Adding Cisco VIRL vIOS images to Eve-ng lets you create a versatile lab environment for learning and testing network configurations. Eve-ng (Emulated Virtual Environment Next Generation) is a popular tool used by network professionals to practice and test various network scenarios. By adding Cisco VIRL vIOS images, you can simulate real Cisco network devices, making it perfect for studying, certification practice, and pre-deployment testing.
This guide will show you how to download Cisco VIRL vIOS images, create directories in Eve-ng, prepare the environment, upload the images, and fix permissions. By following these steps, you’ll be able to set up and manage your own Cisco network lab in Eve-ng, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
What is vIOS?
Cisco vIOS (Virtual IOS) is a software image that emulates the functionality of Cisco’s IOS (Internetwork Operating System) on virtualized platforms. It allows network professionals to create and test network configurations in a virtual environment without the need for physical hardware. vIOS images are commonly used in lab setups for learning, certification preparation, and testing network designs before implementing them in production environments.
Table of Contents
- Download Cisco VIRL vIOS qcow2.
- Create the Cisco vIOS directory in Eve-ng.
- Use Filezilla/SCP to upload the Cisco vIOS image to Eve-ng.
- Fix the permissions.
- Add the Cisco VIRL vIOS node to Eve-ng and enjoy.
1. Download Cisco VIRL vIOS qcow2 from the below link.
| S.No | EVE Image Name | Downloaded Original Filename | Version | vCPUs | vRAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | vios-adventerprisek9-m.SPA.156-1.T | vios-adventerprisek9-m.vmdk.SPA.156-1.T | 15.6.1T | 1 | 512 |
| 2. | viosl2-adventerprisek9-m.03.2017 | vios_l2-adventerprisek9-m.03.2017.qcow2 | 15.2 | 1 | 1024 |
2. Create Cisco vIOS Directory in Eve-ng:
- Log in to your Eve-ng.
- Create the directory for the Cisco VIRL image
mkdir /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/vios-adventerprisek9-m.SPA.156-1.T/
3. Use Filezilla/SCP to Upload the Cisco vIOS images to Eve-ng:
- Upload the downloaded image to Eve-ng using FileZilla or WinSCP.
- Upload to:
/opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/vios-adventerprisek9-m.SPA.156-1.T/
4. Fix the Permissions:
Run the following command to fix the permissions
/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions
5. Open Eve-ng and Add the Node:
- Open Eve-ng GUI.
- Check the node by adding it to your lab. The image will be visible under nodes as Cisco VIRL.