How to import the GNS3 SONiC Datacenter image to VMware ESXi?

Robert Strakulski
Updated

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Introduction

Welcome to the GNS3 SONiC on ESXi deployment guide!

This article will guide you through importing the GNS3 SONiC Datacenter image into a VMware ESXi environment. By following these steps, you can run SONiC-based network simulations directly on your hypervisor — no additional physical hardware required.

Hardware Requirements

  • CPU: Intel Core i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 7/9,
  • vCPU: 24 Virtual cores You need to configure in ESXi.
  • RAM: Minimum 50 GB
  • Disk: SSD with at least 100 GB free space
  • OS: ESXi
  • Network: Stable and high-speed internet connection

Download the GNS3 SONiC Datacenter Image

You can download the GNS3 SONiC Datacenter image from HERE.

Remember

Check the MD5 sums of all files after download.

80fa232c44c74b188511ac87847f3072  GNS3Datacenter/DataCenterinGNS3-0.vmdk
8af17ac1720865dd79123b9fff035629  GNS3Datacenter/DataCenterinGNS3-1.vmdk
6d03013d57568d752401d885d5eb1ac2  GNS3Datacenter/DataCenterinGNS3.mf
3e03fb9ee49bad42ee7af16d3a4f6683  GNS3Datacenter/DataCenterinGNS3.nvram
5ab2cf54a9d9af659e7395e3383f042e  GNS3Datacenter/DataCenterinGNS3.ovf
13b85a5db15b2de09dcb0d1dd6865ed2  DataCenter_in_GNS3_(SONiC_4.4.1).zip

Import the Virtual Machine into VMware ESXi

STEP 1: Launch ESXi page on your web browser.

STEP 2:  In ESXi, select "Create/Register VM".

import vm.png

STEP 3: in the dialog box that appears, check "Deploy a virtual machine from an OVF or OVA file" and click "NEXT".

select.png

STEP 4: Select or drag the unzipped files into the blue box and enter the VM name.

select.png

select.png

select.png

STEP 5: Choose your preferred datastore and proceed.

select.png

Remember

Need at least 100GB free in Your Datastore

 STEP 6:  Configure VM deployment options

In the VM Network field, make sure to select a network that provides DHCP access.

select.png

STEP 7: Wait for the disk upload process to complete.

select.png

Configure the Virtual Machine Parameters

Once you've imported the GNS3 VM, it's crucial to configure its parameters to guarantee optimal performance for your network simulations.

STEP 1: On the ESXi homepage, select Networking > Add Port Group.

selectvm.png

 STEP 2: Name the port group GNS3, expand the Security tab, and check all the Accept boxes.
.
settings.png

STEP 3: Return to the ESXi homepage. Select the imported VM and go to Settings.
change specs.png

STEP 4: In the settings window, make sure to allocate the recommended amount of RAM and CPU cores according to the optimal hardware requirements stated in the introduction.

  • Set the amount of RAM (50 GB) and CPU (24 vCPU)  cores and select the network adapter you created earlier.

    processor.png

  • Expand the CPU tab and make sure that hardware virtualization is selected as shown in the picture.

    change specs.png

Note

It is important that hardware virtualization is enabled without this GNS3 will not work properly.

Starting the GNS3 VM on VMware ESXi

STEP 1: In ESXi home, locate the GNS3 VM in the left sidebar. It should be listed with the name you provided during the import process. Select the GNS3 VM to highlight it, then click the Power on button in the ESXi toolbar.
 


start.png

STEP 2: The VM will boot up. A console window will show its progress.

running.png

STEP 3: Once fully booted, the console will display access information, including an IP address or hostname. You’ll use this to access the GNS3 GUI in your web browser.

running.png

Congratulations

You’ve successfully deployed GNS3 SONiC Datacenter on VMware ESXi.

You’re now ready to test network topologies, simulate complex configurations, and explore the power of SONiC and GNS3 — all within your virtual environment. 

Happy Networking!

Useful Links

If you're interested in learning more about GNS3 virtualization, here are some articles that may be helpful:

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