EVERYTHING XIAOMI
Get listed

NetSim

NetSim is Boson’s simulator for Cisco networking hardware and software, aimed at certification training.

Place
#7 of 31
Score
6.6
NetSim's website

What NetSim is

NetSim is Boson’s simulator for Cisco networking hardware and software, aimed at certification training. Its preconfigured labs supply the materials needed to meet each objective, and learners can compare configurations with expected results for immediate feedback. Progress and history synchronize between devices, while browser-based access works on modern internet-capable devices without installation, including Linux, macOS, and Windows systems. Network Designer, included with the listed certification plans, supports custom labs with complex topologies, devices, connections, annotations, imported icons, and saved configurations. NetSim includes the IOS images required for its labs. Available choices include lab packs with 10 or 16 guided labs and certification plans containing 70, 77, or 101 guided labs; the certification plans include Network Designer. Online licenses last one year from purchase with no usage limits during that period. A free trial and demo are available.

Good

  • Preconfigured Cisco certification labs
  • Browser access without installation
  • Progress and history sync between devices
  • Instant configuration feedback
  • Custom labs through Network Designer

Watch out

  • Paid licenses expire after one year
  • No free plan
  • Certification plans cost $179 a year
  • Some lab packs have fewer guided labs

Who it suits

NetSim suits individuals, businesses, academic institutions, and government entities preparing for Cisco certifications. It fits learners wanting guided labs, browser access, synchronized progress, and optional custom topologies.

Verdict

NetSim combines guided Cisco practice with browser access and custom lab design. Choose among focused lab packs or certification plans based on required labs and Network Designer access.

Plans and prices

From NetSim's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
NetSim Lab Pack: IPv4 Subnetting$29 a year10 Guided Labs · $29.00 / year
NetSim Lab Pack: Troubleshooting$29 a year16 Guided Labs · $29.00 / year
NetSim Lab Pack: VLSM$29 a year10 Guided Labs · $29.00 / year
NetSim for Cisco 200-301 CCNA$179 a year101 Guided Labs · Network Designer · $179.00 / year
NetSim for Cisco 300-410 ENARSI$179 a year70 Guided Labs · Network Designer · $179.00 / year
NetSim for Cisco 350-401 ENCOR$179 a year77 Guided Labs · Network Designer · $179.00 / year

The facts

Each one read from NetSim's own pages, with the date it was checked.

Where it runs

Browser access
Users work through labs in a web browser on modern internet-capable devices, with no installation required.checked 9 Oct 2026

What it does

Demo
Boson provides a NetSim demo link from its product page.checked 9 Oct 2026
Grading
Users can compare configurations with expected configurations to track mistakes and receive instant feedback.checked 9 Oct 2026
Included materials
NetSim includes IOS images needed to work through its labs without licensing additional materials.checked 9 Oct 2026
Intended audience
Boson describes NetSim as a certification training product and its materials as serving individuals, businesses, academic institutions, and government entities.checked 9 Oct 2026
Lab progress
NetSim syncs lab progress and history between devices.checked 9 Oct 2026
Labs
NetSim includes preconfigured labs with what users need to complete the lab objectives.checked 9 Oct 2026
License period
The NetSim Online page states that a license lasts one year from the purchase date and can be used without usage limits during that period.checked 9 Oct 2026
Network Designer
The Network Designer lets users build custom labs with complex topologies, devices, connections, annotations, imported icons, and saved device configurations.checked 9 Oct 2026
Purpose
NetSim simulates Cisco networking hardware and software for certification training.checked 9 Oct 2026
Support
Boson lists customer support by email at [email protected], by phone at 877-333-3926, and through a support ticket.checked 9 Oct 2026
Supported systems
NetSim can be used on modern web browsers and devices including Macs, Linux, and Windows.checked 9 Oct 2026

The company

Founded
1999checked 28 Sep 2026

Alternatives to NetSim

All alternatives
  1. 1Containerlab logo

    Containerlab

    Free planOpen sourceWebAPIExtensionLinux
    7.6Free plan
    Visit
  2. 2

    Avidemux

    Free planOpen sourceWebLinuxmacOSWindows
    7.3Free plan
    Visit
  3. 3

    Marionnet

    Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows
    7.2Free plan
    Visit
  4. 4EVE-NG logo

    EVE-NG

    Free planWebLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
    7.0Free plan
    Visit
  5. 5

    Mininet

    Free planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
    6.6Free plan
    Visit
  6. 6

    NetSim

    Free planWeb
    6.6From $15 a month
    Visit