Cisco Packet Tracer Setup Guide - Revision history

BenFranske at 18:23, 10 September 2019

2019-09-10T18:23:49Z

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 Packet Tracer is also used in some of the online assessments in the Cisco Networking Academy courses and you will need to have it installed for those exams. Please make sure you have installed and tested the Packet Tracer software as described below before taking the assessments.
-Downloading Cisco Packet Tracer requires a [https://www.netacad.com Cisco NetSpace] login. Once logged in to NetSpace you can find the download by clicking the "Offerings" link and then selecting "Packet Tracer" or by clicking [https://www.netacad.com/group/offerings/packet-tracer this link]. Versions of PT are available for Windows and Linux. If you are using a Mac you will need to create a Windows or Linux virtual machine to install PT. Limited versions of PT are also available for Android and iOS from their respective app stores. Note that the mobile versions will not work for PT Assessment Activities and have some limited functionality.
+Downloading and running Cisco Packet Tracer requires a [https://www.netacad.com Cisco NetSpace] login. Once logged in to NetSpace you can find the download by clicking the "Resources" link and then "Download Packet Tracer" or by clicking [https://www.netacad.com/portal/resources/packet-tracer this link]. Versions of PT are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Limited versions of PT are also available for Android and iOS from their respective app stores. Note that the mobile versions will not work for PT Assessment Activities and have some limited functionality.
 =Packet Tracer Assessment Activities=
-Packet Tracer is also used in some of the online assessments in the Cisco Networking Academy courses and you will need to have it installed for those exams. There are a few other pieces of software you need installed to make this work correctly and some tips for testing and troubleshooting your setup. Please do this before attempting an actual assessment.
+Packet Tracer is also used in some of the online assessments and portions of assessments in the Cisco Networking Academy courses and you will need to have it installed for those exams. Starting with version 7.2.2 Packet Tracer no longer requires Java for use with assessments which has greatly simplified things.
 ==Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity==
-When a PT exam is launched, a small file will be downloaded which you will almost certainly need to manually click in order to launch the assessment. This file has a '.JNLP' extension and is should be associated with the JRE (Java) on the local computer. Chrome may not automatically recognize the file association.  If that is the case, clicking the JNLP file from the Downloads folder or from the Chrome Download Bar will launch the assessment.
+TBD. Version 7.2.2 of PT has changed how PT Assessments work and we're waiting to write new instructions.
 Use the PT Environment checker to verify that your system is ready to launch Packet Tracer activities. To access the Perform Packet Tracer Skills Assessment Environment Check, please follow the steps provided below:
@@ Line 32: / Line 21: @@
 Note that the environment check does take a few minutes to complete.
 ==Troubleshooting Packet Tracer Assessment Activities==
-# Make sure that you have the latest version of Java and of Packet Tracer installed
+# Make sure that you have the latest version of Packet Tracer installed

BenFranske: /* Still Having Problems? */

2019-03-06T20:52:11Z

Still Having Problems?

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:52, 6 March 2019
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	==Still Having Problems?==		==Still Having Problems?==
	If you're still having problems after all of this it's suggested that you get the newest version of Packet Tracer (7.2 at the time of writing) and then launch your exam from inside of Packet Tracer itself.		If you're still having problems after all of this it's suggested that you get the newest version of Packet Tracer (7.2.1 at the time of writing) and then launch your exam from inside of Packet Tracer itself.
	# To do this go to the '''Extensions''' menu at the top of PT and select '''Take PTSA'''.		# To do this go to the '''Extensions''' menu at the top of PT and select '''Take PTSA'''.
	# A new window, the "Netacad Exam Player" will open underneath Packet Tracer (click on the icon on the taskbar to get to it).		# A new window, the "Netacad Exam Player" will open underneath Packet Tracer (click on the icon on the taskbar to get to it).
	# Log on to Netacad inside of the "Netacad Exam Player" window and navigate to the exam you wish to take.		# Log on to Netacad inside of the "Netacad Exam Player" window and navigate to the exam you wish to take.
	# Start and complete the exam inside of "Netacad Exam Player" which should allow for the PT portion to launch and run correctly.		# Start and complete the exam inside of "Netacad Exam Player" which should allow for the PT portion to launch and run correctly.

