Studying for CCNP/CCIE R&S: Should I use Eve-NG, IOU-Web or Boson NetSim

June 13, 2019 9:43 AM

Hi all! Question for the network engineers here. I just passed the CCNA R&S and I'm about to start studying for the CCNP and, eventually, the CCIE. I'm looking for a virtual set-up that I can use for the long-term.

I'm willing to pay (I figure it's a long-term investment), so I'm not looking for the cheapest option (although that would be fine).

Packet Tracer seems too limited and I get the feeling that GNS3 has now been surpassed. I seem to have narrowed it down to 3 choices: Eve-NG, IOU-Web or Boson NetSim.

Can anyone offer me some advice (preferably backed up by an explanation)?

Thanks!

PS - I realize that no software setup can totally replace real hardware. I plan to use that too.

posted by jack.brodey to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

I used Boson years and years ago, it's good, but I got amazing results from how2pass.com. That was about gosh...10 years ago though so I'm not sure how things are shaking out these days.

Boson + How2Pass.com was the killer combo for me.
posted by nikaspark at 10:04 AM on June 13, 2019

Oh wait, CCIE, nvm the how2pass site...
posted by nikaspark at 10:05 AM on June 13, 2019

The difference between yourself and most others who ask this question is that you're willing to pay therefore I suggest getting a subscription to Cisco VIRL which is only around $200 per year iirc.

Other than that GNS3 is still probably the most capable tool and setting it up is almost a rite of passage for networking students. These days however you just install it as a VM and it all runs smoothly.

When I tried EveNG a few years ago it didn't support many images though it might be different now.

I haven't tried the others on your list.
posted by McNulty at 3:28 AM on June 14, 2019