How to Add F5 BIG-IP images to EVE-NG

F5 BIG-IP is a leading solution for load balancing, application delivery, and security. Incorporating F5 BIG-IP into your EVE-NG lab allows you to simulate real-world scenarios, test features, and prepare for certifications like F5-CA and F5-CTS.

Adding F5 BIG-IP to EVE-NG enables you to simulate and test F5 features, making it an invaluable tool for network and security professionals.

This blog provides a detailed guide on how to add the F5 BIG-IP image to EVE-NG and get started.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Add F5 BIG-IP to EVE-NG?
  2. Steps to Add F5 BIG-IP to EVE-NG
  3. Troubleshooting
  4. Conclusion

Why Add F5 BIG-IP to EVE-NG?

  • Real-World Simulation: Test load balancing, SSL offloading, and web application firewall (WAF) configurations.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Practice complex scenarios without physical hardware.
  • Certification Preparation: Build and practice F5-specific labs for certifications.

Steps to Add F5 BIG-IP to EVE-NG

Step 1: Download the F5 BIG-IP Image

  1. Official F5 Downloads:
    • Visit F5 Networks Downloads and log in to your account.
    • Download the KVM-compatible image (e.g., BIGIP-VE.qcow2) for the version you need.
  2. Alternate Sources:
    • If you are practicing for educational purposes and cannot access the F5 portal, search for indexed educational links.
Download

Step 2: Prepare EVE-NG Environment

  1. SSH to EVE-NG Server:
    • Use a terminal or SSH client (e.g., PuTTY) to access your EVE-NG server.
  2. Create a Directory for F5 BIG-IP:

mkdir -p /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/f5-bigip-15.1.2/

Replace 15.1.2 with your BIG-IP version.

Step 3: Upload the Image to EVE-NG

  1. Transfer the File:
    • Use tools like WinSCP or FileZilla to upload the BIG-IP .qcow2 file to the directory you created:bashCopy code/opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/f5-bigip-15.1.2/
  2. Verify the Upload:
    • SSH into the server and confirm the file is uploaded:

ls -l /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/f5-bigip-15.1.2/

Step 4: Rename the Image

  1. Rename the Uploaded File:
    • Rename the file to virtioa.qcow2 to match EVE-NG’s naming conventions:

mv BIGIP-VE.qcow2 virtioa.qcow2

Step 5: Fix Permissions

  1. Set Correct Permissions:
    • Run the following command to apply the correct permissions:

/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions

Step 6: Add and Configure F5 BIG-IP in EVE-NG

  1. Access EVE-NG Web Interface:
    • Open a browser and log in to the EVE-NG web interface.
  2. Create a Lab:
    • Create a new lab or open an existing one.
  3. Add F5 BIG-IP Node:
    • In the lab topology editor, add a new node.
    • Select the F5 BIG-IP image from the available nodes.
  4. Configure the Node:
    • Allocate at least 2 vCPUs and 4 GB RAM for the F5 BIG-IP node.
  5. Start the Node:
    • Power on the BIG-IP node and connect to its console.
how to add f5 big-ip image to eve-ng

Step 7: Initial BIG-IP Configuration

  1. Access BIG-IP via Console:
    • Log in using the default credentials:
      • Username: admin
      • Password: admin
  2. Set Management IP:
    • Configure the management interface with a static IP to access the GUI.
  3. Access BIG-IP GUI:
    • Open a browser and navigate to https://<management-ip>.
  4. Complete Setup:
    • Follow the initial configuration wizard to set up your F5 BIG-IP device.

Troubleshooting

  • Node Not Booting:
    • Ensure the image file is correctly named as virtioa.qcow2.
    • Verify directory permissions.
  • BIG-IP GUI Not Accessible:
    • Check the management IP configuration.
    • Ensure the allocated resources (RAM, CPU) meet the minimum requirements.
  • Node Missing in EVE-NG:
    • Confirm the image folder and permissions are correctly set.

Conclusion

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy labbing! 🚀

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