How to Install GNS3 on Ubuntu 23.10

Are you getting ready for Cisco exams and need a program to practice networking? GNS3 is a favorite among network admins and students. It helps you make professional network setups, check packets, and learn about security and routing.

In this article, we’ll walk you through installing GNS3 on Ubuntu 23.10 (Mantic Minotaur) Linux. We’ll also show you how to add IOS images so you can create networks and prep for your Cisco exams. Ready? Let’s go!

Credit: Ubuntu

Why is GNS3 Network Design Software Best for You on Ubuntu?

If you’re into networking as a student or network admin, you might know about GNS3 and Packet Tracer software. Both have their perks, but the graphical network simulator is better for pro-network designs.

But, to run a Cisco Router on GNS3, you have to download IOS images first. You can get these from Cisco’s website or other trusted places.

Once you have the IOS images, you can add them to the program and start prepping for your Cisco exams by making network designs. With this software, you can also analyze packets, check routing protocols, and learn about security devices.

If you’re using Ubuntu, setting up GNS3 right after installation is a good move. This lets you use all its marvelous features to make and test complex networks and get better at networking overall.

Installing GNS3 in the Ubuntu PC

Watch a video tutorial or look at these steps to install the GNS3 network software on Ubuntu 23.10, which is the newest version.

After you turn on your computer, go to your desktop and find the terminal app. When you find it, open it to use the command line. There, you can see what versions of apps are on your computer by typing a specific command. This shows you what apps are installed and what versions they are.
```
sudo apt update
```
To update your computer’s apps, first, check which ones need updating. Then, you can start the update process by running a command. While the updates are happening, don’t stop them or turn off your computer. Once it’s done, you’ll get a message saying the updates were successful.
```
sudo apt upgrade
```
After you’ve set up the configurations you need, add GNS3 to your computer’s repository.
```
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gns3/ppa
```
To install GNS3 on your Ubuntu computer, you need to run a command. This command will help you install it correctly.
```
sudo apt install gns3-server gns3-gui
```
When you’re installing Wireshark, make sure to give the correct permissions to ubridge and for packet capture. These permissions are super crucial for the software to work well and capture network packets correctly. So, make sure you have all the permissions needed to avoid problems when installing or using the software.
After you’ve finished installing, the next step is to start up the graphical simulator. Once it’s running, go to the Dynamips section under Edit/Preferences and add a Router image to the simulator. Then, you can start using it to make network setups and configurations.
If you see an error message about “AUTOIDLEPC” when you’re trying to add an IOS image, try turning on the 32-bit architecture. This should help you add the IOS image without any more problems.
```
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
```
To get the Dynamips i386 DEB package for Ubuntu’s EOAN version, go to the Ubuntu website or use a tool like apt-get. After you download it, you can install it on your computer. It helps you make pretend Cisco IOS routers for testing and creating networks.
```
wget http://ppa.launchpad.net/gns3/ppa/ubuntu/pool/main/d/dynamips/dynamips_0.2.21-1~eoan1_i386.deb
```
To put the deb package you downloaded on your computer, you use the dpkg command. This command helps you install the package.
```
sudo dpkg -i dynamips_0.2.21-1~eoan1_i386.deb
```
If you run into any issues with other stuff your package needs while installing it, you can fix it by running a command. This command ensures that all the things your package needs are seated correctly.
```
sudo apt install libc6-dev-i386 libelf-dev:i386 libpcap0.8-dev:i386
```
If you’re still having trouble after that, try reinstalling the Dynamips i386 deb package and then restarting your computer. That might fix the problem.
If you try to set up the Idle-PC value in the IOS add wizard again, the system will look for the correct settings for your router. This makes sure your network runs smoothly and your router works well.

Conclusion

To sum up, using GNS3 on Ubuntu 23.10 can really help network admins and students. It lets you make professional network setups, analyze packets, and learn about security devices and routing protocols, which is super helpful for Cisco exams.

Just follow the steps we talked about in this article, and you’ll have network emulator software set up on your Ubuntu computer in no time. Then, you can start making your network designs.

If you use Linux Mint, read our article on how to install GNS3 on Linux Mint. This guide shows you each step of installing it on your PC and adding IOS images to build network designs. If you’re on Linux Mint and want to start practicing networking skills with this software, give it a read.