NetSim 10 User Manual PDF

10
User Manual
10K714A
Table of Contents
Boson NetSim Overview..........................................................................................................................................1
Using NetSim to Prepare for Your Certification....................................................................................................3
Contact Information..............................................................................................................................................4
NetSim Technical Support....................................................................................................................................4
License Solutions.................................................................................................................................................4
Getting Started..........................................................................................................................................................5
System Requirements..........................................................................................................................................5
Product Activation................................................................................................................................................5
Demo Version................................................................................................................................................6
Full Version....................................................................................................................................................6
Guided Tips..........................................................................................................................................................8
Home Component Tips..................................................................................................................................8
Lab Component Tips.....................................................................................................................................9
Designer Component Tips...........................................................................................................................10
Compiler Component Tips........................................................................................................................... 11
Begin a Lab............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Menus......................................................................................................................................................................12
Menu Bar...........................................................................................................................................................12
File Menu.....................................................................................................................................................12
New........................................................................................................................................................12
Open......................................................................................................................................................12
Save.......................................................................................................................................................12
Save As..................................................................................................................................................12
Save All..................................................................................................................................................12
Package Lab..........................................................................................................................................12
Import.....................................................................................................................................................12
Export....................................................................................................................................................12
Recent Saved Topologies......................................................................................................................13
Recent Saved Labs...............................................................................................................................13
Recent Loaded Labs..............................................................................................................................13
Exit.........................................................................................................................................................13
Edit Menu....................................................................................................................................................13
Proxy Settings........................................................................................................................................13
Preferences...........................................................................................................................................13
View Menu...................................................................................................................................................13
Current Mode.........................................................................................................................................13
Current View..........................................................................................................................................14
Toolbar...................................................................................................................................................14
Status Bar..............................................................................................................................................14
Auto Collapse Tree................................................................................................................................14
Auto Hide Menu.....................................................................................................................................14
Lab Menu.....................................................................................................................................................14
Load Lab . .............................................................................................................................................14
Grade Lab..............................................................................................................................................14
Launch External Lab Viewer..................................................................................................................14
Launch External NetMap Viewer...........................................................................................................14
Paste Router Configuration...................................................................................................................14
Open All Devices...................................................................................................................................15
ii Boson NetSim User Manual

Designer Menu............................................................................................................................................15
New Topology........................................................................................................................................15
Clear Topology.......................................................................................................................................15
Add........................................................................................................................................................15
Compiler Menu............................................................................................................................................15
New........................................................................................................................................................15
Edit.........................................................................................................................................................15
Delete....................................................................................................................................................15
Wizard....................................................................................................................................................15
Help Menu...................................................................................................................................................15
Guided Tips............................................................................................................................................16
Users Manual.........................................................................................................................................16
Support..................................................................................................................................................16
Activate Keys.........................................................................................................................................16
Check for Updates.................................................................................................................................16
About Boson NetSim.............................................................................................................................16
Release Notes.......................................................................................................................................16
Quick-Launch Toolbar........................................................................................................................................16
New Topology..............................................................................................................................................16
Open File.....................................................................................................................................................16
Save............................................................................................................................................................16
Save All........................................................................................................................................................16
Grade Lab....................................................................................................................................................16
Console to Device.......................................................................................................................................17
Zoom In.......................................................................................................................................................17
Zoom Out.....................................................................................................................................................17
Add New Device..........................................................................................................................................17
Add New Connection...................................................................................................................................17
Delete Selected...........................................................................................................................................17
Clear Topology.............................................................................................................................................17
Start Simulator.............................................................................................................................................17
Stop Simulator.............................................................................................................................................17
Launch Lab Compiler Wizard......................................................................................................................17
Move Selection Up......................................................................................................................................17
Move Selection Down..................................................................................................................................17
Check for Updates.......................................................................................................................................17
Edit Application Preferences........................................................................................................................18
Open User Manual......................................................................................................................................18
Exit Boson NetSim.......................................................................................................................................18
Navigation...............................................................................................................................................................18
Home.................................................................................................................................................................18
Saved Files..................................................................................................................................................19
Welcome......................................................................................................................................................19
News............................................................................................................................................................19
Labs...................................................................................................................................................................19
Lab Navigation.............................................................................................................................................20
Standard Tab.........................................................................................................................................20
Search Labs...................................................................................................................................20
Available Labs................................................................................................................................20
iii Boson NetSim User Manual

Lab Description...............................................................................................................................20
Courseware Tab.....................................................................................................................................20
Custom Tab............................................................................................................................................21
Lab Instructions / NetMap Section...............................................................................................................21
Lab Instructions Tab...............................................................................................................................21
NetMap Tab...........................................................................................................................................21
Consoles Section.........................................................................................................................................22
Console Window....................................................................................................................................23
Settings Button......................................................................................................................................23
SDM Button...........................................................................................................................................23
Network Designer..............................................................................................................................................23
Creating a New Topology.......................................................................................................................24
Add Devices...................................................................................................................................25
Add Connections............................................................................................................................27
Device Statistics....................................................................................................................................32
Save.......................................................................................................................................................32
Lab Compiler......................................................................................................................................................32
Compiling a Lab...........................................................................................................................................33
XPS File.................................................................................................................................................33
BSN Topology File.................................................................................................................................33
BSN Loading Configuration File............................................................................................................33
BSN Completed Configuration File........................................................................................................34
Creating a Custom Lab Pack.......................................................................................................................34
Using the Lab Compiler Wizard to Create a Lab Pack .........................................................................34
Manually Creating a Lab Pack...............................................................................................................35
Adding a Section to a Lab Pack.....................................................................................................35
Adding a Lab to a Lab Pack Section..............................................................................................36
Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................................................38
Some of my labs have locks next to them, and I cant work through them........................................................ 38
Commands seem to disappear when I press the Enter key on the number pad in Telnet mode....................... 38
Telnet is not working on my Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista computer............................................ 38
The Custom tab is empty...................................................................................................................................38
iv Boson NetSim User Manual

