Comparing Networking Tools: Microsoft Visio and Cisco Packet Tracer

This report provides a comparative analysis of two prominent networking tools: Microsoft Visio and Cisco Packet Tracer. It begins with an overview of a typical network setup involving PCs, switches, servers, and routers configured with dynamic routing protocols. The report then delves into the specifics of each tool, detailing their functionalities, advantages, and disadvantages. Microsoft Visio is presented as a versatile tool for creating network diagrams with a wide array of objects and shapes. The report highlights its ease of use, integration capabilities, and ability to simplify complex diagrams. Conversely, it acknowledges Visio's high cost, unintuitive design, and lack of mobile support. Cisco Packet Tracer is introduced as a cross-platform simulation software enabling users to design and simulate computer networks, particularly focusing on Cisco router and switch configurations. The advantages of Packet Tracer include its accessibility, simulation mode, and ability to simulate Cisco router configurations. The report also addresses its limitations, such as potential loop issues and limited support for certain features. Ultimately, the report justifies the selection of Cisco Packet Tracer over Microsoft Visio, emphasizing its flexibility and user-friendly interface for networking tasks.

Running head: NETWORKING
NETWORKING
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
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Table of Contents
Overview....................................................................................................................................2
Microsoft Visio..........................................................................................................................2
Advantages.............................................................................................................................2
Disadvantages........................................................................................................................3
Cisco Packet Tracer....................................................................................................................3
Advantages.............................................................................................................................3
Disadvantages........................................................................................................................3
Justification................................................................................................................................4
References..................................................................................................................................5

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Overview
A network is set which consist of PCs, switches, servers and routers. The routers are
configured by using protocol of dynamic routing. Client’s PCs are connected with the
switches and the switches are connected to the interfaces of the routers. Clients and servers
are connected over different networks. The network is set up by configuring the servers,
routers and the PCs using proper network addressing. Classless dynamic protocol is
configured on routers. After that, the networking services are configured. DCHP servers are
configured along with configuration of web server on dedicated machines in specified
networks. DNS servers are also configured on service device. DNS servers are tested also.
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio is a tool which is used in creating complicated or simple networking
diagrams. This tool offers wide range of objects, stencils and built-in shapes to work with.
This tool include org charts, flowcharts, diagrams of data flow, floor plans, building plans,
swimlane diagrams and 3D maps (Hai-Jew, 2018).
Advantages
 For any kind of diagram, it provides access to stencils and shapes easily.
 New status bar which helps to move much more efficiently between and within the
diagrams.
 Align and add shapes accurately and easily with features like enhanced dynamic grid,
Quick Shapes Mini Toolbar, automatic layout adjustment and page Auto size.
 Simplify complex and large diagrams using Containers and Sub-processes to group
the related shapes visually and logically (Lin, Liu & Lei, 2016).
 Easily connect the diagrams with Microsoft Excel, SQL Server, SharePoint Services
and Microsoft Access.

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Disadvantages
 Microsoft Visio is expensive to many organizations.
 Price is unreasonable when compared with similar tool’s lower pricing.
 Several users claim later iterations of Visio are unintuitive.
 Customer service of Microsoft is poor.
 Visio is not available for MAC or Linux. This works on operating systems of
Windows only.
 The software does not support on mobile device.
Cisco Packet Tracer
It is software of cross-platform visual simulation which allows the users in creating
topologies of network and imitating computer networks. It allows the users in simulating
Cisco router’s configuration and switches by using interface of simulated command line
(Archana, 2015). Drag and drop interface is used by the packet tracer, which allows users in
adding and removing simulated network devices.
Advantages
 It could be easily used from any place.
 It has SIM mode which is quite advantageous.
 It enables the users in simulating configuration which is related to Cisco routers
(Prasad, et. al., 2016).
Disadvantages
 It might cause loops through affecting STP.
 It does not support ether channel with respect to the switches of access layer.
 With respect to Frame relay, this is low to command.

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Justification
Justification on the above two tools: Microsoft Vision and Cisco Packet Tracer, is
concluded as Cisco Packet Tracer as due to the usage terms and advantages of Cisco Packet
Tracer are more beneficial when compared to Microsoft Visio software. Cisco Packet Tracer
offers much more flexibility while working on networking. User interface of Cisco Packet
Tracer is quite easy to access. Cisco also ignores negative terms within the system.

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References
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.
Hai-Jew, S. (2018). Co-Creating a Diagram in Microsoft Visio to Explore Underlying Image
Rules.
Lin, X., Liu, N., & Lei, J. (2016, June). Design and implementation of a visio-based
planning-design and techno-economic evaluation software for microgrid. In 2016
IEEE 11th Conference on Industrial Electronics and Applications (ICIEA) (pp. 1853-
1857). IEEE.
Prasad, N. H., Reddy, B. K., Amarnath, B., & Puthanial, M. (2016). Intervlan Routing and
Various Configurations on Vlan in a Network using Cisco Packet Tracer 6.2.
International Journal for Innovative Research in Science and Technology, 2(11), 749-
758.