Packet Tracer Lite v3.5
Interactive Network Lab Library
Back to Catalog

Welcome to Packet Tracer Lite v3.5!

Click Lab Library to load a pre-built scenario

Or drag devices from the left panel to build your own network

Follow step-by-step instructions on the right panel

Help & Documentation

Quick Start Guide

Welcome to Packet Tracer Lite v3.5! This guide will help you get started in 5-10 minutes.

1Open the Lab Library

Click the Lab Library button in the top toolbar to view available lab scenarios.

2Select a Lab Scenario

Browse through the lab library and select a lab that matches your skill level:

  • Beginner: Basic routing, switching, and IP configuration
  • Intermediate: VLANs, trunking, and static routing
  • Advanced: OSPF, multi-area routing, and complex topologies

3Load the Lab

Click the Load Lab button on any lab card. The network topology will automatically appear on the canvas with all devices pre-configured.

4Follow Step-by-Step Instructions

The right panel displays detailed instructions for the lab:

  • Read each step carefully before attempting
  • Follow the command syntax exactly as shown
  • Commands are for reference - this is a read-only simulator

5Mark Steps as Complete

As you complete each step:

  • Click the checkbox next to the step
  • The checkbox will turn green with a checkmark
  • Your progress percentage will update automatically

6Track Your Progress

Monitor your completion status:

  • Progress bar shows overall completion percentage
  • Step counter displays completed/total steps
  • Progress is saved in your browser automatically
Pro Tip: Start with Lab 1 (Basic Routing) if you're new to networking. It covers fundamental concepts like IP addressing, interface configuration, and static routing.

Lab Controls Reference

Lab Library Button

Opens the lab library modal where you can browse and load pre-built lab scenarios.

  • View all available labs
  • Filter by difficulty level
  • See lab objectives and step counts
  • Check your completion status

Difficulty Filters

Filter labs by skill level:

  • All: Shows all available labs
  • Beginner: Entry-level labs (1-2 devices)
  • Intermediate: Medium complexity (3-4 devices)
  • Advanced: Complex scenarios (5+ devices)

Progress Indicators

Progress Bar

Visual representation of completion percentage

Percentage Display

Shows exact completion percentage (e.g., 75%)

Step Counter

Displays completed/total steps (e.g., 6/8)

Checkboxes

Interactive checkboxes for each step

Step Completion Checkboxes

Each lab step has a checkbox that:

  • Starts unchecked (gray outline)
  • Turns green when clicked (with checkmark)
  • Updates the overall progress percentage
  • Saves your progress automatically
  • Can be unchecked if needed

Navigation Between Labs

Easily switch between labs:

  • Open Lab Library at any time
  • Your progress is saved for each lab
  • Return to previous labs without losing progress
  • Complete labs in any order you prefer
Note: All progress is saved in your browser's localStorage. Clearing browser data will reset your progress.

Toolbar Buttons

Connect

Click to toggle connection mode. Click two devices to create a connection between them.

Delete

Toggle delete mode. Click connections to remove them, or click devices to delete them and their connections.

New

Clear the canvas and start a new topology from scratch.

Export

Export your current topology as JSON for backup or sharing.

Import

Import a previously exported JSON file to restore your topology and continue where you left off.

CLI Command Reference

Comprehensive reference of Cisco IOS commands used in the labs. Use the search box to quickly find commands.

Basic Commands

enable
Enter privileged EXEC mode (enables configuration commands)
configure terminal
Enter global configuration mode
exit
Exit current configuration mode
show running-config
View the current running configuration
show ip interface brief
View a summary of all interfaces with IP addresses and status
show version
Display system hardware and software status
write memory
Save running configuration to startup configuration

Interface Configuration

interface [type] [number]
Enter interface configuration mode (e.g., interface GigabitEthernet0/0)
ip address [ip] [mask]
Assign an IP address and subnet mask to an interface
no shutdown
Enable/activate an interface (bring it up)
shutdown
Administratively disable an interface
description [text]
Add a descriptive label to an interface
show interfaces
Display detailed information about all interfaces

VLAN Commands

vlan [id]
Create a VLAN and enter VLAN configuration mode
name [name]
Assign a name to a VLAN
switchport mode access
Configure port as an access port (single VLAN)
switchport access vlan [id]
Assign an access port to a specific VLAN
switchport mode trunk
Configure port as a trunk (carries multiple VLANs)
show vlan brief
Display a summary of all VLANs
show interfaces trunk
Display information about trunk ports

