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Build the network.
Break it. Fix it.

SX Bench simulates switches, routers and PCs with two command lines — Cisco IOS style and Aruba AOS-CX style — and walks you through guided labs that check your work as you go. Nothing to install, no images to license, no rack in the spare room.

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No sign-up for the simulatorSaves your bench in the browserLabs from £15 a month, cancel any time
lab cc14 · OSPFv3 
R1#show ipv6 ospf neighbor

Neighbor ID   Pri  State     Dead Time  Interface
2.2.2.2         1  FULL/DR   00:00:36   GigabitEthernet0/1
3.3.3.3         1  FULL/BDR  00:00:31   GigabitEthernet0/2

R1#show ipv6 route ospf
O   2001:DB8:20::/64 [110/2]
     via FE80::2, GigabitEthernet0/1
OI  2001:DB8:30::/64 [110/3]
     via FE80::3, GigabitEthernet0/2

✓ Check passed: R1 has a full OSPFv3 adjacency to R2
R1#
VLANs & STPOSPF · OSPFv3BGPVXLAN / EVPNVSXACLs · NATDHCP · DHCPv6802.1X / MABIGMP · PIM-SMNTP · syslog · SNMPDHCP snooping · DAIAAA logins

A lab that marks its own homework

Each lab builds the topology for you, explains the idea, then hands you the console. Checks turn green when the network actually behaves — not when you typed the expected words.

01 — Read

Short, plain explanations

Every section starts with what the feature is for and what to look for, with quick questions to test yourself before you move on.

02 — Configure

Type it yourself, or press Run

Type the commands into a real-feeling CLI with tab completion and ? help, or run the worked solution block by block when you're stuck.

03 — Verify

Prove it from the PCs

Ping, traceroute, SSH and get a DHCP lease from simulated PCs, capture packets on any port, and watch the checks tick over.

Everything on one bench

Two command lines

Switch between Cisco IOS-style and Aruba AOS-CX-style syntax, with modes, running-config and show output in each style.

Drag-and-drop topology

Add switches, routers, PCs and IP phones, cable them up, and take links down to see what reconverges.

Packet capture

Capture on any port and read the frames: ARP, OSPF hellos, DHCP, ICMP, VXLAN encapsulation and more.

PCs with real tools

ipconfig, ping, tracert, ssh and telnet, snmpget, plus a RADIUS, NTP and syslog server you can run on any PC.

Security that bites

ACLs, port security, 802.1X, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection and AAA logins actually block traffic when you get them wrong.

Save, export, share

Your bench is saved as you work. Export it to a file to carry on later or send a broken network to a colleague.

Lab tracks

Two parallel paths from first VLAN to datacentre fabrics. Each ends with troubleshooting tickets and a capstone build.

Cisco-style CLI

Fundamentals

Standard · 7 labs

The command line, device access, interfaces, CDP and LLDP, MAC and ARP tables, static routes, IPv6 and config management.

CCNA revision

Standard · 15 labs

VLANs, spanning tree, EtherChannel, OSPF, DHCP, ACLs, NAT and HSRP, voice VLANs, NTP/syslog/SNMP, DHCP snooping, IPv6 services and AAA, plus troubleshooting and a capstone.

CCNP revision

Pro · 12 labs

Multi-area OSPF, redistribution, route maps, BGP, VRF-lite, MST, HSRP tracking, 802.1X/MAB and PIM-SM multicast.

Aruba-style CLI

Switching associate

Standard · 22 labs

The CX command line, VLANs, spanning tree and loop protection, LAGs, routing, OSPF, DHCP, VRRP, ACLs, voice VLANs, management services, DHCP snooping, IPv6 and AAA, with troubleshooting and a capstone.

Switching professional

Pro · 12 labs

Multi-area OSPF, route maps, BGP, VRF-lite, MSTP, 802.1X with user roles, IGMP snooping and PIM, and VSX.

VXLAN and EVPN

Pro · 6 labs

Static VXLAN, the EVPN BGP session, route types 2 and 3, then asymmetric and symmetric IRB.

Pricing

The simulator is free for as long as you like. Subscribe when you want the guided labs, and cancel any time.

Free

£0
  • The full simulator, both command-line styles
  • Build any topology you like
  • Packet capture, PC tools, save and export
Open the bench

Standard

£15 a month
  • Everything in Free
  • Cisco-style Fundamentals and CCNA revision (22 labs)
  • Aruba-style Switching associate (22 labs)
  • Worked solutions and self-marking checks
Choose Standard

Pro

£25 a month
  • Everything in Standard
  • CCNP revision (12 labs)
  • Aruba Switching professional (12 labs)
  • VXLAN and EVPN (6 labs)
  • New labs as they're released
Choose Pro

Prices include VAT where it applies. Switch plans or cancel from your account at any time; you keep access until the end of the period you've paid for.

Questions

Is this real router software?

No. It's a simulator written from scratch that models how the protocols behave. Command syntax is close to the real thing, but it's a training tool, not an emulator.

Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari on a laptop or desktop.

Can I cancel?

Yes, any time from your account page. You keep the labs until the end of the month you've paid for.

Will it get me certified?

The labs follow exam-level topics so you can practise hands-on, but they aren't official courseware and don't replace a vendor's study material.

Your first network is two minutes away

Open the bench, pick a command-line style and start building. No sign-up needed for the simulator.

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