Lab 2 Loyola Lia Anak Enting
Lab 2 Loyola Lia Anak Enting
Lab 2 Loyola Lia Anak Enting
MANAGEMENT
The purpose of this lab is to install and configure GNS3 with VMware to simulate a simple
network consisting of a router, switch, and three PCs. GNS3 is a powerful network
simulation tool that allows users to design, configure, and troubleshoot complex networks
without needing physical hardware. VMware is used to run the GNS3 VM, which provides a
virtualized environment that enhances performance and allows for seamless integration with
the GNS3 software. This lab covers the step-by-step installation of VMware Workstation, the
import and configuration of the GNS3 VM, the creation of a network topology, and testing
connectivity between devices. By successfully completing this lab, I gain hands-on
experience in setting up network environments and using simulation tools, which are
essential skills for network engineers and IT professionals.
For your VM OVA file, you need to download the GNS3 VM .ova file that matches your
version. For this lab, im using GNS server version: 2.2.49 and GNS3 OVA 2.2.49.
After, launch VMware Workstation. In VMware Workstation, go to File > Open. Navigate to
the location where you downloaded the GNS3 VM .ova file. Select the OVA file and click
Open.
3. Follow the Import Wizard:
A dialog box will appear showing the details of the VM (such as VM name, hardware
configuration, etc.). Click Import to proceed. This may take a few minutes depending on
your system’s performance.
4. Adjust VM Settings:
After the VM is imported, adjust its settings to ensure it has sufficient resources for GNS3 to
run smoothly using configuration of Memory : 4GB, and Processor : 4.
5. Start the GNS3 VM:
Once the configuration is complete, click Power On to start the GNS3 VM. This is the
outcome when you open the GNS VM.
2.2 Configuring GNS3 VM
In GNS3, go to Edit > Preferences. In the left-hand menu, click on GNS3 VM. Check the
box labelled Enable the GNS3 VM.
Ensure the VMware Workstation option is selected in the Virtualization drop-down menu.
Under GNS3 VM, verify that the correct VM (GNS3 VM) is listed.
3. Set Resource Allocations in GNS3:
Adjust the resources directly in the GNS3 Preferences window. Set the RAM size and CPU
core allocation to match what you set earlier in VMware.
3. Outcome
In this lab, the network topology consists of a router, two switches, and three PCs connected
in a star configuration. The router, labelled as R1, is at the core of the network and is
connected to the first switch (Switch1) via its FastEthernet0/0 (f0/0) interface. Switch1 is then
connected to PC1 and PC2 through its Ethernet ports e2 and e3, respectively. Switch1 is
also connected to a second switch, Switch2, through its e1 port. Finally, Switch2 is
connected to PC3 through its Ethernet0 (e0) interface. This configuration allows for efficient
communication between all PCs and the router, ensuring that network traffic can pass
between devices without issue.
Each PC and the router are assigned unique IP addresses within the 192.168.1.0/24
network, ensuring that they can communicate with one another. The router’s f0/0 interface
acts as the gateway for all PCs, enabling them to route traffic outside their subnet. The
connections between the devices are essential for testing the network’s functionality,
particularly verifying connectivity through ping tests.
In this setup, the router’s f0/0 interface (192.168.1.1) serves as the default gateway for all
PCs, ensuring they can communicate both internally and externally. Each PC is assigned a
unique IP address within the 192.168.1.0/24 subnet, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
3.1 Topology
5. Reference
1. GNS3. (n.d.). Setup wizard for the GNS3 VM. GNS3 Documentation.
https://docs.gns3.com/docs/getting-started/setup-wizard-gns3-vm/
2. GNS3. (n.d.). Download the GNS3 VM. GNS3 Documentation.
https://docs.gns3.com/docs/getting-started/installation/download-gns3-vm/
3. GNS3. (n.d.). Download GNS3 VM software. GNS3.
https://www.gns3.com/software/download-vm