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Last updated
November 19, 2018
INTRODUCTION
Contributors
David Bombal
Julien Duponchelle
WHAT IS GNS3?

EDITArchitecture
THIS ARTICLE

 GNS3 comparisons

GNS3:

Packet Tracer:

Getting Started with GNS3

Cisco VIRL

INTRODUCTION
DEVICE SUPPORT

GNS3 is used by hundreds of thousands of network engineers worldwide to emulate, conRgure, test and troubleshoot virtual and real
networks. GNS3 allows you to run a small topology consisting of only a few devices on your laptop, to those that have many devices
USE CASES
hosted on multiple servers or even hosted in the cloud.

GNS3 is open OF
VERSIONS source,
GNS3 free software that you can download from http://gns3.com

It is actively developed and supported and has a growing community of over 800,000 members. By joining the GNS3 community you
will GNS3 HELPfellow students, network engineers, architects and others that have downloaded GNS3 over 10 million times to date.
be joining
GNS3 is used in companies all over the world including Fortune 500 companies.
Documentation

GNS3 can help you prepare for certiRcation exams such as the Cisco CCNA, but also help you test and verify real world deployments.
Jeremy Grossman, the original developer of GNS3 originally created the software to help him study for his CCNP certiRcations.
COMMUNITY
Because of that original work, you can today use to help you do the same without paying for expensive hardware.
GNS3 YouTube channel

GNS3 GNS3
has allowed
courses network engineers to virtualize real hardware devices for over 10 years. Originally only emulating Cisco devices
using software called Dynamips, GNS3 has now evolved and supports many devices from multiple network vendors including Cisco
virtual switches, Cisco ASAs, Brocade vRouters, Cumulus Linux switches, Docker instances, HPE VSRs, multiple Linux appliances and
many others. Go here to see a list of appliances available: https://gns3.com/marketplace/appliances
GET INVOLVED

TIP: GNS3 has been around for over 10 years. Some information you will Rnd on the Internet is outdated or unfortunately entirely
incorrect. This document will hopefully help answer questions and help you get started on your journey with GNS3.
SUPPORTED OPERATING
SYSTEMS
TIP: GNS3 does not only support Cisco devices. Cisco is often discussed because that is what most network engineers are interested
in learning about. However, many other commercial and open source vendors are supported today in GNS3. You are now able to test
interoperability
HARDWARE between many vendors and even try out esoteric setups using network technologies with SDN, NFV, Linux and Docker.
REQUIREMENTS

Recommendation: If you are using an older version of GNS3, it is recommended that you upgrade to the current stable release of GNS3
Minimum Requirements
(v 1.5). Once you are more experienced using GNS3 you can start using version 2 which is currently in release candidate.
Recommended Requirements

WHAT IS GNS3?
Optimal Requirements

SUPPORTED APPLIANCES
Architecture

GNS3 consists
SHOULD YOUofUSE
twoTHE
software
GNS3 components:
VM?
 1. The GNS3-all-in-one software (GUI)
2. The GNS3 virtual machine (VM)
WHAT IS NOT SUPPORTED
OR RECOMMENDED:
GNS3-all-in-one:
ASA 8

This is Local
the client part of GNS3 and is graphical user interface (GUI). You install the all-in-one software on your local PC (Windows, MAC,
install with Qemu
Linux) and
imagesand create your topologies using this software. This is what you usually see show in screenshots such as the following:

Complex topologies

GNS3 INSTALLATION:

YOUR FIRST GNS3

TOPOLOGY:

TROUBLESHOOTING:

Last updated
November 19, 2018

Contributors
David Bombal
Julien Duponchelle

EDIT THIS ARTICLE

Server options:

When you create topologies in GNS3 using the all-in-one software GUI client, the devices created need to be hosted and run by a server
process. You have a few options for the server part of the software:

1. Local GNS3 server

2. Local GNS3 VM
3. Remote GNS3 VM

The local GNS3 server runs locally on the same PC where you installed the GNS3 all-in-one software. If for example you are using a
Windows PC, both the GNS3 GUI and the local GNS3 server are running as processes in Windows. Additional processes such as
Dynamips will also be running on your PC:

If you decide to use the GNS3 VM (recommended), you can either run the GNS3 VM locally on your PC using virtualization software
such as VMware Workstation or Virtualbox; or you can run the GNS3 VM remotely on a server using VMware ESXi or even in the cloud.

TIPYou are able to use GNS3 without using the GNS3 VM. This is a good way to get started initially, but this setup is limited and does
not provide as many choices with regards to topology size and devices supported. If you want to create more advanced GNS3
topologies, or want to include devices such as the Cisco VIRL devices (IOSvL2, IOSvL3, ASAv) or other other devices that require Qemu,
the GNS3 VM is recommended (and is often required).

