Freedom251 › Network Simulation Software
NetSim
What NetSim is
NetSim is a browser-based network simulator for learning and practicing network configurations. Its WebAssembly engine runs in the browser and supports command-line exercises for Cisco IOS, Huawei VRP, and Aruba AOS-CX. The Free plan provides 10 basic labs, topologies of up to 15 devices, AI Copilot with a bring-your-own-key setup, and local storage. Pro costs $15 a month and adds more than 35 advanced labs, unlimited devices, included AI Copilot, cloud synchronization across devices, and priority support. A Pro trial is available. Enterprise uses custom pricing and includes SSO/SAML, an instructor dashboard, LTI-based LMS integration, custom lab creation, and dedicated support. NetSim Labs identifies itself as the maker and describes its team as remote-first and globally distributed. The core engine is licensed under AGPL v3, with commercial licenses available for organizations needing different terms. Topology configurations and lab progress are processed locally unless cloud sync is enabled. When enabled, AI features use Google Gemini, while Vercel hosts the service and Stripe processes payments.
Who it suits
The Free tier suits students and hobbyists who want browser-based network practice with local storage. Pro is aimed at professionals and power users needing advanced labs, unlimited devices, cloud sync, and priority support; Enterprise adds classroom and identity integrations.
What it does well
- Runs in a browser using WebAssembly
- Supports Cisco, Huawei, and Aruba CLIs
- 35+ labs from HCIA to HCIE levels
- Free tier available forever
- Pro adds unlimited devices and cloud sync
- AGPL v3 core engine
What to know first
- Free tier has 10 basic labs
- Free topologies are limited to 15 devices
- AI Copilot on Free requires your own key
- Enterprise pricing is custom
Limits
The Free plan includes 10 basic labs, up to 15 devices per topology, AI Copilot requiring your own key, and local storage only. Pro costs $15 a month; Enterprise features use custom pricing.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 forever · 10 basic labs · Up to 15 devices per topology · AI Copilot (BYOK) · Local storage only | Free |
| Pro | $15 /month · 35+ advanced labs (HCIE, BGP) · Unlimited devices · AI Copilot included · Cloud sync across devices · Priority support | $15 a month |
| Enterprise | Custom · SSO / SAML integration · Instructor dashboard · LMS integration (LTI) · Custom lab creation · Dedicated support | On request |
As netsim.dev lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the NetSim website in a browser
- Choose the Free plan or start a Pro trial
- Create topologies and labs in the browser
- Provide your own AI key when using Free-tier Copilot
- Enable cloud sync on Pro when access across devices is needed
Verdict
Pick NetSim for browser-based network configuration practice across three vendor CLIs, with a free starting tier and a Pro path for larger labs. Consider another tool if you need platforms beyond the web or do not want the Free tier’s device and lab limits.
Questions
How much does NetSim cost?
Free is $0.00 USD, billed at $0 forever. Pro is $15 a month, and Enterprise uses custom pricing.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. The Pro tier has a Start Pro Trial option.
Which network CLIs are supported?
NetSim supports Cisco IOS, Huawei VRP, and Aruba AOS-CX command-line practice.
Is NetSim open source?
The core engine is licensed under AGPL v3. NetSim Labs offers commercial licenses for organizations needing non-AGPL terms.
How is topology data handled?
Topology configurations and lab progress are processed locally and are not sent to NetSim servers unless cloud sync is enabled.
Facts from NetSim's own pages
- AI assistance
- The Free tier includes AI Copilot with bring-your-own-key, while Pro includes AI Copilot. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Company
- The site identifies the maker as NetSim Labs. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Enterprise integrations
- The Enterprise tier lists SSO/SAML and LMS integration using LTI. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Labs
- The homepage says NetSim includes 35+ hands-on labs from HCIA to HCIE level. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The maker says the core engine is licensed under AGPL v3 and offers commercial licenses for organizations that need non-AGPL terms. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Topology configurations and lab progress are processed locally and are not sent to NetSim servers unless cloud sync is enabled. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- NetSim is a browser-based network simulator for learning and practicing network configurations. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Simulation engine
- The simulator runs in the browser using WebAssembly. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- Pro includes priority support, while Enterprise includes dedicated support. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Team
- NetSim Labs describes its team as remote-first and globally distributed. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Third-party services
- The privacy policy names Vercel for hosting, Stripe for payment processing, and Google Gemini for AI features when enabled. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The Pro tier has a Start Pro Trial link, but the pricing page does not state the trial duration. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Vendor CLIs
- NetSim supports Cisco IOS, Huawei VRP, and Aruba AOS-CX CLI practice. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The Free tier is described as suitable for students and hobbyists, while Pro is for professionals and power users. · netsim.dev, 9 Oct 2026
Where NetSim stands on Freedom251
- Network Simulation Software#21 of 31