MicroNugget: How to Add the Mac Host Computer to a GNS3 Topology

In this video, Keith Barker covers adding the host Macintosh to a GNS3 topology using a logical "tap0" interface. When you've got a live Mac as the host computer for GNS3, there are a number of different ways to integrate it into the topology — here's Keith's favorite.

There are better ways than others for integrating a machine running OSX into the GNS3 topology that it itself is running. The number of solutions stem from the central challenge presented by the number of different Mac machines that might be running GNS3. For example, MacBook Air doesn't have a physical ethernet adapter — it's wireless only. Meanwhile, Macbook Pros have both. For Keith, the best method is the most consistent one: a file called TunTap you can download and then only have to run once.

After downloading and running TunTap, just add the GNS3 cloud representing the new interface, then configure the IP on the interface. To see how to do that all first-hand, watch as Keith runs you through the logical "tap0" interface that's the key to adding your host Mac to its own GNS3 topology.

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[sakthiv]

No one can describe how long i struggled before watching this video. thanks!

[frandall]

If you have a topology in GNS3 that has multiple subnets and the Mac host needs to be able to reach them, you can add a route by using the terminal command:

sudo route -n add -net a.b.c.d/nn e.f.g.h

...where a.b.c.d/nn is the subnet you want to reach (with subnet mask) and e.f.g.h is the IP address of the first hop router in GNS3 the Mac host will need to use to get to the remote subnet.

Obviously, multiple subnets will need multiple static routes (assuming you cannot summarise... ;)

[SaveraVikasBarjo]

thanks Keith. this video was vary helpful.
but after upgrading to GNS3 2.0.x I am unable to do the same.
issues :
after adding the /dev/tapX it shows /dev/tapX not nio_tap:/dev/tapX
in terminal it shows tapX interface but not able to configure IP from DHCP, not even the DHCP discover is captured in Wireshark.

[MayurWCAM]

Had GNS3 run as root. However it throws a warning! GNS3 team themselves somehow don't recommend to run it as root. I was unable to find any real reason behind it.

1. Can you specify reasons behind not running GNS3 as root ?
2. I want to know how i can revert it and run it as a user. The warning does asks to delete the file which doesn't exist anywhere on my machine. Is reinstalling a good option (not preferred at this time). I would like to know if there is a better way!

[dtjordan]

i have followed all your steps but after typing the cmd in terminal I'm getting the following error in gns3 : "Could not connect to 127.0.0.1 on port 8000 [error 61]Connection refused

[rlituma]

you help me, i have followed all your steps but after typing the configurations ip address and its mask, I can not ping between the router and the cloud.

[melonangie]

thank you very simple clear explanation

[tresorkasereka]

thnx for
with method how to make the r1 ping google or add site

[claudio-brunobcsounds]

good.. but host Mac cannot jump the router!!!