Boson NetSim Overview
The Boson NetSim Network Simulator, which includes the Boson Router Simulator, is unique compared to all
others on the market because of the functionality it supports and its features. NetSim utilizes Bosons proprietary
Network Simulator, Router Simulator, and EROUTER software technologies, along with the Boson Virtual
Packet Technology engine, to create individual packets. These packets are routed and switched through the
simulated network, allowing NetSim to build an appropriate virtual routing table and simulate true networking.
Other simulation products on the market do not support this level of functionality.
NetSim is a Windows-based product that simulates a wide variety of Cisco routers, including the 2500 series,
2600 series, 2800 series, and 3600 series routers, as well as the Cisco Catalyst 1900 series, 2900 series, and
3500 series switches. NetSim supports multiple routing protocols, including RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, BGP, and OSPF.
It supports different LAN/WAN protocols, including PPP/CHAP, ISDN, and Frame Relay. The labs in NetSim
require only the devices and functionality included with NetSimthey do not require access to any external router
or switch hardware. NetSim supports many, but not all, of the IOS commands available on a physical router or
switch. All of the commands referenced in the available labs are supported by NetSim.
Achieving Cisco CCENT, CCNA, or CCNP certification is the goal of many people who use this product. The
Boson NetSim covers not only the SWITCH (642-813), TSHOOT (642-832), and ROUTE (642-902) certifications
but also the ICND1 (100-101), ICND2 (200-101), and CCNA (200-120) certifications, among others. The included
labs guide you through the configuration of routers, switches, and workstations in a variety of scenarios. Installed
labs are made available (unlocked) depending on the activation key used to activate the product. All labs are
downloaded and kept up to date after installation regardless of the activation key used; however, the only labs
that are available are ones that have been unlocked with the associated activation keys.
Activation keys unlock labs and increase the number of available commands. Beginning with the Demo version
of NetSim 10, the command set is limited to those necessary to perform the steps in the lab. For example, if
you start your studies with a CCENT activation key, you will have the command set and labs available that are
necessary to study for that exam. When you are ready to study for either the CCNA or CCNP exam, you will need
to purchase a new activation key and activate NetSim with the new CCNA or CCNP activation key; then, more
labs and a larger command set become available.
Some of the labs available in the Sequential lab pack when a CCENT activation key has been used to activate
NetSim 10 are shown in the following graphic. A CCENT activation key also unlocks a selection of labs from the
Stand-Alone and Scenario lab packs. A small lock icon ( ) is displayed next to unavailable labs. Higher-level
activation keys allow you to work through all labs unlocked by lower-level activation keys. All demo, CCENT,
CCNA, and CCNP labs are unlocked when a CCNP-level activation key is used. Some lab packs are delivered by
NetSim to support other products that are sold separately. If you have questions about locked labs, please contact
[email protected].
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 can master the skills
needed to pass the simulation questions in the Cisco certification exams. NetSim has the ability to guide and
grade, and using it for practice can be more helpful than using real routers and switches. NetSim allows you to
gain experience without requiring you to purchase expensive equipment.
You can use the Boson NetSim to work through labs, but you can also use it for additional purposes. The included
full version of the Network Designer tool allows you to practice designing and planning a network. This tools
functionality goes beyond that of most tools because you can actually create the router configurations that are
going to be used, save those configurations, and practice using them on simulated devices.
Routing protocol implementation is one of the more challenging tasks you might 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 Network Designer and troubleshoot the problems without interfering with your
production network. Because NetSim is designed as a study tool for Cisco certification, you should not rely only
on NetSim to make decisions about a production network, but you might find it useful in your troubleshooting
efforts.
In summary, Boson NetSim is a flexible and powerful product that can help you become certified and, in some
cases, it 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.

Using NetSim to Prepare for Your Certification
By using NetSim to help you achieve a Cisco certification, you can learn and master the skills necessary to help
you successfully complete your certification track. The purpose of NetSim is to help you with the practical, hands-
on portion of your education and to ensure that you not only understand the concepts of routing but can actually
configure and implement routing on Cisco devices.
Mastering Cisco networking involves two fundamental tasks:
1. Learn the theory of routers and switches.

2. Gain the hands-on experience of implementing that theory by configuring the devices in a network and
testing them in a lab.
Self-studying for a Cisco certification can be a daunting task. The amount of information a CCNA candidate is
required to know and the skills that candidate is required to possess are quite extensive. To begin learning the
theory of configuring a network, you can find a good reference book or listen to an instructor. (Boson Training,
www.boson.com/boson-training, offers a full slate of classes and Bootcamps.) But a reference book might not be
enough. The book will not give you the practical, hands-on experience of routing and switching that you can learn
from NetSimexperience that will help you build on the theoretical knowledge you learned from the reference
book.
Real equipment gives you the ability to practice on physical routers and switches, but it also is a very costly
way to practice and leaves a lot of room for error. The Boson NetSim, on the other hand, is an excellent tool to
help you prepare for the CCNA (www.boson.com/certification/CCNA) and CCNP (www.boson.com/certification/
CCNP) exams. NetSim simulates the behavior of a network and does not just return preprogrammed responses
to expected command inputs. It allows you to create virtual packets and virtual frames that will be routed and
switched through the simulated network. Aside from physically plugging in the cables and listening to the
fan noise, your experience with the simulated network will be much the same as your experience with a fully
functional lab rack without the expense of the hardware. NetSim will enable you to practice various configurations
and master helpful skills.
Once you feel you have mastered both the theory (www.boson.com/boson-training) and the practical labs (www.
boson.com/netsim-cisco-network-simulator), you can test your knowledge by using the Boson ExSim-Max
practice exam products available at the ExSim-Max home page (www.boson.com/exsim-max-practice-exams).
Boson ExSim-Max products include complex multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions, Boson NetSimX
simulation questions, and trouble tickets.
The Boson NetSim Network Simulator is the most comprehensive product on the market for learning how to
configure a Cisco router. The Boson NetSim will not only help you become certified, it will help you learn and
understand how to configure routers, switches, and networks.