OSPF Commands

router ospf [process-id]
Enable OSPF routing and enter OSPF configuration mode
network [ip] [wildcard] area [area-id]
Advertise a network in OSPF (must be in router config mode). Example: network 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.255 area 0
router-id [id]
Manually set the OSPF Router ID
show ip ospf neighbor
Display OSPF neighbor relationships and states
show ip ospf interface
Display OSPF information for interfaces
show ip ospf database
Display the OSPF link-state database

EIGRP Commands

router eigrp [as-number]
Enable EIGRP routing and enter EIGRP configuration mode
network [ip] [wildcard]
Advertise a network in EIGRP (must be in router config mode). Example: network 10.0.0.0 0.255.255.255
no auto-summary
Disable automatic summarization for classless routing
show ip eigrp neighbors
Display EIGRP neighbor relationships
show ip eigrp topology
Display EIGRP topology table with successor and feasible successor routes

Routing Commands

ip route [dest] [mask] [next-hop]
Configure a static route. For default route: ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 [next-hop]
show ip route
Display the routing table with all known routes
show ip protocols
Display information about routing protocols
ping [destination]
Test network connectivity to a destination IP address
traceroute [destination]
Trace the path packets take to reach a destination

DHCP Commands

ip dhcp pool [name]
Create a DHCP pool and enter DHCP configuration mode
network [ip] [subnet-mask]
Define the network for DHCP pool (in dhcp-config mode). Example: network 192.168.10.0 255.255.255.0
default-router [ip]
Set the default gateway for DHCP clients
dns-server [ip]
Set the DNS server for DHCP clients
ip dhcp excluded-address [start] [end]
Exclude IP addresses from the DHCP pool
show ip dhcp binding
Display current DHCP address bindings/leases
show ip dhcp pool
Display DHCP pool information and statistics

Device Configuration

hostname [name]
Set the device hostname
banner motd # [message] #
Configure a message-of-the-day banner
Tip: These commands are for reference and learning. In a real Cisco device, you would type these commands in the CLI. This simulator provides a visual representation of network configuration.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Use these keyboard shortcuts to navigate the help system more efficiently.

Close Help Modal

Escape

Press the Escape key to quickly close the help window

Search Commands

Ctrl + F

Jump to the command search box (when on Commands tab)

Navigate Elements

Tab

Move between interactive elements (tabs, buttons, search)

Activate Elements

Enter or Space

Activate focused buttons or tabs

Canvas Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + Click on connection - Delete connection (alternative to Delete mode)

Browser Shortcuts (Still Available)

  • Ctrl + + - Zoom in
  • Ctrl + - - Zoom out
  • Ctrl + 0 - Reset zoom
  • F5 - Refresh page
  • F11 - Toggle fullscreen mode
Note: Some shortcuts may vary depending on your operating system. Mac users should use Cmd instead of Ctrl.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Lab Won't Load

Problem: When I click "Load Lab", nothing happens or the page freezes.

Solutions:

  • Check browser compatibility (Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+)
  • Try refreshing the page with F5 or Ctrl + R
  • Clear your browser cache and reload
  • Ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings
  • Disable browser extensions that might interfere (ad blockers, script blockers)

Can't Mark Step Complete

Problem: Clicking the checkbox doesn't mark the step as complete.

Solutions:

  • Click directly on the checkbox (not the step text)
  • Wait a moment - the checkbox should turn green with a checkmark
  • If it's unresponsive, try refreshing the page
  • Check browser console for JavaScript errors (F12 key)

Progress Not Saving

Problem: My lab progress resets when I close the browser.

Solutions:

  • This simulator requires browser localStorage to save progress
  • Check if localStorage is enabled (not in Private/Incognito mode)
  • Don't clear browser data/cookies while using the simulator
  • Some browsers in "strict privacy mode" may block localStorage
  • Try using a different browser if the issue persists

Topology Not Displaying

Problem: The network canvas is blank or devices don't appear.

Solutions:

  • Canvas support is required - update your browser to the latest version
  • Check if hardware acceleration is enabled in browser settings
  • Try zooming in/out with Ctrl + +/-
  • Reload the lab from the Lab Library
  • Check browser console (F12) for error messages

Commands Not Working

Problem: I can't type commands or interact with devices.

Solutions:

  • This is a read-only simulator - you can't execute commands
  • Commands shown in instructions are for learning/reference only
  • The simulator demonstrates network concepts visually
  • Use the checkboxes to mark steps as "completed" after reading
  • For hands-on practice, use Cisco Packet Tracer or real equipment

Performance Issues

Problem: The simulator is slow or laggy.

Solutions:

  • Close other browser tabs to free up memory
  • Close other applications running on your computer
  • Try using a different browser (Chrome is recommended)
  • Ensure your system meets minimum requirements
  • Disable browser extensions temporarily
Still Having Issues? Try using the simulator in a different browser or on a different device. Chrome and Firefox typically offer the best compatibility.

