IOS Emulation Just Got Better
Quite some time ago, I wrote an article on the Dynagen/Dynamips system that has been developed to emulate (not simulate) IOS routers using a PC. Back when I originally wrote this update, you could only emulate a 7200 router and it took quite a bit of tweaking & tuning text files to make it happen. Things have definitely changed
Kudos to InternetworkExpert for putting together a pre-built Dynagen/Dynamips lab that emulates 9 different 3640 routers connected together in an impressive topology. Sure, they've created this environment to map to their lab scenarios which is what their business is built on; however, they've been kind enough to allow anyone to download this pre-built IOS emulation package for free.
Update: Thanks MB for also adding GNS3 (http://www.gns3.net) to the Dynamips lineup. This is the best package for IOS emulation yet!
Yes, it may still take some reading of documents to figure out how to connect & setup, but most of the legwork has been done for you. With a little time, you can build a fairly massive Cisco lab environment with out spending a penny on lab gear. Here's the link for the download and documentation:
http://www.internetworkexpert.com/resources/iosonpc.htm
Have fun!
Comments
I've been looking at
I've been looking at Dynamips/Dynagen for a while but had never taken the plunge to learn the steps needed to actually get it up and running until i found GNS3. GNS3 is a GUI that will let you drag and drop routers in to your network and add links wherever you need them. if you want to try Dynamips/Dynagen without having to learn the configs etc.. then GNS3 might be the way to go.... http://www.gns3.net.
SWEET! Thanks MB!
SWEET! Thanks MB!
i just use GNS3...drag and
i just use GNS3...drag and drop the devices to build your topology, and then double click the router and you are in the console.
GNS3 baby.
Dynamips is the canines
Dynamips is the canines testicles. I'd like to see a forum topic based on this, because as great as it is, it can be a bitch to get it working properly, especially if you combine it with PEMU, the pix emulator.