Contact Information
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 877-333-EXAM (3926)
615-889-0121
FAX: 615-889-0122
ADDRESS: 25 Century Blvd. Ste. 500
Nashville, TN 37214
Copyright 1996 2014 Boson Software, LLC. All rights reserved. NetSim software and documentation are
protected by copyright law.
NetSim Technical Support

To review NetSim support topics, go to the NetSim Products Support Topics page (www.boson.com/
support/netsim-support-topics).
To submit a support ticket, go to Bosons Web site (www.boson.com) > log in to your account > click the
Support Tickets tab > start a new ticket.
License Solutions
Single-User License Agreement (SULA) You can review the SULA here (www.boson.com/sula).
License Server For our unique license-server solutions and volume discounts, contact us at www.
boson.com, 877-333-EXAM (3629) or [email protected].

Getting Started
System Requirements
Supported operating systems: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
.NET Framework: Microsoft .NET Framework Version 4.0
Processor: 1-GHz Pentium processor or equivalent (minimum); 3-GHz Pentium processor or equivalent
(recommended)
RAM: 512 MB (minimum); 2 GB (recommended)
Hard Disk: Up to 100 MB of available space
Display: 1024 x 768, 256 colors (minimum); 1024 x 768 high color, 32-bit (recommended)
Active Internet connection
Product Activation
You must have a Boson account to download the NetSim Demo. To create a free account, visit the Boson Online
Account page (www.boson.com/Account/Default.aspx) and enter a valid e-mail address to begin creating an
account.
You can open NetSim from the shortcut installed during the download or from the Start menu by clicking Boson
Software > Boson NetSim 10.0 > Boson NetSim. If you are a student using NetSim 10 at a learning institution,
you should launch NetSim 10 from the Start menu by clicking Boson Software > Boson NetSim 10.0 > Boson
NetSim LS Client. This will enable you to configure NetSim 10 to authenticate with the Boson NetSim License
Server.
When you first open NetSim, you will be presented with the NetSim Activation Wizard dialog box. You can select
the Demo version of NetSim or a full version of NetSim.

Demo Version
Demo mode launches NetSim with limited commands for evaluation purposes. You will be asked to select how
you are connected to the Internet. If you are using a proxy server, you must configure the appropriate settings.
When prompted, enter the e-mail address and password associated with your Boson.com account. If you have
not previously created a Boson.com account, you can create one through the NetSim Activation Wizard.
Within the Demo version of NetSim, only a few labs and commands are available. If you would like to access
additional labs and commands, you must activate a full version of the Boson NetSim.
If you have not purchased an activation key for NetSim, you will not be able to activate the full version of NetSim.
However, you can choose to continue in Demo mode. When you are running the Demo version, only the Demo
labs and a limited set of commands are functional. To purchase the full version of NetSim, visit the About NetSim
page (www.boson.com/netsim-cisco-network-simulator) of the Boson Web site.
Full Version
To activate a full version of NetSim, you should select the I want to activate NetSim option from the NetSim
Activation Wizard dialog box and click Next. When prompted, enter the e-mail address and password associated
with your Boson.com account. If you have not previously created a Boson.com account, you can create one from
the Boson Online Account page (www.boson.com/Account/Default.aspx).

You will then be required to enter your activation key(s) to activate NetSim and to unlock the lab packs you
purchased. After entering your activation key(s), click Activate.
The activation key(s) should be in the purchase receipt you received via e-mail, or you can find the receipt online
on your Boson Online Account page (www.boson.com/Account/Default.aspx). To activate a full version of NetSim
online, you must have an active Internet connection; if you do not have an active Internet connection, you can use
manual activation to activate offline.
If you have previously activated NetSim with another key and would like to see that key, you can clear the Hide
previously activated NetSim keys option; the Hide option is enabled by default. Additionally, if you have multiple
keys that you would like to use to activate NetSim, you can click the Add Field button to add fields to the dialog
box. If you open NetSim and are not prompted to activate, either because you previously used the Demo version
or because you activated with a different activation key, you can click Help > Activate Keys to open the Activate
Keys dialog box. You can click the Credentials button to verify that the associated account is your Boson.com
account.
If necessary, click Close to proceed to the full version of NetSim.
After a successful activation, the lab packs will be updated and NetSim will be ready for you to use. Installed labs
are made available (unlocked) depending on the activation key used to activate the product. A small lock icon ( )
is displayed next to unavailable labs. To make locked labs available, you will need to purchase and enter the new
activation key; then, more labs and a larger command set become available.

Guided Tips
After you have activated NetSim (either the Demo version or a full version), you will see various dialog boxes
with useful information about the features of NetSim. These tips will guide you through the Home panel, the Labs
panel, the Network Designer panel, and the Lab Compiler panel.
Home Component Tips

The Home Component Tips highlight and describe aspects of the Home panel. You can read the tips within
the dialog box, and you can see the areas described within the text by looking for the highlighted portion of the
screen. In the following graphic, the four navigation buttons are highlighted in the lower-left corner of the screen:
You can scroll through the tips by clicking the Back and Next buttons. If you do not want to view the tips the next
time you launch NetSim, you can disable the tips by selecting the Disable Tips check box.

Lab Component Tips
The Lab Component Tips highlight and describe aspects of the Labs panel. You can read the tips within the dialog
box, and you can see the areas described within the text by looking for highlighted portion of the screen. In the
following graphic, the available locked and unlocked labs area is highlighted:

Designer Component Tips
The Designer Component Tips highlight and describe aspects of the Network Designer panel. You can read the
tips within the dialog box, and you can see the areas described within the text by looking for highlighted portion of
the screen. In the example below, the NetMap area is highlighted:
10 Boson NetSim User Manual

Compiler Component Tips
The Compiler Component Tips highlight and describe aspects of the Lab Compiler panel. You can read the tips
within the dialog box, and you can see the areas described within the text by looking for highlighted portion of
the screen. Any custom labs that you have created or are creating will appear in the section highlighted in the
following graphic:
To close the Guided Tips, click Close and confirm that you want to exit the tips.
Begin a Lab
To begin a preloaded Boson NetSim lab, perform the following steps:
1. On the navigation pane, click Labs.
2. On the Standard tab, double-click the lab you want to open.
3. After you have loaded a lab, click the Lab Instructions tab and read through the lab instructions.