Lab Completion Tips

Before Starting a Lab

  • Read the objectives: Understand what the lab aims to teach before diving in
  • Review the topology: Study the network diagram to understand device connections
  • Check the difficulty: Make sure the lab matches your current skill level
  • Set aside time: Allocate 15-45 minutes depending on lab complexity

During the Lab

  • Read each step carefully: Don't rush - understanding is more important than speed
  • Follow command syntax exactly: Pay attention to spacing, brackets, and punctuation
  • Verify configurations: Use show commands to confirm your changes took effect
  • Understand the 'why': Don't just follow steps - understand why each command is needed
  • Take notes: Write down key concepts and commands for future reference
  • Mark steps as you go: Check off completed steps to track progress

After Completing a Lab

  • Review the configuration: Look at the complete running-config
  • Test connectivity: Verify all devices can communicate as intended
  • Understand the routing table: Check how routes were learned or configured
  • Experiment (if possible): Try variations to deepen understanding
  • Document your learning: Write a summary of what you learned

Learning Strategies

Focus on Concepts

Don't just memorize commands - understand the networking concepts behind them

Repeat Labs

Practice labs multiple times to build muscle memory and confidence

Create Flashcards

Make flashcards for important commands and concepts

Progressive Learning

Master beginner labs before moving to intermediate and advanced

Certification Preparation

If you're preparing for CCNA or Network+ certifications:

  • Complete all labs: Work through all difficulty levels systematically
  • Time yourself: Practice completing labs within time constraints
  • Simulate exam conditions: No reference materials, time pressure
  • Understand troubleshooting: Focus on identifying and fixing misconfigurations
  • Review objectives: Map lab skills to certification exam objectives
Expert Tip: The best way to learn is by doing. Complete each lab at least twice - once to learn, and once to reinforce. Teaching the concepts to someone else is even better!

ℹ About Packet Tracer Lite

Packet Tracer Lite v3.5

Interactive Network Lab Library Edition

What is Packet Tracer Lite?

Packet Tracer Lite is a browser-based network simulation and visualization tool designed for education and training. It provides an interactive learning environment for networking concepts without requiring physical equipment or complex software installations.

Key Features

Browser-Based

No installation required - runs entirely in your web browser

Lab Library

Pre-built lab scenarios covering core networking topics

Visual Learning

Interactive network topologies with device visualization

Progress Tracking

Track completion status for each lab and step

Educational Focus

Designed for CCNA and Network+ certification prep

Auto-Save

Automatic progress saving with browser localStorage

Phase 1: Core Labs (Current)

The current version includes 7 foundational labs:

  • Lab 1: Basic Routing - Two-network routing with static routes
  • Lab 2: VLAN Configuration - Switch VLANs, access ports, and trunk ports
  • Lab 3: OSPF Routing - Dynamic routing with OSPF configuration
  • Lab 4: Inter-VLAN Routing - L3 switch routing with SVIs
  • Lab 5: OSPF Multi-Area - Advanced OSPF with multiple areas
  • Lab 6: Access Control Lists (ACLs) - Standard and extended ACLs for security
  • Lab 7: VLAN Trunking (802.1Q) - Trunk configuration and native VLAN security

Phase 2: Coming Soon

Future updates will include additional labs covering:

  • EIGRP Routing: Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol
  • NAT/PAT Configuration: Network address translation
  • DHCP Server Configuration: Dynamic host configuration
  • WAN Technologies: PPP, Frame Relay concepts
  • Port Security & Etherchannel: Advanced switching features

Browser Requirements

Browser Minimum Version Status
Google Chrome 90+ Recommended
Mozilla Firefox 88+ Supported
Safari 14+ Supported
Microsoft Edge 90+ Supported

Technical Requirements

  • HTML5 Canvas: Required for network topology rendering
  • JavaScript: Must be enabled (ES6+ features used)
  • localStorage: Required for progress saving
  • Screen Resolution: Minimum 1024x768 recommended
  • Internet Connection: Only needed for initial page load

Educational Use

This tool is designed for:

  • Self-paced learning and certification preparation
  • Classroom demonstrations and instruction
  • Lab practice when physical equipment is unavailable
  • Visual understanding of network concepts
  • Quick reference for CLI commands and syntax
Note: This is a visual simulator designed for learning. For hands-on CLI practice, consider using Cisco Packet Tracer (full version), GNS3, or physical equipment.

Feedback & Support

We're continuously improving Packet Tracer Lite. Your feedback helps us create better learning experiences.

Tip: Bookmark this page for quick access to your labs and progress tracking!