Packet Tracer Visual MCP

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ptv_probeDeviceApi

Inspect Packet Tracer devices to verify service-related method availability before implementing Server-PT automation.

Instructions

Read-only probe for Packet Tracer device object APIs. Use it to inspect whether a device exposes service-related methods before implementing Server-PT automation.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "deviceName": "<deviceName>"
    },
    "name": "ptv_probeDeviceApi"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`deviceName`	Yes
`maxDepth`	No
`maxKeys`	No
`includeSafeCalls`	No

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.1.0Jun 18, 2026

TDQS

A3.5/5.0

Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations provided; description states 'Read-only probe' indicating non-destructive behavior, but does not disclose error handling, rate limits, or edge cases.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences, front-loaded with key information, no wasted words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 4 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is incomplete; it lacks parameter explanations, return value or error information.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters1/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema has 0% description coverage and the description does not explain any of the four parameters (deviceName, maxDepth, maxKeys, includeSafeCalls), failing to add meaning beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Description clearly states it is a read-only probe for device object APIs, distinct from sibling ptv_probeServerServices which probes server services.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly states when to use: to inspect device API methods before Server-PT automation. Implicitly not used for other tasks, but lacks explicit alternatives or exclusions.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.