardware!
Functionality: 5/5
Works like a charm!
Value: 4.5/5
At $250, I wouldn't call it a steal, but a good value none the less.

Overall (Average): 4.875