4. From the Devices drop-down menu in the Consoles section, select the device(s) that you need to
configure in order to complete the lab and follow the steps in the lab.
5. When you have completed the lab, click the Grade Lab icon ( ) on the toolbar to ensure that you have
completed the lab successfully.
6. You can choose to save your configurations by selecting the appropriate Save option from the File menu.
There is more information about saving device configurations in the Network Designer section or the
Quick-Launch Toolbar section of this manual.
Menus
The menu options in NetSim 10 enable you to easily navigate through the labs, the NetMap and Network
Designer, the Lab Compiler, the Consoles section, and more. These menus include the Menu Bar and the Quick-
Launch Toolbar.
Menu Bar
File Menu
The options in this menu tree enable you to open configuration files, open topology files, save configuration files,
save topology files, import and export labs, and exit the program.
New
This option opens a new topology in the Network Designer.
Open
This option enables you to select a file to open. The supported file extensions are *.lab and *.bsn.
Save
This option enables you to save your current lab or topology and configurations. Files are saved with the *.lab
or *.bsn extension.
Save As
This option enables you to save your current lab or topology and configurations. Files are saved with the *.lab
or *.bsn extension.
Save All
This option enables you to save all unsaved lab, topology, and/or configurations that are currently open. Files
are saved with the *.lab or *.bsn extension.
Package Lab
This option is primarily for License Server users and enables those users to save the current lab. This option
adds user data so that instructors know who submitted the labs.
Import
This option imports network configurations, a previously saved lab, a previously saved lab pack, or legacy
NetSim files.
Export
This option exports the network configurations currently running in the simulator, a lab or lab pack created
with the Lab Compiler, or the current topology in the Network Designer.

Recent Saved Topologies
If you recently saved a topology, it will appear in this list. You can click a file name to open the topology.
Recent Saved Labs
If you recently saved a lab, it will appear in this list. You can click a file name to open the lab.
Recent Loaded Labs
If you recently loaded a lab, it will appear in this list. You can click a file name to open the lab.
Exit
This option closes the program.
Edit Menu
The options in this menu tree enable you to configure proxy settings and change your preferences.
Proxy Settings
This option enables you to configure proxy settings for an Internet connection.
Preferences
This option opens the Preferences dialog box, from which you can configure the appearance of NetSim, the
user experience (including the layout and dialogs), and the proxy settings. You can also configure the lab to
load with the instructions in a separate window (see more information in the Lab Instructions Tab section),
and you can configure the lab to load with a tab open for all devices in the associated topology (see more
information in the Lab Menu section). This also enables you to restore program defaults.
View Menu
The options in this menu tree enable you to alter the way you view the panels within NetSim.
Current Mode
This option enables you to select the way you view the consoles of the devices you are configuring in a lab.
In Window mode, each device is accessible on the Consoles section of the Labs panel. In Telnet mode, each
device is accessible through a separate Telnet window for each device.

Current View
This option enables you to switch among the options on the navigation pane: Home, Labs, Network Designer,
and Lab Compiler.
Toolbar
Clear this option to hide the Quick-Launch toolbar. Select this option to restore the Quick-Launch toolbar.
Status Bar
Clear this option to hide the status bar at the bottom of the screen. Select this option to restore the status bar.
Auto Collapse Tree
Clear this option to expand all options in the lab menu. Select this option to collapse all options in the lab
menu.
Auto Hide Menu
When this option is enabled, press the tilde key (~) to hide or display the Menu Bar. To disable the auto hide
functionality, clear this option.
Lab Menu
This menu tree enables you to perform all the functions you need once a lab is loaded.
Load Lab
After you select a lab from the navigation pane, click this option to load the lab instructions, topology, and
configurations.
Grade Lab
After you have completed a lab, click this option to verify that you have completed the lab successfully.
Launch External Lab Viewer
Click this option to open the lab instructions in a new window. You can then move the instructions to a second
monitor or place them beside, above, or below the original NetSim window. This feature provides multimonitor
support so that you can view the lab document on one monitor while entering commands on a second
monitor.
Launch External NetMap Viewer
Click this option to open the NetMap in a new window. You can then move the NetMap to a second monitor
or place the NetMap, which displays the topology, beside, above, or below the original NetSim window. This
feature provides multimonitor support so that you can maximize the use of your computer real estate and
easily view the topology on one monitor while entering commands on a second monitor.
Paste Router Configuration
This option allows you to paste the running configuration from a real router into a device in NetSim. Selecting
this menu option when a lab is loaded will open a dialog box into which you can paste or type the desired
configuration. The configuration will be loaded into the active device in the NetSim interface.

Open All Devices
Click this option to open a tab in the Consoles section for every device in the network of the currently loaded
topology. You can selectively close individual devices by clicking the close icon ( ).
Designer Menu
The options in this menu enable you to create a new topology and modify existing ones. You can add devices and
connections to the topology in Network Designer, and you can also click and drag the devices to rearrange your
simulated network.
New Topology
This option enables you to begin designing a new topology.
Clear Topology
This option enables you to clear the topology you are creating. You will be asked to confirm that you want to
clear the topology.
Add
This option enables you to add devices and connections to your topology. Clicking Add > Device will
open the Add Device dialog box, from which you can choose the device you want to add. Clicking Add >
Connection after you have added at least two devices and selected one on the topology will open the New
Connection dialog box, from which you can choose the connection type and interfaces.
Compiler Menu
The options in this menu tree enable you to create a new lab pack for personal or instructional use.
New
This option enables you to select a new custom lab pack, a new lab, or a new section. To view the new lab
pack, click the Lab Compiler button. More information can be found in the Compiling a Lab section of this
manual.
Edit
This option enables you to edit the title of previously created custom sections or lab packs and enables you to
edit previously created custom labs.
Delete
This option deletes the selected lab pack, section, or lab. You will be asked to confirm that you want to delete
the selected component.
Wizard
This option launches the Lab Compiler Wizard, which enables you to easily compile a lab pack for personal or
instructional use.
Help Menu
The options in this menu tree enable you to find out more information about the Boson NetSim Network Simulator
and how to find support if you need it.

