STEP 5: Now it will extract hardware information from the selected IOS file and list information in the next window with a device name. Note: If the selected IOS file is for an outdated device, the wizard may display a warning message. STEP 4: Verify the file path and click on “Next”. Compressed files consume less space and are easier to manage. Note: By default, IOS files are compressed but GNS3 supports both compressed and decompressed file formats. STEP 3: Select the downloaded image of the router to install on GNS3 VM by clicking on “Browse”. STEP 2: Click on the “New” button and select “New Image”. Navigate to Edit > Preferences > Dynamips > IOS routers.

Let us install router C-3640 on GNS3 now. To perform router installation, we must have an IOS image. GNS3 has a feature called Dynamips which allows users to install ( CISCO IOS) images and emulate the router environment. It is possible to install a device on the GNS3 Virtual Machine(VM) that is not available in GNS3 Marketplace ( CISCO IOS). The abovementioned link directs to a Google directory which has the largest collection of Cisco IOS files. We can either get the file from a Cisco device or download it from Cisco’s official website (which requires a valid Cisco account and license agreement) or from an educational website.

In this blog, the following three parts will discuss the installation process:Īs previously discussed, we must have an IOS file to install a Cisco device in GNS3. The blog also discusses how to configure a device through a template (from GNS3 Marketplace). This blog is for the users who want to simulate the router environment in GNS3VM irrespective of the vendors (Cisco, Juniper, etc.) The previous blog explained how to install and configure the GNS3 VM. It only facilitates a platform to use Cisco IOS but does not provide any Cisco IOS itself if someone wants to use any Cisco device in GNS3, they must install that device’s IOS first. GNS3 does not include any Cisco IOS in its default installation since Cisco IOS has copyright laws to protect it. Cisco uses proprietary software called Cisco IOS for its routers and switches. GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3) is a network simulator software used to simulate routers, switches, and other networking devices, and it runs on Cisco IOS.

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