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GNS3

History

Graphical Network Simulator-3 (GNS3) was first launched in 2008. It is a free and open-surce network simulation software. It can run real IOS images and built based on Dynamips and QEMU. Network engineers all across the world use GNS3 to configure, test, and troubleshoot both real and virtual networks. Cisco, Docker instances, Linux switches, and virtual machines running either Windows or Linux are all supported by the program. GNS3's ability to virtualize real hardware components without the need to purchase expensive hardware is one of its key benefits.

Creating a topology in GNS3

  1. To get started, choose a group of devices in the Devices Toobar by clicking the device type button.

  2. To create an instance of the node in the workspace, drag and drop the chosen device into the GNS3 workspace.

  3. Repeat the process to add devices to the workspace, which will create two devices in the topology summary.

  4. To connect the devices, use the "add a link" button on the right.

  5. Click on a device in the topology and select an available interface before repeating the process for the second device.

  6. You may also choose to click the "Interface Names" icon to see the interfaces that have been linked up between the devices.

  7. Press the green "start" button to turn on all the devices in the workspace.

  8. Click on the console button beside it to launch CLI and open tabs for each device in the workspace.

  9. Press the green "stop" button to turn off all the devices in the workspace.