TIP Start a basic GNS3 topology using only the GNS3-all-in-one software and once you have got that working, refer to additional
documentation for the setup of a local GNS3 VM.Emulation versus Simulation:

GNS3 supports both emulated and simulated devices wi.

EmulationGNS3 mimics or emulates the hardware of a device and you run actual images on the virtual device. For example, you could
copy the Cisco IOS from a real, physical Cisco router and run that on a virtual, emulated Cisco router in GNS3.
Simulation: GNS3 simulates the features and functionality of a device such as a switch. You are not running actual operating systems
such as the Cisco IOS, but rather a simulated device developed by GNS3 such as the GNS3 layer 2 switch.

TIP The lines between simulation and emulation blur a bit these days. You are now able to run Cisco VIRL images which are images of
real Cisco operating system images which run on standardized virtual hardware. GNS3 emulates the hardware that VIRL images require
to run.

REMEMBER: Don’t worry too much about the difference between simulation and emulation except for the following points:

1. Dynamips is an older technology that emulates Cisco hardware. It uses real Cisco IOS images. It is good for basic CCNA type
topologies, but has a number of limitations such as only supporting older Cisco IOS versions (12.X) which are also not supported
or actively updated by Cisco.
2. The recommended Cisco images to use with GNS3 are those from Cisco VIRL (IOSv, IOSvL2, IOS-XRv, ASAv). This images are
supported and are actively updated by Cisco. The images support current releases of the Cisco IOS (15.X) and provide the best
scale and user experience.

GNS3 comparisons

Questions often arise about which software is the best. A lot of this is down to personal preference with all solutions providing some
beneRts and having some disadvantages.

Bad old days: The world today is much better than the past! In the old days, network engineers studying for their CCNAs, CCNPs or
CCIEs only had limited choices: Buy or rent physical Cisco equipment for your studies.

TodayYou have multiple choices when studying and testing networks:

1. GNS3
2. Cisco Packet Tracer
3. Cisco VIRL
4. Physical equipment
5. Others

GNS3:

As mentioned, GNS3 is open source software which you can download and use for free. The source code is available on GitHub if you
are interested in taking a peek at the code. We hope you Rnd it useful and beneRcial, but if you don’t like something, or want to add
something, why don’t you get involved by contributing? Join the community or volunteer to check code or add code recommendations.
With over 800,000 community members, we can all learn from each other.

There are however other choices in the marketplace that you can use today. Some of them are free, some cost money. Use whichever
works best for you. Use multiple options if you like. We are happy that there is lots of choice today which helps all of us improve and
learn more about networking.

Advantages:

Free software
Open Source software
No monthly or yearly license fees
No limitation on number of devices supported (only limitation is your hardware: CPU and memory)
Supports multiple switching options (ESW16 Etherswitch, IOU/IOL Layer 2 images, VIRL IOSvL2):
Supports all VIRL images (IOSv, IOSvL2, IOS-XRv, CSR1000v, NX-OSv, ASAv)
Supports multi vendor environments
Can be run with or without hypervisors
Supports both free and paid hypervisors (Virtualbox, VMware workstation, VMware player, ESXi, Fusion)
Downloadable, free, pre-conRgured and optimized appliances available to simplify deployment
Native support for Linux without the need for need for additional virtualization software
Software from multiple vendors freely available
 Large and active community (800,000+ members)

Disadvantages:

Cisco images need to be supplied by user (download from Cisco.com, or purchase VIRL license, or copy from physical device).
Not a self contained package, but requires a local installation of software (GUI).
GNS3 can be affected by your PC’s setup and limitations because of local installation (Rrewall and security settings, company
laptop policies etc).

Packet Tracer:

Cisco Packet Tracer is an ojcial Cisco product for Cisco Academy students that simulates Cisco networks. It does not emulate Cisco
hardware or support real images from Cisco or other vendors.

Advantages:

Easy to setup
Supports Cisco router, switch and PC simulations
Good for CCNA studies
Simulates multiple devices and protocols (routers, switches, wireless, RADIUS, SNMP)

Disadvantages:

Only available to Cisco Academy Students

Not Free software (you need to join the Cisco Academy)
Proprietary code - not open source
Only simulates Cisco devices (Not running true Cisco images, but only a simulation)
No multivendor support
Cannot integrate with real physical devices
No support for Mac OS

Cisco VIRL

Cisco have created another ojcially supported network simulation platform- Cisco Virtual Internet Routing Lab (VIRL). This is a much
more powerful solution when compared to Cisco Packet Tracer and allows not only learning, but simulation of actual networks.

