How to Configure Loopback Adapter in GNS3

We can easily use VMware virtual machines in the GNS3 network simulator. However, sometimes we may need to add a Loopback Adapter.

How to Add Loopback Adapter to GNS3

To define the Loopback interface in Graphical Network Simulator-3, you must first add the Microsoft Loopback Adapter in the Windows operating system. After you have determined and configured the IP address block to use on GNS3, you must restart your computer for any errors.

The Loopback Adapter is a virtual network card designed for use in test environments as is known. You can introduce and add this virtual adapter to your applications.

In our previous articles, we have explored how to configure Cloud in GNS3 and how to connect the GNS3 to VMware. In this article, we will add the Loopback hardware to the Windows 10 operating system and integrate it with GNS3.

How to Use Loopback Adapter

First, we will add one Loopback Adapter on the Windows 10 operating system.

Follow the steps below to add a virtual adapter to your system.

   Step 1

On Windows 10, open the Run window and type hdwwiz and click OK. The hdwwiz command is a short way to add an Adapter.

   Step 2

After the hardware wizard opens, click Next to continue.

   Step 3

Continue by selecting Advanced as we will add the Loopback card manually.

   Step 4

In the Hardware Types window, select Network Adapters and click the Next button.

   Step 5

Select Microsoft from the Manufacturer section, and then select Microsoft KM-TEST Adapter from the right pane.

   Step 6

The following window provides a summary of the hardware to be installed. In this window, click Next to continue.

   Step 7

Adding hardware is complete and click Finish to close the window.

   Step 8

You can see that the loopback card has added successfully. You can rename the Loopback card to avoid confusing it with other network cards.

   Step 9

Double-click on GNS3Loopback.

   Step 10

You need to set an IP address for the GNS3Loopback network card. You can change the IP address settings here. After configuring the IP address settings, click OK to save the settings.

   Step 11

You can check the configuration by clicking the Details button on the network card.

Restart your computer before proceeding to step 12!

   Step 12

After restarting your computer, run the GNS3 program and create a new project.

   Step 13

Drag and drop one Router and Cloud into the GNS3 workspace. Click Right-Click / Configure to set up Cloud1.

   Step 14

In the Cloud1 configuration window, you need to select the Loopback network card you added in the Ethernet Interfaces section. Once you have selected the GNS3Loopback adapter, click the Add button.

   Step 15

After successfully completing the loopback network card insertion steps, click OK to save the settings.

   Step 16

To cable Cloud1 and Cisco Router, click cabling and then click Cloud1. The Loopback network card will become selectable as you can see in the image below.

   Step 17

Assign an IP address to the Cisco Router FastEthernet 0/0 interface and turn it on. Then, test the connection by pinging the loopback IP address.

Cloud1 and Cisco Router can communicate with each other.

   Step 18

Similarly, test the connection by pinging the Cisco Router FastEthernet 0/0 interface from your physical computer. Pinging the Loopback card as shown in the following image must be successful!

How to Add a Virtual Network Card in Windows ⇒ Video

Watch the video below to use the Loopback Adapter and subscribe to our YouTube channel to support us!

   Final Word

The steps for adding a Loopback Adapter are the same for other versions of Windows. The purpose is to communicate the GNS3 program to our physical computer. Thanks for following us!

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