Guided Tips
This option opens the Guided Tips. The Guided Tips appear when you first open and activate NetSim and
guide you through the various features of NetSim. You can scroll through the tips by clicking the Back and
Next buttons, and you can disable the tips by selecting the Disable Tips check box and confirming that you
want to disable them. To see more details about the Guided Tips, see the Guided Tips section of this manual.
Users Manual
This option opens the Boson NetSim User Manual, the document you are reading now, which guides you
through the features and functionalities of NetSim.
Support
This option displays frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Boson NetSim support page (www.boson.com/
support/netsim-support-topics), allows you to save your current log files in the *.zip format, and allows you to
submit a ticket through your Boson.com account.
Activate Keys
This option opens the Activate Keys dialog box. From here, you can activate additional versions of NetSim
and the associated labs.
Check for Updates
This option closes NetSim and downloads any available updates.
About Boson NetSim
This option displays basic information about NetSim, including the version and company information.
Release Notes
This option displays information about the changes included in the current and previous releases of NetSim.
The release notes are shown after the program has been updated. You can choose to not have the release
notes appear after the program has updated by clearing the Display release notes after application
updates check box. You can change the option at any time.
Quick-Launch Toolbar
Icons in the Quick-Launch toolbar are enabled or disabled depending on the pane in use.
New Topology
Click the New Topology icon ( ) to open the Network Designer and begin creating a topology.
Open File
Click the Open File icon ( ) to open a supported file. Supported file types are *.lab and *.bsn.
Save
Click the Save icon ( ) to save your current lab progress (*.lab) or configurations and topology (*.bsn).
Save All
Click the Save All icon ( ) to save all changes, including changes to devices in the Network Designer and
changes to their configurations.
Grade Lab
Click the Grade Lab icon ( ) to grade the currently loaded lab.

Console to Device
Click the Console to Device icon ( ) to open a device from the NetMap in the Consoles section.
Zoom In
Click the Zoom In icon ( ) to increase the size of devices on the NetMap or on the active topology in Network
Designer.
Zoom Out
Click the Zoom Out icon ( ) to decrease the size of devices on the NetMap or on the active topology in Network
Designer.
Add New Device

Click the Add New Device icon ( ) to add a new device to the to the active topology in Network Designer.
Add New Connection

Click the Add New Connection icon ( ) to add a new connection between two devices on the active topology in
Network Designer.
Delete Selected
Click the Delete Selected icon ( ) to delete a selected device from the active topology in Network Designer.
Clear Topology
Click the Clear Topology icon ( ) to delete all devices and connections from the active topology in Network
Designer.
Start Simulator
Click the Start Simulator icon ( ) to load the active topology into the simulator, open the Consoles section, and
begin configuring device. This option is disabled in Demo mode and in labs that are included in NetSim.
Stop Simulator
Click the Stop Simulator icon ( ) to stop the simulator and to reopen Network Designer, where you can
reconfigure the devices and connections. This option is disabled in Demo mode and in labs that are included in
NetSim.
Launch Lab Compiler Wizard

Click the Launch Lab Compiler Wizard icon ( ) to launch the Lab Compiler Wizard.
Move Selection Up
Click the Move Selection Up icon ( ) to move the selected lab pack, lab section, or lab up a position in the Lab
Tree.
Move Selection Down

Click the Move Selection Down icon ( ) to move the selected lab pack, lab section, or lab down a position in the
Lab Tree.
Check for Updates

Click the Check for Updates icon ( ) to force Boson NetSim to check for updates.

Edit Application Preferences
Click the Edit Application Preferences icon ( ) to configure preferences such as appearance and user
experience.
Open User Manual

Click the Open User Manual icon ( ) to view the Boson NetSim 10 User Manual, which is the document you are
currently reading.
Exit Boson NetSim

Click the Exit Boson NetSim icon ( ) to exit Boson NetSim.
Navigation
Home
You can open the Home panel by clicking Home on the navigation pane. There are many components of this
panel and various features that you can access from this panel. After NetSim loads, you can perform various
tasks by clicking the name of a recently loaded topology or lab, selecting a quick option such as checking for
updates or opening the NetSim 10 User Manual (this document), or accessing a different panel by clicking Labs,
Network Designer, or Lab Compiler.

Saved Files
From this section, you can quickly load a saved topology, saved lab, or recent lab.
Welcome
From this, the largest section, you can load a lab, create a new topology, compile a custom lab, and more.
News
This section displays updates and special offers from the Boson Web site (www.boson.com). You can scroll
through this section to see the latest news and information, and you can click more to view the related offer on
the Web site. If you are not connected to the Internet, you might not see any news in this section. To see the latest
news from Boson, make sure that you are connected to the Internet.
Labs
You can open the Labs panel by clicking Labs on the navigation pane. This panel contains three sections: the
Lab Navigation section, the Lab Instructions / NetMap section, and the Consoles section. You can click and
drag the splitter control between the Lab Instructions / NetMap section and the Consoles section to increase or
decrease the size of those sections.

Lab Navigation
Standard Tab
There are three main sections on this tab: Search Labs, Available Labs, and Lab Description.
Search Labs
You can use the Search Labs section to search for a specific term within a lab description. You can search
throughout all the available labs. For example, if you want to test your Network Address Translation (NAT)
skills on labs dealing with NAT, you could type NAT in the search box and press the Enter key. You will see
labs addressing NAT from the ICND1 Stand-Alone, Sequential, and Scenario lab packs, among others. Note
that although the search returned results from additional lab packs, only labs from the currently activated
version of NetSim will be available.
Available Labs
There are over 200 labs in NetSim 10, and these labs are arranged in specific categories. The lab packs are
Demo, ICND1, ICND2, ROUTE, SWITCH, TSHOOT, and Supplemental. To open a lab on the NetMap tab
and in the Consoles section and to view the lab instructions, double-click the lab or select the lab and click
Lab > Load Lab. You can expand or collapse the menu items by clicking the arrow next to each category.
Lab Description
The information in this section contains a brief description of the lab. Click an individual lab to view summary
information about the lab.
Courseware Tab
Courseware labs will be locked unless you have purchased activation keys for the specific labs. Courseware
labs are available for purchase on the Courseware page of the Boson.com Web site (http://www.boson.com/
courseware-cisco-curriculum). The sections on this tab are the same as the sections on the Standard tab.

