GNS3, a simulator of real and virtual networks for Ubuntu

In the next article we will see an application called GNS3. This is a open source software that some people often use to simulate, test and troubleshoot a network environment virtual and real. This program will allow us to create and run a small network topology to which we can add network devices such as laptops, desktops, servers, switches, routers, etc.

Before proceeding to install GNS3 on Ubuntu 64bit, it would be wise to take a quick look at its uses and features. To begin with, say that the latest stable version of the program is 2.0.3. In this version the application brings important architectural changes and also new features with respect to the previous stable version.

At the beginning of its history, GNS3 was only a desktop application from the first version to version 0.8.3. With the 1.x versions that came later, this application began to give users the ability to use remote servers. In version 2.0, the program It will offer us the possibility that several clients can control GNS3 at the same time. Also all the "intelligence of the application" has been transferred to the server of this, making the program more effective in its task.

GNS3 not only is compatible with Cisco devices. Cisco is what most network engineers are interested in knowing, but there is life beyond it. This is the main reason why many other commercial and open source providers are compatible with this application today.

GNS3 Features

Among others, this application provides the user with general characteristics such as the possibility of using the simulation that we carry out as a proof of concept or customer demonstration for commercial purposes. It is without a doubt a great platform for learning and teaching a network environment. At the same time, with the use of a virtual lab, multi-vendor interoperability can be tested on the network.

Another very noteworthy feature is that it is a good option for real-time network simulation for pre-deployment testing. Trying always ends up saving you problems.

This application will also give us the ability to quickly run and test various hardware without the need for physical hardware.

In reference to network certifications, you can customize topologies and labs within GNS3. In addition, you can connect GNS3 to a real network environment.

You can check all the features of GNS3 on their website as the entire application is documented. You can also check how to configure this application on your local network.

As I have already mentioned, GNS3 is open source software that is free to download and use. You can download versions for Windows, Mac OSX and Linux. The source code of the application is available at GitHub if you want to take a look at the code.

Install GNS3 on Ubuntu

Installing this software on our 64-bit Ubuntu system is, as always, very simple. In this article we are going to use the PPA that they provide us from their website. To begin we will have to open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and first add the repository using the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gns3/ppa

Now we only have to update the list of programs on our computer and install the program. To do this, in the same terminal we write the following:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install gns3-gui

Uninstall GNS3 from Ubuntu

If this application does not convince you, here you will see how to get rid of it easily. As always, uninstalling a program is as simple as installing it.

To begin we are going to eliminate the program and we will end up removing the repository from our local list. We open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and in it we paste the order to eliminate the program and just afterwards clean any residual files that may remain in our system:

sudo apt remove gns3-gui && sudo apt autoremove

Now, in the same terminal we will get rid of the repository by pasting the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository -r ppa:gns3/ppa