Basic Usage

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Interface Overview

The GNS3 main interface is divided into several areas:

Adding Devices by Drag and Drop

1. Select a device type from the Devices Panel on the left
2. Drag and drop it to the Workspace

Connecting Devices

1. Click the Add a link button in the toolbar (or press L)
2. Click on the first device's interface
3. Click on the second device's interface

Starting and Stopping Devices

Single Device

• Right-click device → Start / Stop

All Devices

• Toolbar → ▶️ Start all / ⏹️ Stop all

Console Connection

Method 1: Right-click

Right-click device → Console

Method 2: Double-click

Double-click directly on the device icon

Configure Console Application

• Windows

Edit → Preferences → General → Console applications

• MacOS

GNS3 → Preferences → General → Console applications

Packet Capture

GNS3 has built-in Wireshark integration for packet analysis. Right-click on any link → Select "Start Capture"

Check "Start the Capture Visualization Program" to launch Wireshark

Wireshark opens automatically

Save Project

File → Save project as...

Project file structure:

my-project/
├── my-project.gns3      # Project configuration file
└── project-files/
    ├── qemu/            # QEMU VM files
    └── docker/          # Docker configuration

Export/Import

Export Project (including images)

File → Export project

Import Project

File → Import project

Keep Project running when closing GNS3

1. In GNS3 File → Edit project
2. Check Leave this project running in background when closing GNS3