Network Software

[VPR3]

Anyone got any suggestions on network design software. Something that allows building and programming the switches, routers, setting up ip tables, pc's and fully testing everything. I have a package now that works but I'm not happy with it. Looking for something better and free.

[Goatboy]

A good virtual network program is Packet Tracer. It's available for free from Cisco to many students and staff. It's a bit touchy at first with the controls, but you get a hold of it pretty quickly.

[Dwere134]

Goat, thanks for that! I'd never heard of it. See if I can get a one-up on my class-mates by the time I jump into the CCNA classes my college offers this fall.
Any suggestions for what to screw around with? I'm downloading as we speak.

[Goatboy]

Well for my final in the CCNA course I took, we had to build a network with at least 50 hosts, in at least two networks of at least three subnets each. I was into WoW at the time, so I used the world map as a background, and made all the major cities into routers, minor cities into servers, and camps/outposts into hosts. I also kept the Horde and Alliance networks separate and unable to communicate, but the Goblins were a neutral party. It was some sick shit.