Download and Install Packet Tracer v 7.2.

1
If you already have an earlier version of Packet Tracer installed on your computer – uninstall it first. Packet
Tracer files saved or created in v7.2.1 will not be compatible with earlier versions. However, files created or
saved in earlier versions are 100% compatible with v7.2.1.
1. From the Course Home Page, Select Student Resources.
2. Scroll down and select “Packet Tracer Resources”.
3. Read the FAOs to become more familiar with Packet Tracer
4. Watch the Tutorials and learn to use Packet Tracer – these are also available in the Packet Tracer
program under the Help Menu and the links are included below.
5. For further instruction and experience, I would highly recommend that you complete the Introduction to
Packet Tracer Course. This is a 10 hour free course from Cisco. The link is in Student Resources under
Packet Tracer Resources. You will use Packet Tracer throughout the Cisco Academy courses.
6. Under the heading, “Using Packet Tracer” read the following note and perform the check:
NOTE: Before using Packet Tracer for skills assessment, run the application: PTSA Environment Checker. Once
installed, you will be able to open and run Packet Tracer files with no problem. However, when taking
some Chapter Exams, there may be Packet Tracer questions which will only run if this environment
check passes. The Packet Tracer Skills Assessments have the same requirement. When it passes, you
are allowing NetSpace to open Packet Tracer on your computer and load a topology from NetSpace.
You need to have the most current versions of Packet Tracer and Java installed. There may be other
factors with your firewall and environment settings that could interfere. The Chapter Exams that have
these questions will not have more than one or two questions of this type – the impact is minimal if you
are not able to pass the environment check – I will give you the answers if need be. All other aspects of
using Packet Tracer are not affected, so you can complete the assignments regardless.
In the first two chapters, you will begin to learn to explore, build and configure devices in a network.
Packet Tracer is drastically changed the environment from previous versions. Please watch the tutorials, but
note that they have not been changed. In Packet Tracer, click Help on the menu bar and select Tutorials.
Then choose to watch the Getting Started Tutorials, including Changes in version 7.2.1. As you move
through this course, you will need to watch and learn the first four sections of these tutorials – you will be
using the simulation Mode for the Module 1 assignment:

1 Getting Started

1-1 Interface Overview

See section 15-1 for changes in 7.2

- Learn how to navigate the main interface.

1-2 Options

- Learn how to customize Packet Tracer options.

2 Logical Workspace

2-1 Creating A Network Topology

- Learn how to create, arrange, delete and connect devices.

 2-2 Custom Device Templates

- Learn how to create and remove custom device templates.

2-3 Clustering A Network Topology

- Learn how to create, arrange, uncluster, delete, and connect clusters.

2-4 Annotating A Network Topology

- Learn how to edit and annotate a network topology.

3 Configuring Devices

3-1 Config Tab

- Learn how to configure devices using the Config tab.

3-2 Desktop Tab

- Learn how to configure devices using the Desktop tab.

3-3 Services Tab

- Learn how to configure device services using the Services Tab.

3-4 CLI Tab

- Learn how to configure devices using the CLI tab.

4 Realtime and Simulation Modes

4-1 Simulation Environment

- Introduces an overview of the simulation environment.

4-2 Simulation Panel

- Learn the details of every feature in the Simulation Panel including the Event List, Play Controls, and
Event List Filters.

4-3 Advanced Simulation Mode

- Introduces more advanced features in Simulation Mode to users.

4-4 PDU Information

- Explains the information displayed in a PDU and how to use Challenge mode in a PDU.