GNS3 & Packet Tracer Quick Start Guides (vs VIRL & Physical)

--- **Overview and Course Rating:** David Bombal's course on GNS3 and virtual network simulation has received an outstanding global course rating of 4.70, with all recent reviews being positive. The course is highly recommended for anyone interested in network training, especially for those focusing on Cisco-related topics. --- **Pros of the Course:** - **Expert Instructor**: David Bombal is recognized as a top instructor, providing high-quality content and explanations that are both clear and inspiring. His teaching style is highly praised for its didactic superiority. - **Comprehensive Content**: The course offers an in-depth exploration of GNS3, packet tracer, and VIRL, with a particular emphasis on GNS3, which is beneficial for understanding complex network topologies. - **Structured Learning Path**: The course presents the topics in a logical order, free from ads and distractions, making it easier for students to follow along and grasp the concepts. - **Real-World Application**: Students are able to apply the knowledge gained to real-world scenarios, which is crucial for practical understanding and application in Cisco equipment. - **Diverse Learning Resources**: The course complements Bombal's YouTube channel content, providing a rich learning experience with videos in the correct order. - **Clear Didactic Approach**: The explanations provided are considered to be very clear, making even complex topics understandable for beginners and professionals alike. - **Coverage of Various Tools**: The course effectively compares different simulation packages, which is valuable for students deciding between tools like GNS3, packet tracer, and VIRL. - **Ease of Use**: The instructions for setting up GNS3 with Dynamips and VIRL images are straightforward and user-friendly. - **Inspiring and Motivational**: The course content and the instructor's approach are motivational, inspiring students to continue their studies and pursue Cisco certifications. --- **Cons of the Course:** - **Missing Information**: One reviewer pointed out that there was an expectation for a comparison between GNS3 and packet tracer that was not fully covered in the video content. - **Language Accuracy**: Another user suggested improvements in the quality of subtitles, noting some inaccuracies in word usage. - **Resource Availability**: Some students have mentioned the need for additional resources, such as short videos for the installation of IOSvL2 and XR, which would enhance the learning experience. - **Cost of Images**: A few reviews indicated that while the course is excellent, some options require images that are not readily available without cost. - **Limitation for Non-Cisco Academy Students**: One reviewer noted that due to budget constraints, they would opt for free tools like packet tracer, which is offered by Cisco Networking Academy, rather than investing in images required for GNS3. --- **Student Feedback:** The course has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students who have found it valuable for enhancing their understanding of networking concepts and preparing for Cisco certification exams. The instructor's knowledge and presentation style are commended, and many students report a newfound clarity in topics they previously found challenging. --- **Final Thoughts:** Overall, David Bombal's course on GNS3 and virtual network simulation is highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage of essential tools in the field of networking. The positive feedback from students underscores the quality of instruction and the practical value of the content. While there are some areas for improvement, such as subtitle accuracy and resource availability, the course stands out as an excellent resource for both novices and experienced network professionals.