GNS3 : How to download Cisco IOS images and VIRL images. Which is best? How do you get them? Part 1

In this video I show you how to download Cisco IOS images and Cisco VIRL images to run IOSv, IOSvL2 and ASAv. I can only show you LEGAL ways of doing this. Please DO NOT ask for images that I am unable to provide.

[ajnbin]

Thanks David for this series. That's one of the most recurring subject on the community forum. I'll point users here.

[BeeBumper]

Mr. Bombal is an great teacher and an honest guy. If I were to trust anyone about GNS3 it would Mr. Bombal. I have bought his course in CCNA and found it very helpful. I had GNS3 at one time, on another PC that sadly is in the graveyard. It was my first experience with it and I am sure at that time my knowledge level was base, and not in need of a great deal of the more complicated options. I do remember this from the original GNS3 I had, and somehow I had a IOS image that I suspect I got while in school and networking was a part of my curriculum and I can't honestly say it was on the up and up but it may have been.

Originally I had a lot of trouble getting it working, until I realized my VM was not enabled in my processor. I enabled it and imported the IOS file and was able to use it quite well at the time, although as I said major limitations due to limited IOS images. I do remember having to "simulate" a switch using a router. It was suffice to get me through the basics of configuration. That machine is dead, and I am loathe to go through this again especially having to dump a couple hundred bucks for IOS images when I have seen on some of my computers that GNS3 just would not work. One computer had no VM ability. I doubt that is common but it is an option that was not guaranteed for certain machines. I would caution anyone without much background on just blindly purchasing what you need without being certain your computer has the ability to run all that it needs to run GNS3 properly. As I said I have gotten it to work but I have seen it not able to be installed properly on some computers. It is a shame because access to these tools is of great value when learning without the hardware. Simulators can do a lot, packet tracer is capable of much of what you need for CCNA level but beyond that I wouldn't count on it.

Be sure this is what you need, if not then stick to PT, but if you do go down this road be sure your machine has all that it requires to run this effectively, minimum requirements could be risky if you plan on shelling out for IOS images, or VIRL. I repeat it is a damn shame Cisco doesn't see the value in a new generation that is learning having access to their technology to maximize that learning. GNS3 is the best option to see how a real switch or router works. To make it this complicated benefits no one. I recall in college, getting my Electronics Engineering Technologist Diploma that a lot of Chip manufacturers were willing to give free chips such as A/D converters and more expensive chips at the time for free as they were building relationships with Future engineers whom by giving this access to their technology were not just helping to create better engineers but developing customer relationships that lasted. Most of the basic chips we used were cheap, but when projects were being done it was of great help to get access to things to test in order to select the best product for your design. Baffles me Cisco doesn't see this, and make available limited access IOS or limited term IOS for the purposes of learning.

All I know for sure is if you go down this road, David Bombal is your man to help you get there, good luck everyone. I am out.

[James]

I just have the filter column, I don't any available appliance tab. How do I get it ? Your video are great they help a lot. Thanks

[hamzaghazi]

Hi Mr. Bombal, I am having an issue with ios image. I downloaded a IOS image from cisco website. IT's a .bin file, but GNS3 doesn't open it. What seems to be the reason. Thanks

[karwansaed]

Dear David could let me know if Cisco viral ios for switching works directly from GNS3 (Like how router IOS works) or I have to have VMware or any other virtualization program

[downtownsekondi]

nice video but pls can you do a video on how to set up WAN for three sites in GNS3

[raomohsin]

Hi David,
Could you please tell how to add free routers add in gns3. I'm unable to download Cisco router from gns3 website appliance, as you mentioned in your video.
You could download Cisco router from Cisco website because your geographic location. I'm from Pakistan. Cisco website is not allow me to download.
Could you please make a video for free routers in gns3.

Many Thanks,
Rao

[mdtaylor]

So, David, if I buy the Cisco VIRL License... will that give me access to all legacy models? Sorry but when you mentioned the dynamips, I get confused.

[etienne-victordepasquale]

I understand that the presenter claims that you cannot run Etherchannel using Etherswitch modules inserted into the 3745. This claim is incorrect.

[ritviknurchal]

sir can you please help me by giving your mail id am having some problems related to my project