BenFranske at 20:46, 26 September 2018

2018-09-26T20:46:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:46, 26 September 2018
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	# You may have to click a Java security warning window after opening the JNLP file		# You may have to click a Java security warning window after opening the JNLP file
	# After a few minutes Java should automatically launch the Packet Tracer software and load the assessment activity		# After a few minutes Java should automatically launch the Packet Tracer software and load the assessment activity

			==Still Having Problems?==
			If you're still having problems after all of this it's suggested that you get the newest version of Packet Tracer (7.2 at the time of writing) and then launch your exam from inside of Packet Tracer itself.
			# To do this go to the '''Extensions''' menu at the top of PT and select '''Take PTSA'''.
			# A new window, the "Netacad Exam Player" will open underneath Packet Tracer (click on the icon on the taskbar to get to it).
			# Log on to Netacad inside of the "Netacad Exam Player" window and navigate to the exam you wish to take.
			# Start and complete the exam inside of "Netacad Exam Player" which should allow for the PT portion to launch and run correctly.

BenFranske: /* Troubleshooting Packet Tracer Assessment Activities */

2017-10-23T02:34:50Z

Troubleshooting Packet Tracer Assessment Activities

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:34, 23 October 2017
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	# Make sure that you are getting the JNLP file downloaded when you click to start the assessment		# Make sure that you are getting the JNLP file downloaded when you click to start the assessment
	# Make sure that you are opening the JNLP file (by clicking on it in your browser or by finding the location it is downloaded on your computer and double clicking on it)		# Make sure that you are opening the JNLP file (by clicking on it in your browser or by finding the location it is downloaded on your computer and double clicking on it)
	# Make sure that the program you are opening the JNLP file with is Java or Java Web Start '''not'' Packet Tracer		# Make sure that the program you are opening the JNLP file with is Java or Java Web Start '''not''' Packet Tracer
	# You may have to click a Java security warning window after opening the JNLP file		# You may have to click a Java security warning window after opening the JNLP file
	# After a few minutes Java should automatically launch the Packet Tracer software and load the assessment activity		# After a few minutes Java should automatically launch the Packet Tracer software and load the assessment activity

BenFranske: /* Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity */

2017-10-23T02:32:56Z

Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:32, 23 October 2017
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	# Click the link to start the Assessment in NetAcad		# Click the link to start the Assessment in NetAcad
	# A JNLP file is downloaded to your computer		# A JNLP file is downloaded to your computer
	# Click on the JNLP file to open it, make sure to open it with Java or Java Web Start '''not'' Packet Tracer		# Click on the JNLP file to open it, make sure to open it with Java or Java Web Start '''not''' Packet Tracer
	# Java will load, you may get a security warning to click on		# Java will load, you may get a security warning to click on
	# Java will eventually start the Packet Tracer Software, this can take some time		# Java will eventually start the Packet Tracer Software, this can take some time

BenFranske: /* Installing Packet Tracer and Configuring for Assessment Activities */

2017-10-23T02:32:24Z

Installing Packet Tracer and Configuring for Assessment Activities

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:32, 23 October 2017
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	* Cisco Packet Tracer. We recommend downloading the latest version of Packet Tracer as courses are designed and tested only with the latest version. Packet Tracer can be found by logging in to the NetAcad site and scrolling down to the bottom of the page to the "Resources" section.		* Cisco Packet Tracer. We recommend downloading the latest version of Packet Tracer as courses are designed and tested only with the latest version. Packet Tracer can be found by logging in to the NetAcad site and scrolling down to the bottom of the page to the "Resources" section.
	** '''Note:''' If you have just installed Packet Tracer you will need to reboot your computer before completing a PT Practice SBA.		** '''Note:''' If you have just installed Packet Tracer you will need to reboot your computer before completing a PT Practice SBA.
	* Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 7 or higher - You can ~~check the version you have installed~~ and install the latest version of Java from [~~http~~://www.java.com/~~verify www~~.java.com~~/verify~~].		* Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 7 or higher - You can download and install the latest version of Java from [https://www.java.com/inc/BrowserRedirect1.jsp?locale=en java.com].
	* All ports on the PC between 39000 and 39009 must be open for localhost access.		* All ports on the PC between 39000 and 39009 must be open for localhost access.
	* All browsers on the computer must have the ".jnlp" filetype associated with the Java Web Start Launcher program.		* All browsers on the computer must have the ".jnlp" filetype associated with the Java Web Start Launcher program.

