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NetSim
What NetSim is
NetSim is Boson's simulator for Cisco networking hardware and software, designed for certification training. Its guided labs provide the materials needed to complete each objective, and learners can compare configurations with expected results to identify mistakes and receive instant feedback. Lab progress and history sync between devices. The labs run in a browser on modern internet-capable devices, including Macs, Linux and Windows, with no installation required. Network Designer supports custom labs with complex topologies, devices, connections, annotations, imported icons and saved device configurations; it is included with the listed certification plans. NetSim also includes the IOS images needed for its labs. Listed options include lab packs with 10 or 16 guided labs and certification plans with 70 to 101 labs. Prices are $29 a year for each listed lab pack and $179 a year for each listed certification plan. An online license lasts one year from purchase with no usage limits during that term. Boson provides a demo link and lists email, phone and ticket support.
Who it suits
NetSim suits people and organizations preparing for Cisco certification, including individuals, businesses, academic institutions and government entities. It may also fit learners who want browser-based labs and configuration feedback across devices.
What it does well
- Preconfigured labs include required materials
- Configuration comparisons give instant feedback
- Lab progress syncs between devices
- Network Designer supports complex custom labs
What to know first
- Online licenses last one year
- No free plan is listed
- Certification plans cost $179 a year
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| NetSim for Cisco 350-401 ENCOR | $179.00 / year · 77 Guided Labs · Network Designer | $179 a year |
| NetSim for Cisco 200-301 CCNA | $179.00 / year · 101 Guided Labs · Network Designer | $179 a year |
| NetSim for Cisco 300-410 ENARSI | $179.00 / year · 70 Guided Labs · Network Designer | $179 a year |
| NetSim Lab Pack: VLSM | $29.00 / year · 10 Guided Labs | $29 a year |
| NetSim Lab Pack: IPv4 Subnetting | $29.00 / year · 10 Guided Labs | $29 a year |
| NetSim Lab Pack: Troubleshooting | $29.00 / year · 16 Guided Labs | $29 a year |
As netsim.boson.com lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
NetSim offers guided Cisco practice, feedback and custom lab design through a browser, with lab packs and certification-specific plans. Check the lab count and one-year license term for the plan you need.
Facts from NetSim's own pages
- Browser access
- Users work through labs in a web browser on modern internet-capable devices, with no installation required. · wp.boson.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Demo
- Boson provides a NetSim demo link from its product page. · wp.boson.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1999 · netsim.boson.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Grading
- Users can compare configurations with expected configurations to track mistakes and receive instant feedback. · wp.boson.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Included materials
- NetSim includes IOS images needed to work through its labs without licensing additional materials. · wp.boson.com, 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. · boson.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Lab progress
- NetSim syncs lab progress and history between devices. · wp.boson.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Labs
- NetSim includes preconfigured labs with what users need to complete the lab objectives. · wp.boson.com, 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. · netsim.boson.com, 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. · wp.boson.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- NetSim simulates Cisco networking hardware and software for certification training. · boson.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- Boson lists customer support by email at [email protected], by phone at 877-333-3926, and through a support ticket. · boson.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- NetSim can be used on modern web browsers and devices including Macs, Linux, and Windows. · wp.boson.com, 9 Oct 2026
Where NetSim stands on Freedom251
- Network Simulation Software#26 of 31