TIPCisco VIRL is a closer product in comparison to GNS3 allowing network engineers to simulate real world networks in addition to
learning Cisco technologies.

Advantages:

Supports Cisco router, switch, Rrewall and PC simulations (IOSv, IOSvL2, ASAv,
Good for CCNA, CCNP and CCIE studies
Supports Cisco Firewalls (ASAv)
Large number of protocols and features supported: RPVST+, Etherchannel, Port Security, MPLS, VRFs and more. Full list is here:
http://virl.cisco.com/work/
Latest versions of Cisco IOS supported (15.X)

Disadvantages:

Not Free software. You pay $79.99 to $299.99 per year for a VIRL subscription.
Limited number of devices supported. With the personal and academic editions ($199.99 and $79.99 per year), you are limited to
20 Cisco nodes.
VIRL can be complex to setup and conRgure.
Resource intensive (requires large amount of RAM and CPU)
Requires virtualization software (VMware Workstation, Fusion, Player Pro or ESXi)
Does not support VirtualBox
 No multivendor support - only supports Cisco networking devices

NOTE
GNS3 is able to support all VIRL images. You are able to import VIRL images into GNS3 and use them without license or number of device limite

DEVICE SUPPORT
GNS3 supports many devices from multiple vendors and more devices are being added all the time.

The best place to look for the current list of supported devices is the GNS3 marketplace:

https://gns3.com/marketplace/appliances

USE CASES
GNS3 is probably most famous as a platform used for learning and teaching. GNS3 has for years been used by students and network
engineers to help practice and prepare for vendor certiRcation exams such as the Cisco CCNA exam.

GNS3 can however be used for other use cases such as proof of concepts and commercial demonstrations. GNS3 provides an easy,
cost effective way to new software such as management or SDN software. It allows you to test multi vendor interoperability using a
virtual lab environment rather than requiring dedicated physical equipment.

An entire GNS3 topology can be created and run on a single laptop. This allows engineers to demonstrate topologies and software to
clients and others on the road.

Classroom environments can also beneRt from a preconRgured lab environment that students use to learn networking concepts and
technologies.

Some additional reasons to use GNS3:

Real-time network simulation for pre-deployment testing without the need for network hardware: Run the OS that emulates real
behavior of network hardware
Test 20+ different network vendors in risk-free virtual environment: Quickly run and test multiple hardware vendors without the
need for hardware
Create dynamic network maps for troubleshooting and proof of concept (POC) testing: Test your networks before you build them
to reduce the time it takes to get a production network up and running
Connect GNS3 to any real network: Leverage your existing hardware and expand your current lab by connecting your GNS3
topologies directly to it
Customized topologies and labs within GNS3 for network certiRcation training:
GNS3 is the best study tool for aspiring network professional seeking their certiRcations, without the need for a home lab.

VERSIONS OF GNS3
The latest, current release of GNS3 can be found here:

https://gns3.com/software

Development releases of GNS3 can be found here:

https://github.com/GNS3/gns3-gui/releases

RECOMMENDATIONUse the latest, stable release of GNS3. Only use development releases if you are prepared to encounter issues and
loss of GNS3 data. Do not use development releases if you have an exam to prepare for or other type of deadline.

GNS3 HELP
GNS3 provides multiple ways for you to get help including:

Documentation
Community
GNS3 Youtube channel
GNS3 courses

Documentation

You can access the GNS3 documentation here:

https://docs.gns3.net

COMMUNITY
This is one of the best places to get help. Join many thousands of GNS3 users and experts helping each other make the most of GNS3.

DO: Do report bugs and ask questions on the GNS3 community.

DON’T: Don’t ask for illegal stuff or violate GNS3 user policies. Don’t ask for Cisco IOS images. Don’t share Cisco IOS images. Don’t do
anything else that infringes copyright or breaks the law.

GNS3 YouTube channel

Watch videos on David Bombal GNS3 channel:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhfrWIlLOoKPTPPv6ZiNHFM2FKAZ96f-r

GNS3 courses

Learn about GNS3 by enrolling in GNS3 courses available in the GNS3 Academy:

http://academy.gns3.com

GET INVOLVED
Get involved in GNS3 development and support and make the product better for everyone.

Contribute to GNS3

SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS

GNS3 supports the following operating systems:

Windows 7 (64 bit)

Windows 8 (64 bit)
Windows 10 (64 bit)
Windows Server 2012 (64 bit)
Windows Server 2016 (64 bit)
Mac OS X Mavericks (version 10.9) and later.
Linux

Additional platforms that can run the GNS3 VM:

 ESXi
Bare Metal Cloud based providers such as Packet.net

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements for a Windows GNS3 environment:

ITEM REQUIREMENT

Processor 2 or more Logical cores

Virtualization Virtualization extensions required. You may need to enable this via your computer's BIOS.