BenFranske: /* Packet Tracer Assessment Activities */

2017-02-24T21:00:41Z

Packet Tracer Assessment Activities

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:00, 24 February 2017
Line 8:		Line 8:
	Packet Tracer is also used in some of the online assessments in the Cisco Networking Academy courses and you will need to have it installed for those exams. There are a few other pieces of software you need installed to make this work correctly and some tips for testing and troubleshooting your setup. Please do this before attempting an actual assessment.		Packet Tracer is also used in some of the online assessments in the Cisco Networking Academy courses and you will need to have it installed for those exams. There are a few other pieces of software you need installed to make this work correctly and some tips for testing and troubleshooting your setup. Please do this before attempting an actual assessment.

	==~~Installaing~~ Packet Tracer and Configuring for Assessment Activities==		==Installing Packet Tracer and Configuring for Assessment Activities==
	To have Packet Tracer activities launch without issue, the following software must be installed and configured on your computer:		To have Packet Tracer activities launch without issue, the following software must be installed and configured on your computer:
	* Cisco Packet Tracer. We recommend downloading the latest version of Packet Tracer as courses are designed and tested only with the latest version. Packet Tracer can be found by logging in to the NetAcad site and scrolling down to the bottom of the page to the "Resources" section.		* Cisco Packet Tracer. We recommend downloading the latest version of Packet Tracer as courses are designed and tested only with the latest version. Packet Tracer can be found by logging in to the NetAcad site and scrolling down to the bottom of the page to the "Resources" section.

BenFranske at 22:42, 13 October 2016

2016-10-13T22:42:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:42, 13 October 2016
Line 8:		Line 8:
	Packet Tracer is also used in some of the online assessments in the Cisco Networking Academy courses and you will need to have it installed for those exams. There are a few other pieces of software you need installed to make this work correctly and some tips for testing and troubleshooting your setup. Please do this before attempting an actual assessment.		Packet Tracer is also used in some of the online assessments in the Cisco Networking Academy courses and you will need to have it installed for those exams. There are a few other pieces of software you need installed to make this work correctly and some tips for testing and troubleshooting your setup. Please do this before attempting an actual assessment.

	=Installaing Packet Tracer and Configuring for Assessment Activities=		==Installaing Packet Tracer and Configuring for Assessment Activities==
	To have Packet Tracer activities launch without issue, the following software must be installed and configured on your computer:		To have Packet Tracer activities launch without issue, the following software must be installed and configured on your computer:
	* Cisco Packet Tracer. We recommend downloading the latest version of Packet Tracer as courses are designed and tested only with the latest version. Packet Tracer can be found by logging in to the NetAcad site and scrolling down to the bottom of the page to the "Resources" section.		* Cisco Packet Tracer. We recommend downloading the latest version of Packet Tracer as courses are designed and tested only with the latest version. Packet Tracer can be found by logging in to the NetAcad site and scrolling down to the bottom of the page to the "Resources" section.
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	** '''Note:''' This association may be automatically created in IE and Chrome. This mostly applies to Firefox and other OSes. In Firefox – Click on the Firefox Menu -> Options -> Applications. [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/applications-panel-set-how-firefox-handles-files More details]		** '''Note:''' This association may be automatically created in IE and Chrome. This mostly applies to Firefox and other OSes. In Firefox – Click on the Firefox Menu -> Options -> Applications. [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/applications-panel-set-how-firefox-handles-files More details]

	=Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity=		==Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity==
	When a PT exam is launched, a small file will be downloaded which you will almost certainly need to manually click in order to launch the assessment. This file has a '.JNLP' extension and is should be associated with the JRE (Java) on the local computer. Chrome may not automatically recognize the file association. If that is the case, clicking the JNLP file from the Downloads folder or from the Chrome Download Bar will launch the assessment.		When a PT exam is launched, a small file will be downloaded which you will almost certainly need to manually click in order to launch the assessment. This file has a '.JNLP' extension and is should be associated with the JRE (Java) on the local computer. Chrome may not automatically recognize the file association. If that is the case, clicking the JNLP file from the Downloads folder or from the Chrome Download Bar will launch the assessment.

