How to Add a Virtual Machines in GNS3

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GNS3 is really an amazing simulator that allows you to do a lot. It is not just limited to adding Router and switches, it also allows you to add other vendors devices, Linux machines or Images also. In addition, GNS3 let you add VirtualBox and VMware virtual machines so you can perform lab exercises similar to perform in a real-life environment. In this post, we will explain how to add a virtual machine in GNS3. For this, we will add a VMware virtual machine in GNS3. Similarly, you can add a VirtualBox machine in GNS3. Choosing the type of virtual machine depends on your choice and comfort. However, steps will remain the same both types of VMs.

In order to add a virtual machine in GNS3, you need to perform the following steps:

1) First, create a virtual machine in VMware workstation. We assume that you have already created a virtual machine using VMware workstation. In the following figure, you can see we have multiple virtual machines. In this demonstration, we will add CentOS 64-Bit virtual machine to GNS3 which is currently running.  

2) Once you have created the virtual machine, open the GNS3 console, click Edit and select Preferences.

3) On the Preferences window, select VMware VMs in the left pane and click New to add a new VMware virtual machine in GNS3.


4) In the VMware Virtual Machine page, your virtual machine should be available in the VM list drop-down menu as shown in the following figure. Select the virtual machine that you want to add in GNS3 and then click Finish.


5) In the GNS3 console, drag your virtual machine in the work view area. Right-click virtual machine and select Start to start it.


6) Now, this virtual machine can be connected to routers, switches and other devices in GNS3. Open the console of the virtual machine and use it as a real machine to perform the hands-on lab exercises.



In this post, we have explained how to add virtual machines in GNS3. Please share the article as it can help others too. Stay connected us for more upcoming posts.

Thanks !!!!