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Classes:
  - IT Foundations
---

# Cisco Packet Tracer
Packet Tracer is a visual simulation tool for network topologies.

**Note:** This is not just a Linux issue as the issue is on Windows as well, but Packet Tracer does not play with with Dark Mode, so I recommend setting your system to Light Mode while using Packet Tracer

## Install
Note: a netacad account is required to download

You can download the "Ubuntu" version .deb from https://www.netacad.com/resources/lab-downloads?courseLang=en-US 

### Arch-based (AUR Package)

```sh
# Download the AUR Package
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/packettracer.git
cd packettracer

# Add the downloaded .deb file to the package
mv ~/Downloads/CiscoPacketTracer_900_Ubuntu_64bit.deb .

# Build and install the package
makepkg -scri
```

### Debian/Mint/Ubuntu

```sh
sudo apt install ~/Downloads/CiscoPacketTracer_900_Ubuntu_64bit.deb
```

### Fedora

Unfortunately an rpm package does not exist so Packet Tracer can not be easily installed on Fedora.

It is possible to install it on fedora, but from my testing your best bet will be to use a Windows or Debian/Ubuntu/Mint Virtual Machine as it is the most straightforward.

## Usage

### Starting App

As far as I can tell Packet Tracer need to either be launched from the Command-line or when you open a file for Packet Tracer.

Regardless the first launch needs to be from the command-line to accept the EULA, the exact command depends on your distribution. Debian/Ubuntu/Mint should just be able to run the `packettracer` command, on Arch-based you need to run `/usr/lib/packettracer/packettracer.AppImage`

### Login

It seems that the "Open in Browser" function for the initial login seems to be broken, fortunately an in-app browser option is available and works.

On the initial screen select "Advanced Settings" and check "User internal web browser for Cisco Networking Academy login"

![Login Screen](Screenshots/packettracer-login.png)