If you use a Chromebook and want to learn computer networking, Cisco Packet Tracer 9.0.1 is a useful application for creating and testing virtual network topologies.
In this tutorial, we will install Cisco Packet Tracer 9.0.1 on a Chromebook using the built-in Linux Development Environment (Debian).
Requirements
Before starting, make sure:
- Linux Development Environment is enabled on your Chromebook.
- Debian Linux is running.
- Your Chromebook uses a 64-bit architecture.
- You already have the
CiscoPacketTracer_901_Ubuntu_64bit.debinstaller. - You have enough free storage space.
1. Update the System
Open the Linux Terminal and run:
sudo apt update
Wait until the update process is completed.
2. Install Required Libraries
Cisco Packet Tracer requires several Linux libraries to run correctly.
Run:
sudo apt install -y libxcb-xinerama0 libxcb-xinerama0-dev libnss3 libxkbcommon-x11-0 libx11-xcb1 libgl1 libegl1
Then install the OpenGL libraries:
sudo apt install -y libopengl0 libgl1
These packages provide important graphics and X11 components required by Packet Tracer.
3. Install Cisco Packet Tracer 9.0.1
Make sure the Packet Tracer .deb file is located in the directory where you are running the Terminal.
The installer should be named:
CiscoPacketTracer_901_Ubuntu_64bit.deb
Run:
sudo apt install ./CiscoPacketTracer_901_Ubuntu_64bit.deb
Wait for the installation process to finish.
4. Press Q to Quit
During the installation process, you may see a text-based license or information screen.
When prompted, press:
q
to quit the screen and continue.
5. Press 2 and Enter
If the installer displays an option menu, select:
2
Then press Enter.
Follow any additional instructions displayed by the installer.
6. Launch Cisco Packet Tracer
After the installation is complete, you can launch Packet Tracer from the Terminal:
packettracer
If everything is installed correctly, Cisco Packet Tracer should open.
You can also look for Cisco Packet Tracer in the Linux Apps section of your Chromebook.
7. Fix OpenGL Errors
If Packet Tracer fails to start and you see an error similar to:
error while loading shared libraries:
libOpenGL.so.0: cannot open shared object file
make sure the OpenGL packages are installed:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y libopengl0 libgl1
Then try launching Packet Tracer again:
packettracer
If the problem continues, restart the Linux container or Chromebook and try again.
8. Test the Installation
To test whether Cisco Packet Tracer is installed correctly, run:
packettracer
If the application opens successfully, the installation is complete.
What Can You Do With Packet Tracer?
Once Cisco Packet Tracer is installed, you can create and practice many networking scenarios, including:
- PC → Switch → PC
- PC → Switch → Router
- Router → Router
- DHCP
- VLAN
- Static Routing
- Dynamic Routing
- DNS
- Web Server
- LAN networks
- WAN networks
- Cisco router and switch configurations
This makes Packet Tracer especially useful for students learning computer networking, Cisco networking, CCNA, and network configuration.
Complete Installation Commands
Here is the complete command sequence used in this tutorial:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y libxcb-xinerama0 libxcb-xinerama0-dev libnss3 libxkbcommon-x11-0 libx11-xcb1 libgl1 libegl1
sudo apt install -y libopengl0 libgl1
sudo apt install ./CiscoPacketTracer_901_Ubuntu_64bit.deb
During the installation:
Press q to quit
Press 2 and Enter
After installation:
packettracer
Final Thoughts
Installing Cisco Packet Tracer 9.0.1 on Chromebook is a great way to turn your Chromebook into a networking practice machine.
With the Linux environment enabled, you can use Packet Tracer to build virtual network topologies and practice Cisco configurations without needing physical routers and switches.
Important: Make sure the .deb filename matches the actual installer you downloaded. If the filename is different, change the filename in the installation command accordingly.
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