How to Install GNS3 VM in Kali Linux 2024

Are you getting ready for Cisco exams and need to make a GNS3 VM server on your Kali Linux PC? If yes, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll guide you on setting up it and other software for the GNS3 program on your Kali Linux 2024 PC.

With this VM, you can keep your IOS routers on one virtual machine and use exceptional IOS images for tougher routing and switching exams in Cisco’s exam plan. Let’s jump in and start installing!

Credit: Kali Linux

Exploring the Benefits of GNS3 VM (Virtual Machine) for Cisco Routing and Switching Exams

It lets you keep all your IOS routers on one pretend computer and use fancy IOS images. If you’re doing tricky routing and switching exams for Cisco, you might need the GNS3 server.

There’s a big difference between the GNS3 server and Packet Tracer. When you make complex setups in Packet Tracer, some Routers don’t support what you need them to do.

To fix these points, we suggest using the advanced networking tool called GNS3. With this tool, you can make simple or complicated projects.

You can run both of these tools on your PC, whether it’s using Windows or a Linux system. But you’ll need to have VMware or VirtualBox software installed on your computer.

Installing GNS3 VM on Kali PC

Suppose you want to begin using the VM simulator in Kali Linux 2024. In that case, you’ve got two choices: you can watch our video tutorial or follow some written steps.

Both ways will help you install and use it. Whether you like seeing things explained visually or reading step-by-step, you’ll have all the info you need to set it up.

Start by putting GNS3 on your Kali PC. Then, do the same thing to install VMware Workstation on your Kali. In short, these resources make sure the pretend computer works right.
After you finish installing the software you need, go to the official GNS3 website using this link. There, you can get the VM that works with VMware Workstation and Fusion programs.
After you get the GNS3 VM.ova file, you have to unzip it to a specific folder. Just use the command “unzip FileName.zip” in the terminal to do that. Then, open your VMware Workstation program. Go to the menu and click on “File,” then choose “Open” to find and open the unzipped file.
```
unzip FileName.zip
```
When you start the VM, make sure to pick the file with the “.ova” extension. This type of file is used for pretend computers and has everything needed for it to work. So, always choose the “.ova” file to make sure your pretend computer is installed and works correctly.
To save your virtual machine, first pick where you want to keep it safe. It could be on an external hard drive, a network spot, or any other storage you like. Once you choose where to go, click “Import” to start saving it.
After you’ve added the virtual machine to the VMware Workstation, make sure to update the hardware compatibility version to the newest one. This makes sure everything runs smoothly and works with your system. Just follow the steps the software suggests, and you’ll be good to go in no time.

Configuring GNS3 VM Settings

To make sure the GNS3 server works well, go into its settings and adjust the RAM size based on your PC’s power. Also, it’s a good idea to turn on the virtualization features in the processor settings to keep the server running smoothly.
To start using it, you have to open the GNS3 VM virtual computer. After that, make sure to check the IP address to make sure everything is set up right.
To use the GNS3 software, go to the setup wizard and pick the option that says “Run appliances in a virtual machine.” Once you select this, the software will start working with all the settings it needs.
Make sure not to change the server path location and choose the IP block of the virtual server as the host binding address. This ensures that the server is set up correctly and avoids any problems that could arise from changing the path or picking the wrong IP address. Following these steps helps keep your network running smoothly without any issues.
Once you’re connected to the server, the next step is setting up the VM. Here, you should give it two pretend CPUs and choose the right amount of memory that works best for you. Doing this makes sure the server works well and doesn’t have any problems with how it runs.
After you’ve connected to the GNS3 VM, it’s a good idea to check the summary of hardware info to make sure everything looks good. You’ll find this info in the wizard. Once you’ve checked it, you can close the wizard and get on with your tasks.
To start, make sure your GNS3 software and GNS3 VM are connected. Once they are, go to the Edit menu and choose Preferences. A small window will pop up, and in that window, click on the New button under Dynamips / IOS Routers settings. This will open the Router wizard, where you can set up your router just how you want it.
To make the IOS router work on the virtual server using the IOS Template, choose the “Run this IOS router on the GNS3 VM” option. This makes it easy to run and test your network projects smoothly.
To add the Router IOS you downloaded earlier, click on the “Browse” button. Then, go to where you saved the downloaded file. Once you find it, select it, and the Router IOS will be added to your computer.
To finish the job, you have to unzip the IOS files from the compressed folder. Then, wait until the unzipped files are all uploaded to the correct server.
To make a router work better, it’s a good idea to set an Idle-PC value. This lets the router use your computer’s processing power when it’s not busy. Just put this value right to make sure the router works well.
First, close the router wizard. Then, start a new project and add the device you want to use to your workspace. Lastly, create a topology to see how your project’s network is set up and connected.
Once you’ve checked that the GNS3 VM is working right, you can begin preparing for your Cisco certification exams on your Linux computer. This lets you practice and study for the exams in a pretend environment. So you can get used to Cisco’s technologies and concepts that you’ll face in the actual exams.

Conclusion

Setting up a GNS3 VM server on your Kali Linux PC can be really helpful if you’re getting ready for Cisco routing and switching exams. With this structure, you can keep all your IOS routers in one VM and use fancy IOS images. It’s a powerful tool for tricky networking projects.

Just follow the steps in this introductory article to install and set up the server easily. With this and other software, you’ll be on track to ace those Cisco exams in no time.

If you want to use Ubuntu instead of Kali, we’ve got what you need! Please take a look at our easy guide called How to Install GNS3 VM in Ubuntu to learn how to do it. We’ll show you step-by-step instructions on how to install the software, including getting a VM, setting up the virtual machine, and adjusting its settings. With our help, you’ll have it on your OS in a flash!