Custom Tab
Custom labs are those that you create or that are provided by an instructor. To learn how to compile your own
labs using NetSim, see the Compiling a Lab section of this manual. The sections on this tab are the same as
the sections on the Standard tab.
Lab Instructions / NetMap Section

Lab Instructions Tab
Until you load a lab, this section is blank. When you load a lab, the instructions appear here. You can scroll
through the instructions as you work through the lab, and you can increase or decrease the size of the
content with the zoom controls or by clicking and dragging the splitter control between the Lab Instructions /
NetMap section and the Consoles section.
You can type text into the search box to find specific terms in the lab. You can click the down arrow on the far
right of the search box to choose to match the whole word only or to match case. Use the left and right arrows
next to the search box to find the terms you are searching for throughout the document.
Note: If you have selected to match case, for example, and then decide to match the whole word only and
not case, you must click Match case again to remove it as a selected search parameter.
You can also launch the external lab viewer to view the instructions in a separate window. You can launch the
external lab viewer by clicking Lab > Launch External Viewer or by clicking the dialog box launcher icon
( ) on the Lab Instructions tab.
NetMap Tab
You can view the topology of the currently loaded lab on this tab. To configure a device, right-click the device
and click Configure in Simulator; the device will open in the Consoles section. If you cannot see all the
devices in the topology, you can launch the external NetMap viewer ( ) to view the NetMap in a separate
window. You can also use the zoom controls on the Quick-Launch toolbar or click and drag the splitter control
between the Lab Instructions / NetMap section and the Consoles section to expand it.

Note: If you have a scroll button on your mouse, you can use it to increase or decrease the size of the
devices in the NetMap section. You can also click and drag within the section to reposition the
topology.
The NetMap is the read-only view of the topology currently running in the simulator. If you wish to edit a
custom topology, you can do so by accessing it in the Network Designer.
Consoles Section
After you have opened a lab from the Standard tab or the Custom tab, you can view the device consoles and
begin performing the lab steps. You will see the console window, the Devices drop-down menu, the Settings
button, and device tabs.
Note: To ensure that you can see the available device consoles, click the arrow next to Consoles or
click and drag the splitter control between the Lab Instructions / NetMap section and the
Consoles section.

Console Window
From the console window, you can modify the devices and perform the steps in the instructions. The devices
in the lab can be accessed from the drop-down menu at the top of the section or from the lower tab menu.
Select a specific device to begin performing the lab steps on that device.
Settings Button
The Settings button at the top of the Consoles section enables you to customize the appearance of the
console window. You can select the font family, size, and weight and change the foreground and background
colors. Click OK to apply the settings or Cancel to cancel the changes.
Note: Fixed-width fonts such as Courier New are highly recommended. With fixed-width fonts, output
remains properly aligned and is easier to read and interpret.
SDM Button
The SDM button, when available, enables you to access NetSim Router and Security Device Manager (SDM).
SDM is used in certain standard labs that are included with NetSim. This feature, available from a workstation
only, is visible only in certain labs and is not available for custom labs.
Network Designer
You can access the Network Designer by clicking Network Designer on the navigation pane. There are three
sections, Recent Devices, Available Devices, and the NetMap. The Recent Devices section shows the five
devices you most recently added to the NetMap. The Available Devices section shows all devices that are
available to add to the NetMap; you can use the options here to create a customized network topology with
devices such as routers, switches, and PC workstations and with connections such as FastEthernet, Serial, and
Frame Relay connections. Click and drag devices from the Recent Devices section to the Available Devices
section to the NetMap. You can use the Network Designer to modify a topology by adding, editing, and deleting
devices and connections; when you save and load a topology, the topology will appear on the read-only NetMap
tab.

The Network Designer panel is shown below:
Creating a New Topology

If you are creating a custom lab or want to gain extra experience with new topologies, you can use NetSim to
create topologies with up to 100 devices. Note, however, that larger topologies might cause slow performance
on computers that do not have sufficient processing power and memory. You can use this feature to create a
topology file (*.bsn) that can be used in a custom lab. To learn more, see the Compiling a Lab section of this
manual or open and perform the NetSim Topology Demo lab for a walkthrough of the feature.
To create a new simulated network topology, perform the following steps.
1. Click Network Designer on the navigation pane.
Note: You can rename a New Topology tab by double-clicking the current name on the tab and
modifying it.
2. Add devices, including routers, switches, workstations, and IP phones, to the topology.
3. Add connections, including Serial, FastEthernet, and Frame Relay connections, between the devices you
added to the topology.

Add Devices
Add a Router
1. Click the Add New Device icon ( ) on the toolbar.
2. Choose a router from the resulting Add Device dialog box. The menus for the available devices are
minimized by default, but you can expand them by clicking the arrow next to each category.
3. Select the number of add-ons (if available) and the type of connection (if available) for each add-on.
4. Choose a name for the router; you can use the default name or type a name in the text box. You can
rename a device if desired by clicking the name in the NetMap and modifying it.
5. Click Create Router.
6. Add any additional desired devices to the network.
Add a Switch

2. Choose a switch from the resulting Add Device dialog box. The menus for the available devices are
minimized by default, but you can expand them by clicking the arrow next to each category.
3. Choose a name for the switch; you can use the default name or type a name in the text box. You can
4. Click Create Switch.
Add a Workstation
2. Choose a workstation from the Other Devices category in the resulting Add Device dialog box. The
menus for the available devices are minimized by default, but you can expand them by clicking the
arrow next to each category.
3. If you have added the WinPC device, select a PC option if desired. You can choose from
TFTP Server, AAA Server, and VPN Client). Traffic Generator is only configurable by Boson
programmers.

