Choosing the Right Tool: Cisco Packet Tracer and MS Visio for Networks

This report discusses methods for designing networks, focusing on network topology and IP addressing. It compares Cisco Packet Tracer and MS Visio as network design tools, highlighting Cisco Packet Tracer's simulation and configuration capabilities versus MS Visio's attractive design features. The report details the installation procedures for both tools and recommends Cisco Packet Tracer due to its configuration and simulation options, despite MS Visio's aesthetic advantages. The report concludes with a bibliography of cited sources.

Running head: NETWORK TOOLS
Methods for designing the network
For the designing of the network at first the network topology is to be decided the
network design is to be created using the topology. The topology is to be designed using the
Cisco Network Packet Tracer. After the network design has been created the addressing of
the network is to be done. The IP addressing table would be used for the assignment of the IP
addresses to the systems which have been installed in the system. The switches and the
routers are also to be configured in the network system for the organization.
The selected tool for the network design
For the designing and configuration of the network the networking tool Cisco Packet
Tracer is to be used. In addition to this Microsoft Visio can also be used for the designing of
the Network Topology for the systems.
Justification for the Selection
The networking selection tool, is very useful tool for the development of any type of
network. Both the designing of the network and the configurations of the network
peripherals can be done using the tool. However, the tool is unlikely to provide attractive
designs for the network designer.
Additionally, the tool would also provide the network designer the option of testing
the network and also provides the option to simulate the network so that they can analyse the
flow of packets in the network. The detection of the error in the networking system is done
tool and hence the network design would be done accordingly.
On the other hand, the MS Visio tool can only help the networking designer in
making the layout of the network and helpful in the design of the network. However, tool is

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unable to provide the configurations for the device and also the functions of checking the
ping in the network are unavailable in the network designs created with this tool.
Description of the network designing tool
Cisco Packet Tracer
Cisco Packet Tracer is a simulation software own by Cisco. It can be used to build the
complex network typologies and work, test and simulate to learn about abstract networking
concept. It is a very efficient software generally used for the network design and simulation.
This software also provides the network administrator with the exact IP configurations for the
required devices in the network and also helps in checking the connections for the network.
The installation procedure of the Tool is provided below:

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MS Visio

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The MS Visio tool is used for the designing of the network, and also the tool can be
used for various other type of features and the among the features network designing is a
feature.
The installation procedure of the Tool is provided below:

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Conclusion and Recommendation
For conclusion it can be said that the MS Visio tool is the more attractive option as it
provides an attractive design for the network designer, however the Cisco Packet Tracer
provides the option of configuration and simulation as well, hence it is the recommended tool
for the design.
Bibliography
Archana, C. (2015). Analysis of RIPv2, OSPF, EIGRP Configuration on router Using CISCO
Packet tracer. International Journal of Engineering Science and Innovative
Technology (IJESIT) Volume, 4.

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Javid, S. R. (2014). Role of packet tracer in learning computer networks. International
Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication Engineering, 3(5),
6508-6511.
Vion-Dury, J. Y., Lagos, N., Kontopoulos, E., Riga, M., Mitzias, P., Meditskos, G., ... &
Kompatsiaris, I. (2015, September). Designing for inconsistency–the dependency-
based PERICLES approach. In East European Conference on Advances in Databases
and Information Systems (pp. 458-467). Springer, Cham.
Santodomingo, R., Uslar, M., Gottschlak, M., Goering, A., Nordstrom, L., & Valdenmaiier,
G. (2016). The DISCERN tool support for knowledge sharing in large Smart Grid
projects.