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	Alternatively you can [https://assessment.netacad.net/check/check.html launch the Packet Tracer Skills Assessment Environment Check directly].		Alternatively you can [https://assessment.netacad.net/check/check.html launch the Packet Tracer Skills Assessment Environment Check directly].

	Note that the environment check does take a ~~minute or two~~ to complete.		Note that the environment check does take a few minutes to complete.

			The steps for launching a PT assessment are:
			# Click the link to start the Assessment in NetAcad
			# A JNLP file is downloaded to your computer
			# Click on the JNLP file to open it, make sure to open it with Java or Java Web Start '''not'' Packet Tracer
			# Java will load, you may get a security warning to click on
			# Java will eventually start the Packet Tracer Software, this can take some time
			# The assessment activity should open in Packet Tracer

			==Troubleshooting Packet Tracer Assessment Activities==
			# Make sure that you have the latest version of Java and of Packet Tracer installed
			# Make sure that you are getting the JNLP file downloaded when you click to start the assessment
			# Make sure that you are opening the JNLP file (by clicking on it in your browser or by finding the location it is downloaded on your computer and double clicking on it)
			# Make sure that the program you are opening the JNLP file with is Java or Java Web Start '''not'' Packet Tracer
			# You may have to click a Java security warning window after opening the JNLP file
			# After a few minutes Java should automatically launch the Packet Tracer software and load the assessment activity

BenFranske: /* Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity */

2016-10-13T22:35:38Z

Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:35, 13 October 2016
Line 18:		Line 18:

	=Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity=		=Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity=
	When a PT exam is launched, a ~~very~~ small file will be downloaded ~~and may~~ need to be manually ~~clicked~~ in order to launch the assessment. This file has a '.JNLP' extension and is should be associated with the JRE on the local computer. Chrome may not automatically recognize the file association. If that is the case, clicking the JNLP file from the Downloads folder or from the Chrome Download Bar will launch the assessment.		When a PT exam is launched, a small file will be downloaded which you will almost certainly need to manually click in order to launch the assessment. This file has a '.JNLP' extension and is should be associated with the JRE (Java) on the local computer. Chrome may not automatically recognize the file association. If that is the case, clicking the JNLP file from the Downloads folder or from the Chrome Download Bar will launch the assessment.

	The JNLP file is unique to the assessment and cannot be reused, even to continue an assessment that was previously started and left.		The JNLP file is unique to the assessment and cannot be reused, even to continue an assessment that was previously started and left.

BenFranske: /* Packet Tracer Assessment Activities */

2016-10-13T00:02:50Z

Packet Tracer Assessment Activities

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:02, 13 October 2016
Line 8:		Line 8:
	Packet Tracer is also used in some of the online assessments in the Cisco Networking Academy courses and you will need to have it installed for those exams. There are a few other pieces of software you need installed to make this work correctly and some tips for testing and troubleshooting your setup. Please do this before attempting an actual assessment.		Packet Tracer is also used in some of the online assessments in the Cisco Networking Academy courses and you will need to have it installed for those exams. There are a few other pieces of software you need installed to make this work correctly and some tips for testing and troubleshooting your setup. Please do this before attempting an actual assessment.