4. Choose a name for the workstation; you can use the default name or type a name in the text box. You
can rename a device if desired by clicking the name in the NetMap and modifying it.
5. Click Create PC.
Add an IP Phone
2. Choose an IP phone from the Other Devices category in the resulting Add Device dialog box. The
menus for the available devices are minimized by default, but you can expand them by clicking the
arrow next to each category.
3. Choose a name for the phone; you can use the default name or type a name in the text box. You can
4. Click Create 7961.
Add Connections
To complete the network, right-click each device on the NetMap. You will see a menu with four options:
Configure in Simulator, New Connection, Existing Connections, and Delete.
Configure in Simulator
When the topology is loaded into the simulator, clicking this option opens a console session to the selected
device.
New Connection
Configure a new connection for a device by performing the following steps:

1. Click the Add New Connection icon ( ) on the toolbar.

2. In the New Connection dialog box, select an interface type from the Interface type drop-down box.
3. Select a local interface (if available), a remote device (if available), and a remote interface (if
available).
4. After configuring the desired connection, click Connect. The new connection will appear on the
NetMap.
Frame Relay Connections

To create a Frame Relay connection, perform the following steps:
1. Add routers to the topology; the routers to be included in the Frame Relay connection must have
Serial interfaces.
2. Click the Add New Connection icon ( ) on the toolbar.
3. Select the Frame Relay radio button and the appropriate remote device.
4. Click Connect.

5. In the Frame Relay dialog box, type a name for the Frame Relay node in the Name field.
6. Select an option from the Number of Nodes; the number represents the number of routers that will
participate in the Frame Relay connection.
7. For each node, select the associated router and interface next to From: 1st Router and From:
Interface. Note that the To: DLCI Destination field becomes populated with device names.
Note: You must select a different router for each node.

8. For each node, assign a DLCI value in each To: DLCI Destination field for the remote routers. For
example, for the link from Router1 to Router2, you could use 102.
Note: The DLCI value must be a numerical value.
9. Click Apply Settings. The exhibit below shows a completed Frame Relay connection:

Existing Connections
In the Existing Connections dialog box, you can see the type of device and the currently connected
interfaces. You can access the Existing Connections dialog box by right-clicking a device on the NetMap
and selecting Existing Connections.
CAUTION: There is no undo and no confirmation dialog box; be sure that you really want to delete a
connection before clicking Delete.
To delete a connection, click to highlight the connection and click Delete. To save the connection, highlight
the connection and click Save.
Delete
CAUTION: There is no undo and no confirmation dialog box; be sure that you really want to delete the
selected device and associated connections before clicking Delete.
You can delete a connection by clicking the Delete Selected icon ( ) on the toolbar. This deletes the device
and associated connection(s) from the topology.
You can also clear the NetMap by clicking the Clear Topology icon ( ) on the toolbar.
If you are creating a custom lab and compiling it for use by other NetSim users, see the Compiling a Lab section
to continue creating the lab pack.

Device Statistics
You can use your mouse to hover over a device on the NetMap and then click Device Statistics to view
statistics that are specific for that device. In the exhibit below, you can see the statistics for Router1:
Save
You can save your topology by clicking the Save icon ( ) on the toolbar.
Lab Compiler
The Lab Compiler can be used to create, edit, and delete custom lab packs that contain personalized
documentation, topologies, and configurations. For example, you can use the Lab Compiler to create a custom
lab pack for a classroom setting and include a custom network topology, documentation, grading functionality, and
beginning configurations for students to practice with. The Lab Compiler is included in every version of NetSim.
Classroom instructors commonly create custom labs that can be used both in the classroom and as homework
assignments that follow the syllabus used in the course. Students can use homework assignments to practice the
commands and configurations they learned in class and to prepare for the topics covered in the next days lecture.
An instructor can add multiple labs to a single lab pack, covering a variety of concepts, and use custom labs to
test the students knowledge about specific networking concepts.

The Lab Compiler panel is shown below:
Compiling a Lab
A completed lab must contain two files: an XPS file for the instructions and a BSN file for the completed
configurations.
XPS File
On most Windows systems, an XPS file can be created from a word processing program by using the Print
feature. For example, in Microsoft Word, you can create and save a Word document and then select the Print
option. You should be able to select Microsoft XPS Document Writer from the Printer Name drop-down
box. You should save this in a folder with the title of your lab and in a place you will remember. You can then
save all other associated files in the same location.
BSN Topology File
A BSN file can be created within NetSim. The BSN file contains a topology and, optionally, personalized
configurations. To create the topology to be contained within the BSN file, see the Creating a New Topology
section. If you save the topology without modifying the configurations in the simulator, the default settings will
be included on all devices.
BSN Loading Configuration File
To create a loading.bsn file, you should configure the loading configurations of the devices by performing the

following steps:
1. Ensure that the topology related to the lab is open in the Network Designer.
2. Click the Start Simulator icon ( ) on the toolbar to run the topology in the simulator.
3. Enter the commands necessary to achieve the beginning configuration state you desire on each device.
4. Click the Save icon ( ) on the toolbar to save the file as loading.bsn.
Note: Boson recommends saving loading BSN files with the file name loading and saving completed
BSN files with the file name completed so that you can easily distinguish loading BSN files from
completed BSN files.
BSN Completed Configuration File

The completed BSN file contains the completed configurations of all devices in your topology. To configure a
completed BSN configuration file, perform the following steps:
1. Click the Open File icon ( ) to open the BSN topology file you previously created.
2. Click the Start Simulator icon ( ) on the toolbar to run the topology in the simulator.
3. Enter the commands necessary to achieve the final configuration state on each device. After a user
completes your lab according to the lab instructions you provide, the user will be able to grade the
commands he or she entered against the set of configurations you are currently creating.
4. Click File > Save As to save the completed.bsn file as a separate file from any other BSN files.
Creating a Custom Lab Pack

A lab pack is made up of one or more labs organized into sections. At least one section is required. To create a
custom lab pack, you need to create a new lab pack, create a new section, and then compile a new lab. You can
either use the Lab Compiler Wizard or create a lab pack manually.
Using the Lab Compiler Wizard to Create a Lab Pack
1. Click the Launch Wizard button at the bottom of the Lab Compiler pane.
2. Enter a title in the Lab Pack Title field, and click Next.
3. Enter a section title in the Section Title field, enter a lab title in the Lab Title field, and click Next.
4. Click the Browse buttons, and select the appropriate lab guide documentation (*.xps) and completed
network files (*.bsn) you created and stored on your computer. Click Next.
Note: To learn how to create completed network files (*.bsn), see the BSN Completed Configuration File
section in this manual.

