User manual
2 Boson NetSim User Manual
After you load and complete an unlocked lab, you can use the grading function in NetSim to grade the
lab so that you can determine whether you completed it correctly. As you progress through the labs, you
will master the skills needed to pass the simulation questions in the Cisco certication exams. NetSim
has the ability to guide and grade, and using it for practice can actually be more helpful than using real
routers and switches. NetSim allows you to gain experience without requiring you to purchase expensive
equipment.
The Boson NetSim can be used for additional purposes than only working through labs. The included
full version of the NetMap tool allows you to practice designing and planning a network. This tool’s
functionality goes beyond that of most tools because you can actually create the router congurations that
are going to be used, save those congurations, and practice using them on simulated devices.
Routing protocol implementation is one of the more challenging tasks you may encounter.
Troubleshooting a production network can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, you can create a
virtual copy of your network topology by using the Boson NetMap and troubleshoot the problems without
interfering with your production network. Although you can use NetSim as an aid in troubleshooting, you
should not rely only on NetSim to make decisions about a production network, because NetSim is not
designed to test real networks. Instead, it is a tool that you can use to study for Cisco certication.
In summary, Boson NetSim is a exible and powerful product that can help you become certied and, in
some cases, can be used to create a simulation of the topology of your corporate network and help you
practice troubleshooting without using devices on the production network.