It has a simple frame switch if all you want to do is build a quick frame cloud, or you can go all out and configure an actual router in GNS3 to be your frame switch. You have options such as adding modules into the slots of the various router choices, using different platform types as router choices, and even connecting your virtual lab to your real environment. (See the EIGRP note below.) Here is a sample screenshot from one of my GNS3 lab builds: You can add explanatory notes to your network diagram for good documentation practice. As a suggestion, I use the ellipse drawing tool to mark my OSPF areas. What I also like about the product is the ability to create a very detailed network diagram, including which ports/interfaces are in use, ability to add notes (for instance, the IP address on a particular interface), and the capability to draw shapes such as ellipses and rectangles to enclose particular aspects of your diagram. There is excellent documentation available on their website, and there are numerous places on the web where other users post questions, answers, and sample lab configurations.
#Gns3 cisco ios download#
However, if you don’t mind using emulation (and who can resist the money savings?) then download GNS3 and give it a whirl. If you are absolutely convinced that you want to run only real gear, then keep searching Ebay, Amazon, and whatever other website you feel can get you a nuts-and-bolts lab. And you thought you couldn’t get anything for free!
In fact, with this latest release, there is now support for running the Cisco ASA in an emulated environment. GNS3, which stands for Graphical Network Simulator, is not really a simulator, but an emulator, as it runs the actual Cisco IOS (which the user must provide). It is GNS3 0.8.4 RC2 and it is quite worthy of your attention! Also, if you are completely new to GNS3, this is a perfect time to get acquainted with the product, as a new release hit the GNS3 download page in February. If you haven’t heard of GNS3 as way to practice your Cisco commands, let me take this opportunity to share a gem of knowledge with you.