Using Dynamips for CCIE Lab Preparation
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Computers Technology -> subcategory Other.
Using Dynamips for CCIE Lab Preparation
Overview
Networking certification candidates often struggle with accessing hardware to learn network operating systems. Traditionally, they had to purchase old equipment, rent rack space, use basic simulators, or risk testing on live networks. Now, there's another option: Dynamips, an emulation program that offers a virtual Cisco IOS testbed.What is Dynamips?
Launched in August 2005 by Christophe Fillot, Dynamips is a Linux and Windows application that emulates Cisco 7200 and 3600 series hardware. Unlike standard simulators, it allows you to load real Cisco IOS images and create complex network topologies right on your desktop. As of November 2006, it supports Ethernet, Serial, ATM, and POS interfaces on 7200 routers, and Ethernet, Serial, and Etherswitch modules on 3600 routers. Best of all, it's open-source and free!Getting Started with Dynamips
1. Install Required Software- For Linux, install [libpcap](http://sourceforge.net/projects/libpcap/).
- For Windows, install [winpcap](http://www.winpcap.org) version 4.0 or later.
2. Download Dynamips
- Grab the appropriate executables for your platform.
- It's recommended to use the [Dynagen](http://dyna-gen.sourceforge.net) installer, a front-end by Greg Anuzelli, for easier configuration management.
3. Obtain Cisco IOS Image
- You'll need a Cisco IOS image for the 7206, 3620, 3640, or 3660 routers.
- Download it from [Cisco's official website](http://www.cisco.com) if you have a valid service contract.
- Extract the IOS image using tools like WinRAR or gunzip to speed up the boot process.
4. Configure Dynagen
- Create or download a Dynagen .net file to set up the emulator.
- You can find prebuilt topologies from [Internetwork Expert](http://www.internetworkexpert.com/downloads/internetwork.expert.topologies.zip).
- Modify these files to specify working directories and IOS image locations as needed.
5. Set Up a Terminal Server Instance
- Create a loopback interface with IP 169.254.0.1/16 on your PC.
- Follow [Microsoft's guide](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/839013) for Windows.
- Reboot your PC and use the "Network Device List" shortcut to find the loopback hardware address.
- Modify the .net file to include your loopback's hardware address.
- Ensure you can ping the Terminal Server's IP (169.254.0.2) to confirm setup.
Running Dynamips
- Boot the Dynamips hypervisor via the "Dynamips Server" shortcut.- Execute the .net file using Dynagen and start your virtual devices.
- Access the emulated routers using terminal software like SecureCRT, PuTTY, HyperTerminal, or command-line telnet.
System Requirements
As you add more devices, your system's processor, memory, and disk space demands will increase. A setup with an AMD 64 X2 Dual Core 4400+ processor, 2GB of RAM, and 2GB of disk space should suffice for the Internetwork Expert Topology.Future Developments
Dynamips continues to evolve, with more features expected to be added. For further details, visit these resources:- [Dynamips Project](http://www.ipflow.utc.fr/index.php/Cisco_7200_Simulator)
- [Dynagen](http://dyna-gen.sourceforge.net/)
- [Hacki’s Forum](http://7200emu.hacki.at/)
Using Dynamips provides a robust alternative for CCIE Lab preparation, offering cost-effective and dynamic learning opportunities.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Using Dynamips for CCIE Lab Preparation.
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