5. If desired, select a loading file (*.bsn) and click Next.
6. If desired, type a description and click Next.
7. Click Finish to return to the Lab Compiler main page.
After you create a lab pack by using the Lab Compiler Wizard, you should see the lab in the navigation pane. You
can double-click a lab to open it, or you can click New Section or New Lab to continue creating the lab pack.
Manually Creating a Lab Pack

1. Click Lab Compiler in the navigation pane.
2. Click New Lab Pack in the Getting Started section.
3. Enter a name for the lab pack. This is a lab pack title that will be displayed in the tree.
4. Click Save.
Adding a Section to a Lab Pack

1. In the custom lab tree on the left, select the title of the lab pack where you want to add a new section.
2. Click New Section in the Getting Started section.
3. Enter a name for the section. This is a section title that will be displayed in the tree.

4. Click Save.
Adding a Lab to a Lab Pack Section

1. In the custom lab tree on the left, select the title of the section where you want to add a new lab.
2. Click New Lab in the Getting Started section.
3. Enter a name for the lab. This is a lab title that will be displayed in the tree.
4. Add a completed Boson Network file (.bsn).
5. Add a document. The only document files accepted are XPS documents (.xps).
You may optionally add a description and a loading BSN file to the lab. If neither file is desired, proceed to
step 9.
6. Click Optional Fields in the Lab section.
7. Enter a description for the lab. A description is displayed for every lab underneath the Lab Tree.
8. Add a loading Boson Network file (.bsn). The topology in the specified loading file must match the
topology in the completed file from step 4. You will receive an error message if the topologies do not
match.

9. Click Save.
10. To add additional labs to the lab pack section, repeat steps 1 through 9 until the lab pack section is
complete.
11. You can edit, add, delete, import, and export lab packs, sections, and labs with the options on the
Compiler menu and on the Quick-Launch toolbar.

Troubleshooting
Some of my labs have locks next to them, and I cant work through
them
The activation key you purchased unlocks the labs and the commands that are included with that level of NetSim
10. If a lab is unavailable with the activation key you purchased, you will see a small lock icon ( ) next to that lab.
You can purchase higher-level activation keys, which will allow you to work through additional labs plus all labs
unlocked by lower-level activation keys. All demo, CCENT, CCNA, and CCNP labs are unlocked when a CCNP-
level activation key is used. Additional labs are unlocked with the appropriate activation key; if you have questions
about locked labs, please contact [email protected]. Only the Demo labs are available without an activation
key.
Commands seem to disappear when I press the Enter key on the

number pad in Telnet mode
To ensure that the Enter key on the number pad works correctly every time you press it, you should open a
command dialog box from the Run box in the Start menu, type telnet, press the Ctrl key and the right bracket key
( ] ), type unset crlf, press Enter, and press Enter again. To see more information about this issue, see the related
support topic on the NetSim Support page (www.boson.com/support/netsim-support-topics).
Telnet is not working on my Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista

computer
Telnet is disabled by default on Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista. To enable Telnet for these operating
systems, you should perform the following steps.
1. Open Control Panel from the Start menu.

2. In Control Panel, select the Programs or Programs and Features option.
3. On the Programs panel, click the Turn Windows features on or off option.
4. In the Windows Features dialog box, select Telnet Client and then click OK.
5. If you receive a Windows Security Alert, ensure that Private networks, such as my home or work
network is selected and click Allow Access.
To see more information about this issue, see the related support topic on the NetSim Support page (www.boson.
com/support/netsim-support-topics).
The Custom tab is empty

You will see labs on the Custom tab of the Labs panel only if you have imported labs you received from another
NetSim user or from an instructor or if you have created your own labs. To find out how to import labs or how to
create your own labs, see the Compiling a Lab section of this manual.
Copyright 1996 2014 Boson Software, LLC. All rights reserved. NetSim software and documentation are protected by copyright law.

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ii Boson NetSim User Manual

iii Boson NetSim User Manual

iv Boson NetSim User Manual

 Boson NetSim User Manual

 Boson NetSim User Manual

Mastering Cisco networking involves two fundamental tasks:

1. Learn the theory of routers and switches.

 Boson NetSim User Manual

NetSim Technical Support

 Boson NetSim User Manual

 Boson NetSim User Manual

 Boson NetSim User Manual

If necessary, click Close to proceed to the full version of NetSim.

 Boson NetSim User Manual

Home Component Tips

 Boson NetSim User Manual

 Boson NetSim User Manual

10 Boson NetSim User Manual

2. On the Standard tab, double-click the lab you want to open.

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Add New Device

Add New Connection

Launch Lab Compiler Wizard

Move Selection Down

Check for Updates

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Open User Manual

Exit Boson NetSim

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Lab Instructions / NetMap Section

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Creating a New Topology

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5. Click Create Router.

6. Add any additional desired devices to the network.

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4. Click Create Switch.

5. Add any additional desired devices to the network.

5. Click Create PC.

6. Add any additional desired devices to the network.

4. Click Create 7961.

5. Add any additional desired devices to the network.

Configure a new connection for a device by performing the following steps:

27 Boson NetSim User Manual

Frame Relay Connections

2. Click the Add New Connection icon ( ) on the toolbar.

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Note: You must select a different router for each node.

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