How to Import GNS3 VM in VMware

You might see speed problems when using the GNS3 network tool. This usually happens when you add Cisco Router IOS files to your computer.

Adding these files can be very hard. First, there is the problem of storage capacity. Big IOS files take up a lot of disk space. This gets worse when you add many files. Also, running tests with these files uses a lot of computer power.

Because of this, your computer will slow down. This causes lag and makes it less responsive when you set up and test. To help with these problems, I suggest you run your IOS files on a GNS3 VM remote server.

Why Should I Use GNS3 VM?

GNS3 VM is a program that works with a Linux virtual machine. After you get the OVA file, you need a virtual program to set it up.

You can put Cisco Router IOS files on the GNS3 virtual server. This lets you keep all the files together. Also, the IOS files you add will work faster. But running the setup from an outside disk makes it work better.

We really think you should use external SSD disks. The makers built the OVA file for VMware Workstation. But you can also use this file in VirtualBox.

In this article, we will use the VMware Workstation program. You can also choose this program. You can also add the “GNS3 Server.ova” file to VirtualBox by following the steps.

How to Build the GNS3 VM on VMware

After installing VMware Workstation, download the VM.ova file from the developer’s website. Then, extract the archived file you downloaded to a folder. However, follow the steps below for installation.

1. Import GNS3 VM.ova File

Step 1

Double-click the GNS3 VM.ova file you downloaded.

Step 2

VMware Workstation will open like this. If you want to import it to an external disk, click the Browse button.

Step 3

I recommend selecting your external disk from the disk options. So, proceed by creating a new folder here.

Step 4

Check the location of the external disk. After that, hit the “Import” button to start the process.

Step 5

GNS3 Server import started.

2. Configure the GNS3 Server’s Network Settings

Step 1

After importing the virtual machine, configure the network settings. To do this, click on the “Network Adapter” section, as shown in the image below. Then, select Network Adapter 2 and delete it.

Step 2

Configure the Network Adapter 1 setting to VMnet0 (Bridged). Don’t forget to configure VMnet0 as a Bridged Network in the Virtual Network Editor.

3. Run & Control GNS3 Virtual Server

Step 1

After completing the above steps, run the GNS3 virtual machine.

Step 2

We are opening the GNS3 server.

Step 3

The first boot image after the GNS3 virtual machine is turned on is as follows. Click OK to access the advanced settings section.

As you can see, the GNS3 server acquires an IP address issued by the DHCP server on the local network.

Step 4

After the import process is complete, open the Command Prompt. Now, go to the command line and test the connection by pinging the IP address.

How to Add a GNS3 VM to a Virtual Machine ⇒ Video

You can learn how to move the GNS3.ova file to your VM in our YouTube video. This video will show you the needed setup and choices for an easy install.

If you liked our content, please remember to follow our YouTube channel! By following, you can help us and know about our newest videos and tools.

Conclusion

In this article, we outline several steps to enhance the efficiency of using the GNS3 program.

Plus, we have installed the GNS3 VM server on VMware to provide centralized IOS management. In short, you can now organize your network designs more professionally and with advanced performance.

Now, you can use all the features of an L2 Switch and an L3 Switch.

To make your GNS3 better, I strongly suggest that you build the GNS3 VM. If you use Windows, please read our article, Installing the GNS3 VM on Windows. This guide will make the setup easy if you follow all the simple steps.