	To have Packet Tracer activities launch without issue, the following software must be installed on your computer:		=Installaing Packet Tracer and Configuring for Assessment Activities=
	* Cisco Packet Tracer. We recommend downloading the latest version of Packet Tracer as courses are designed and tested only with the latest version.		To have Packet Tracer activities launch without issue, the following software must be installed and configured on your computer:
			* Cisco Packet Tracer. We recommend downloading the latest version of Packet Tracer as courses are designed and tested only with the latest version. Packet Tracer can be found by logging in to the NetAcad site and scrolling down to the bottom of the page to the "Resources" section.
	** '''Note:''' If you have just installed Packet Tracer you will need to reboot your computer before completing a PT Practice SBA.		** '''Note:''' If you have just installed Packet Tracer you will need to reboot your computer before completing a PT Practice SBA.
	* Java ~~version 1.6~~ or higher - ~~The~~ latest version of Java ~~can be downloaded~~ from [http://www.java.com www.java.com].		* Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 7 or higher - You can check the version you have installed and install the latest version of Java from [http://www.java.com/verify www.java.com/verify].
	** '''Note:''' ~~Some versions of Java~~ may ~~need to have security settings adjusted~~ in ~~order~~ to ~~run unsigned applets from~~ the ~~Netacad site, see below~~.		* All ports on the PC between 39000 and 39009 must be open for localhost access.
	* Browser - The latest version of [~~http~~://~~getfirefox~~.~~com Firefox~~] ~~or IE~~		* All browsers on the computer must have the ".jnlp" filetype associated with the Java Web Start Launcher program.
	** '''Note:''' Chrome, Opera, Safari are '''NOT supported''' browsers.		** '''Note:''' This association may be automatically created in IE and Chrome. This mostly applies to Firefox and other OSes. In Firefox – Click on the Firefox Menu -> Options -> Applications. [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/applications-panel-set-how-firefox-handles-files More details]

	~~Once all of~~ the ~~software~~ has ~~been updated~~, ~~use~~ the PT Environment checker to verify that your system is ready to launch Packet Tracer activities. To access the Perform Packet Tracer Skills Assessment Environment Check, please follow the steps provided below:		=Testing and Launching a PT Assessment Activity=
			When a PT exam is launched, a very small file will be downloaded and may need to be manually clicked in order to launch the assessment. This file has a '.JNLP' extension and is should be associated with the JRE on the local computer. Chrome may not automatically recognize the file association. If that is the case, clicking the JNLP file from the Downloads folder or from the Chrome Download Bar will launch the assessment.

			The JNLP file is unique to the assessment and cannot be reused, even to continue an assessment that was previously started and left.

			Use the PT Environment checker to verify that your system is ready to launch Packet Tracer activities. To access the Perform Packet Tracer Skills Assessment Environment Check, please follow the steps provided below:

	# Log in to Cisco NetSpace.		# Log in to Cisco NetSpace.
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	# Click on the 'Perform Packet Tracer Skills Assessment Environment Check'.		# Click on the 'Perform Packet Tracer Skills Assessment Environment Check'.

	Alternatively you can [~~http~~://~~skills~~.netacad.net/check/check.html launch the Packet Tracer Skills Assessment Environment Check directly].		Alternatively you can [https://assessment.netacad.net/check/check.html launch the Packet Tracer Skills Assessment Environment Check directly].

	Note that the environment check does take a minute or two to complete.		Note that the environment check does take a minute or two to complete.

	~~==Java Security Issues==~~
	In current versions of JAVA you are not allowed to launch unsigned applets from websites. While this is a good idea from a security standpoint Cisco has not yet signed the JAVA applet which is used for Packet Tracer activities in exams. You will need to add the assessment site into the sites allowed to launch unsigned applets following these directions.

	# Open up the JAVA Control Panel. If you are not sure how to access this, JAVA provides step by step instruction on how to access the control panel: http://java.com/en/download/help/disable_browser.xml
	~~# Once the JAVA control panel window is open click on "Security" tab~~
	~~# Drag the Security bar from 'Very high' or 'High' to Medium.~~
	~~# Next click on 'Edit Site List'~~
	~~# In 'Edit Site List' add the following URL: https://assessment.netacad.net~~
	~~#* '''Note:''' This is a netacad.net site and not a netacad.com site~~
	~~# Click "OK"~~
	~~This should allow JAVA from load Packet Tracer activities and it should launch the program without any issues.~~