The software is mainly focused towards Cisco Networking Academy students as an educational tool for helping them learn fundamental CCNA concepts.

Previously students enrolled in a CCNA Academy program could freely download and use the tool free of charge for educational use.

Packet Tracer supports an array of simulated Application Layer protocols, as well as basic routing with RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, to the extents required by the current CCNA curriculum.

[9] Packet Tracer allows students to design complex and large networks, which is often not feasible with physical hardware, due to costs.

[11] Packet Tracer can be useful for understanding abstract networking concepts, such as the Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol by animating these elements in a visual form.