Memory 4 GB RAM

Storage 1GB available space (Windows Installation is < 200MB).

Additional Notes You may need additional storage for your operating system and device images.

IMPORTANT
The hardware requirements listed here are minimum requirements for a small GNS3 environment. If you want to create complex environments with
many devices, your hardware requirements will increase.

Recommended Requirements

The following are the recommended requirements for a Windows GNS3 environment:

ITEM REQUIREMENT

Processor 4 or more Logical cores - AMD-V / RVI Series or Intel VT-X / EPT

Virtualization Virtualization extensions required. You may need to enable this via your computer's BIOS.

Memory 8 GB RAM

Storage Solid-state Drive (SDD)

35 GB available space
 Additional Virtualizing devices is processor and memory intensive. More is better but properly conRgured device trumps RAM
Notes and Processing power.

IMPORTANT
The hardware requirements listed here are recommended requirements for a small GNS3 environment. If you want to create complex environments
with many devices, your hardware requirements will increase.

Optimal Requirements

The following are the optimal requirements for a Windows GNS3 environment:

ITEM REQUIREMENT

Processor i7 CPU

4 or more Logical cores - AMD-V / RVI Series or Intel VT-X / EPT

Virtualization Virtualization extensions required. You may need to enable this via your computer's BIOS.

Memory 16 GB RAM

Storage Solid-state Drive (SDD)

35 GB available space

Additional Virtualizing devices is processor and memory intensive. More is better but properly conRgured device trumps RAM
Notes and Processing power.

IMPORTANT
If you want to create complex environments with many devices, your hardware requirements will increase.

SUPPORTED APPLIANCES
GNS3 supports multiple operating systems and appliances and emulators.

Which emulator should I use?

SHOULD YOU USE THE GNS3 VM?

The GNS3 VM is recommended for most situations when you are using Windows or Mac OS. The GNS3 development team have
worked hard to create a lightweight, robust way of creating GNS3 topologies that avoids multiple common issues experienced when
using a local install of GNS3. This includes the lack of proper Qemu support when running VIRL natively on Windows (not
recommended).

However, if you only want to create basic GNS3 topologies using Cisco IOS routers, a local (Dynamips) install will sujce. This means
that you only install the GNS3 GUI (all-in-one) and don’t use the GNS3 VM.

This is simpler in some ways to set up, but does have limitations and should be seen as the starting point in your GNS3 journey. As
soon as you are comfortable with GNS3, it is recommended that you move to a GNS3 VM setup to make the most of GNS3 options and
optimization.

RECOMMENDATIONUse the GNS3 VM on Windows and Mac OS.

WHAT IS NOT SUPPORTED OR RECOMMENDED:

ASA 8

WARNING
ASA 8 IS NOT SUPPORTED

You may Rnd a lot of tutorials on the Internet explaining how to extract ASA 8 images from physical hardware devices and use them
with GNS3. This method was the only way to get an ASA image in the past, but the results are random; and getting worse with modern
computers and operating systems. For example Windows 10 has multiple issues running ASA 8.

The problem with this way of doing things is that you are using an image made for a bespoke hardware device from Cisco. Qemu can
emulate part of the hardware, but some components speciRc to a physical ASA are missing. For example, the hardware clock on the
hardware ASA appliance is missing. The ASA kernel can sometimes replace it depending of the speed of your computer, but results
may vary.

You will also encounter issues when running multiple ASAs simultaneously.

Local install with Qemu images

GNS3 does not support or recommend the use of Qemu images with a local GNS3 installation on Windows or Mac OS X. You should
use Qemu images with the GNS3 VM.

Examples_of_Qemu_images

IOSvL2, IOSv, IOS-XRv, ASAv, any appliance available on the GNS3 website: https://gns3.com/marketplace/appliances

Complex topologies

When creating complex topologies on Windows or Mac OS, it is recommended that you use the GNS3 VM. Only use a local GNS3 install
when creating simple GNS3 topologies.

GNS3 INSTALLATION:
To get started, install GNS3 on a Windows PC:

GNS3 Windows Install

On Mac OS X

GNS3 installation on MacOS X

On Linux

Installation on Linux

YOUR FIRST GNS3 TOPOLOGY:

Your Rrst GNS3 topology

TROUBLESHOOTING:
If you are having issues installing and using GNS3, have a look here:

Troubleshoot GNS3