GNS3 | Network Simulation Software

 GNS3 

Fig 1: GNS3

Tool GNS3, a graphical network simulation software, is a cross-platform package including a GUI, a command line-based Simulation program, and a Virtual Machine. GNS3 is an open source software for building networks in a modeler environment. You can create models of computer networks and then you can use GNS3 to validate or test the behavior of such models. A simulation model typically consists of nodes and links between these nodes. Nodes represent devices such as server computers, workstations, switches/hubs, etc., while the links represent the connections between these nodes which typically configured including bandwidth and delays. You can use emulation features to change parameters such as packet loss and link load and/or you can define the type of traffic coming from one node to another node. GNS3 is a free and open-source simulator. You can run simulations in either simulation mode, which provides an integrated GUI for a network simulator, or command-line mode. It has support for IPv4, IPv6, and OSI Layer 2, Layer 3, and OSI Layer 4 protocols. GNS3 can simulate protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP/IP, IPX, and AppleTalk. GNS3 is released under the GNU GPL.

GNS3 Features

• Simulation mode: GNS3 has an integrated graphical interface for network simulation, and command-line interface.
• IPv4, IPv6, and OSI Layer 2, Layer 3, and OSI Layer 4 protocols.
• Command-line mode: You can use GNS3 command-line interface for more power.
• You can use emulation features to change parameters such as packet loss and link load.
• You can define the type of traffic coming from one node to another node.
• It supports the L3 protocols like TCP, UDP, ICMP, IGMP, and PIM.
• GNS3 can simulate protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP/IP, IPX, and AppleTalk.

Why Should I Use GNS3?

• GNS3 is useful for simulating any type of network using emulated or real devices.
• Ability to simulate various types of networks such as point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, broadcast, VLANs, Layer 2 switches, Layer 3 switches, and routers.
• Ability to test your network and how it will behave when the load is changed.
• Packet and IP level traffic generation
• GNS3 has a real-time traffic flow simulator.
• Network and performance analyzers.
• Dynamic routing, protocols, and multicast.
• Port forwarding, NAT, and firewall.

What Are the Different GNS 3 Versions?

GNS3 has several versions. You can download the latest version from https://www.gns3.com. The GNS3 Simulator is a free software for testing and learning. GNS3 uses a graphical user interface (GUI) that you can use to build and test networks. The GNS3 Simulation program is used to perform a simulation of a network, and the Virtual Machine is used to run the simulation.

How Do I Install GNS3?

GNS3 has two ways to install:

1. You can download the latest version from https://www.gns3.com and install the latest version from the download.
2. You can install the simulator and virtual machine

What are the GNS3 Packages?

GNS3 Packages are the GNS3 software which contains all the necessary tools to simulate networks. GNS3 Packages are available in RPM and DEB format.

How Do I Use GNS3?

1. Install the GNS3 Packages on your operating system.
2. You can download the latest version from https://www.gns3.com and install the latest version from the download.
3. You can install the simulator and virtual machine.
4. Download the GNS3 Simulator.
5. GNS3 Simulator is the graphical user interface (GUI) for the GNS3 Simulation program. You can use the GNS3 Simulator to build and test your networks.

How Do I Install the GNS3 Python Module?

1. Download the latest version from https://www.gns3.com and install the latest version from the download.
2. Extract the archive and you will see the GNS3 Python module in the directory.
3. Install the module.

How Do I Install the GNS3 QEMU Virtual Machine?

1. Download the latest version from https://www.gns3.com and install the latest version from the download.
2. Extract the archive and you will see the GNS3 Virtual Machine in the directory.
3. Install the virtual machine.

What Is the GNS3 API?

GNS3 API is the interface to GNS3 program.