Installation
Cisco has updated their netacad page, but curiously not the instructions to install Packet Tracer. After some fumbling around in the new netacad page, I found the download link in Explore -> Cisco Packet Tracer -> Learn more about Cisco Packet Tracer -> (scroll down) -> View sample lab material -> Cisco packet tracer resources -> Download or you can try the link. Download the version labelled “Ubuntu 64bit”.
This will download you a Packet_Tracer822_amd64_signed.deb file (version number might be different) which I needed to rename to CiscoPacketTracer822_amd64_signed.deb. Next I ran (in the directory with the .deb file)
nix-store --add-fixed sha256 CiscoPacketTracer822_Ubuntu_64bit.deb
as per instructions from NixOS wiki.
Next you must add ciscoPacketTracer8 package to your configuration.nix and enable the unfree repository or as I like, import a new module to your flake.
{ config, pkgs, lib, pkgs-unstable, fetchurl, ... }: {
nixpkgs.config.allowUnfree = true;
environment.systemPackages = [
pkgs.ciscoPacketTracer8
];
}
Then, at last, you can rebuild your system with
sudo nixos-rebuild switch
Logging in
When launching Cisco Packet Tracer, it might tell you to reinstall the program because some scripts are not working correctly. However I just close the popup and ignore it, haven’t had any issues. Take that as you will.
Next the program will prompt you with a login screen. If you are using a personal computer, I see no issue toggling on “keep me logged in”. To log in press the GREEN BUTTON with label Skills For All. This will open a tab on your browser to log in. Congrats, you just avoided using a Windows VM just to run a single application. Enjoy learning!