GNS3 Guide

Welcome to the GNS3 guide! This section will help you understand, install, and use GNS3 for network simulation.

What is GNS3?

GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3) is an open-source network simulator that allows you to simulate complex network architectures in a virtual environment.

Why Choose GNS3?

Feature	GNS3	EVE-NG	Packet Tracer
Open Source & Free	✅	Partial	❌
VM Support	✅	✅	❌
Docker Support	✅	✅	❌
WEB GUI	✅	✅	❌
Desktop GUI	✅	❌	✅
Multi-vendor Support	✅	✅	❌

Architecture Overview

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│              GNS3 GUI                    │
│         (Graphical Interface)            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│            GNS3 Server                   │
│         (Local or Remote Server)         │
├──────────┬──────────┬───────────────────┤
│  QEMU    │  Docker  │  Dynamips         │
│  (KVM)   │ Containers│  (Cisco Emulation) │
└──────────┴──────────┴───────────────────┘

Getting Started

1. Installation & Setup

Learn how to install GNS3 on your system:

• Installation Overview - Choose your operating system
  • macOS Installation - Complete guide for Mac users
  • Windows Installation - Complete guide for Windows users

2. Basic Usage

Once installed, learn the fundamentals:

• Basic Usage - Interface overview, adding devices, connecting nodes, and common shortcuts

3. Advanced Topics

Take your skills to the next level:

• Create VM Appliances - Learn how to create virtual machine appliances
• Create Docker Appliances - Learn how to create Docker-based appliances

Next Steps

Ready to practice? Check out our hands-on labs to apply what you've learned!