Install an image

In GNS3, create a new blank project called IOSvL2.

We need to download the IOSvL2 appliance before beginning. I do an internet search for GNS3 marketplace and then select appliances. Locate the Cisco IOSvL2 appliance, click it and download the template.

I keep my images in C:\Users\username\OneDrive\GNS3, adapt to your own path. In that path, I create \iosvl2 and save the template there. The lecturer will supply an image, copy that image to this folder also. I am using the image file:

vios_l2-adventerprisek9-m.ssa.high_iron_20200929

1. In GNS3, go to File->Import Appliance

2. Select the file we just downloaded and open.

3. You should be offered the option of installing to the server only, click next.

4. You will be asked which QEMU binary to use, go with the default.

5. I am now asked for required files, GNS3 is looking for the OS image. It gives me three options, but this will change with every update, adapt!

1. In this example, I am going to install an image ending 55.E so adapt to whatever versions you are using.

GNS3 will take a few minutes to load the file.

1. Click Next to begin installing, GNS3 asks one more time if I would like to install it. I click Yes.

1. When finished, I get a password warning and then click finish.

1. Let us see if we have the switch available! If I click on the switch toolbar (2 horizontal arrows).

2. I can see this switch is loaded.

3. I can now drag an instance of the switch into the workspace and begin to work with it.

4. If I double click on the switch instance, I can access its configuration dialogue.