In our previous articles, we examined the steps of adding a Layer 2 Switch to the GNS3 program. In this article, we will examine how to add the Cisco IOU L2 IOS image.
Cisco IOU L2 L3 lab with GNS3 Switching in GNS3. Download the IOU Virtual Machine from the given Sourceforge link. In the above image I have marked the file which I downloaded, However you can use any of the available versions. Once downloaded extract the tar file using 7zip or Winzip. You would see below files inside the zip file. Steps, how to setup your new VM with iou-web 1. First download archived vm machine from forum shares. Use www.7-zip.org for unzip it. Mouse right click on first archive file, choose 7z- extract here. Download VM Ware player, if you have not it, or use any existing virtual program.
How to Setup Cisco IOU L2 Appliance on GNS3
GNS3 is a continuously developed network emulator program. And those who prepare for the Cisco exams are more likely to use the GNS3 program. The biggest advantage of using this software is that it is free. Furthermore, many detailed network designs can be designed and run on it.
Many people had problems with using Cisco Switch on GNS3. With the Appliance structure, it is now easier to install and use the network device.
In order to use Cisco IOU images in GNS3 program, GNS3 VM Server must be installed. Otherwise, you will not be able to install the IOU.
In addition, you can check out our articles on How to Import GNS3 VM and How to Make the GNS3 VM Network Connection.
How to Add IOU to GNS3
In order to use Layer 2 Switch, you need to download the necessary IOS image and import it with this application. You can find the IOU L2 Appliance installation file at the end of the article.
To import the IOU image, follow the steps below.
Step 1
After you download the Cisco IOU L2.gns3a file to your computer, double-click it.
Step 2
After opening the program, you will be informed about the IOU L2 installation. You can see that Layer 2 Switch is in Multilayer Switch category.
To import GNS3 Appliance, click Next.
Step 3
Select GNS3 VM Server for installation and click Next.
Step 4
The files required for the IOU are as follows. You can update the files to be downloaded by pressing the Refresh button. Select the existing Cisco IOU L2 15.2.d file (i86bi-linux-l2-adventerprisek9-15.2d.bin) and check if the GNS3 VM Server is running before clicking Next.
Step 5
GNS3 VM Server is currently running in the background.
Step 6
You must have the L2 image in the Required Files window. The distribution of these images is strictly prohibited and you can do research on the Internet to download them.
After downloading the IOU image, click Next to load the selected image.
Step 7
Do you want to install version 15.2d? Continue by clicking Yes.
Step 8
The hardware specifications for the Appliance that will run on the GNS3 VM are as follows.
Step 9
When importing, the new device is reported to be in the Multilayer Switch category.
Step 10
After you have successfully completed the IOU installation, click OK.
Step 11
Create a new project in GNS3 to check the added image.
Step 12
As you can see in the image below, Layer 2 Switch with 15.2d image is available in the tools menu. Drag and drop the switch into the workspace.
Step 13
At the CLI prompt, execute the show version command and check the system image and installation location of the Layer 2 Switch.
As you can see, the L2 Appliance has installed successfully!
Step 14
You can check the interfaces of the switch by running the show ip interface brief command on the switch.
Step 15
Create a new VLAN to verify the functionality of the IOU image and run the do show vlan command in config mode to verify the VLAN configuration.
Show Commands
How to Use the Appliance Feature in GNS3 ⇒ Video
You can watch the video below to use Appliance on GNS3 and also subscribe to our YouTube channel to support us!
Final Word
In this article, we have added a new Layer 2 Switch on GNS3 VM Server. If you want to add L3 Switch, you can take a look at Adding Layer 3 Switch in GNS3. The use of GNS3 VM Server is crucial to performance. We also recommend that you install GNS3 VM on an external disk. In addition, we strongly recommend using an external SSD disk. Thanks for following us!
Related Articles
♦ How to Add Router to GNS3 VM
♦ How to Update GNS3 VM
♦ How to Add Loopback Adapter in GNS3
♦ How Switch Works?
♦ How to Configure VPCS in GNS3
♦ How to Update GNS3 VM
♦ How to Add Loopback Adapter in GNS3
♦ How Switch Works?
♦ How to Configure VPCS in GNS3
IOU L2 15.2d Download
You can download IOU L2 image file from the button below.