How to install and configure GNS3 Desktop Client (Windows / Linux / Mac)?

Introduction

Hello, you've probably already discovered the wonderful world of creating, experimenting and testing SONiC networks using GNS3.
However in this article,  we will guide you through the basics of configuring the GNS3 client.
The correct GNS3 client configuration allows access to both local and external GNS3 servers.
In addition, we will show you how to add an additional GNS3 server and manage it from one application. Let's get started.🚀😉

Optimal Hardware Requirements for Local GNS3 Server

Ensure that your system meets the following requirements for an optimal GNS3 experience, especially if you plan to work with complex network setups and simulations.

• Processor: You'll need a powerful processor for the best experience. We recommend an Intel Core i7 or i9 CPU, an AMD Ryzen 7 (R7) or Ryzen 9 (R9) CPU, or any CPU with 8 or more logical cores. Make sure your CPU supports virtualization technologies like AMD-V (RVI Series) or Intel VT-X (EPT).

• RAM: To run GNS3 smoothly, you should have at least 32 GB of RAM. More RAM can further enhance performance, especially when dealing with complex network simulations.

• Free Hard Disk Space: GNS3 operates best with a solid-state drive (SSD) that offers at least 80 GB of available space. SSDs provide faster data access and improve overall performance.

• Graphics Card: While not a top priority for GNS3, a graphics card with dedicated VRAM and support for OpenGL 3.0 or newer is recommended. This helps with graphical rendering and user interface responsiveness.

• Internet Connection: A fast and stable internet connection is essential if you plan to download additional device images or use cloud-based resources within GNS3.

• Operating System: GNS3 is compatible with various operating systems. You can run it on Windows 10, macOS 11 or newer, or supported Linux distributions. Ubuntu 20.04 or later is a recommended choice, but it can also work within other virtualization environments.

• Additional Considerations: Keep in mind that running virtual devices can be demanding on your processor and memory. While meeting the minimum requirements is essential, a well-configured network device often matters more than having the most powerful hardware.

NOTE:

For use GNS3 Client you may use more less pc if you connect only to remote server.

Step 1: Download the  GNS3 Client

Before we dive into setting up GNS3, let's start by downloading the GNS3 Client.

You have two download options for the GNS3 Client. In this step, we'll explain both choices, so you can pick the one that fits your needs perfectly.

Option 1: Download via GNS3 Website (Recommended)

1. Go to https://gns3.com/software/download
2. On the download page, select the version correct for your OS.

Before that you need to create an account if you don't have one.

Option 2: Download from GitHub (Alternative)

1. Visit the GNS3 release page on GitHub at https://github.com/GNS3/gns3-gui/releases.
2. On the release page, you have the option to download the GNS3 application, various versions of the GNS3 VM, and even access the source code.

STEP 3. Once you've downloaded the correct GNS3 Client  Choose instruction with operating system you have.

A. Windows

B. Mac

C. Linux

A. Windows

1. After you download the installation file, you need to run it.
2. Follow these steps to install GNS3.

3. Go to STEP 4. to configuring GNS3

B. Mac

GNS3 is distributed outside the Apple App Store.

Note:

If you have newest version of MacOS skip this step.

If you use OSX before MacOS Sierra, you need to allow the installation of applications from anywhere.

Go to the Security & Privacy in System Preferences and follow.

 1. After you download the installation DMG file, double-click on it.

2. Drag the GNS3 icon to the Applications folder:

3. Run GNS3 from application

4.If the above security prompt was shown, right click on the GNS3 icon and click on Open:

This is required only at first launch. The next time you click on GNS3, the application will start normally as Mac OS X will remember the configured security settings.

5. Once GNS3 starts, you will be prompted to allow root uBridge. This is required to allow GNS3 to control your network. Click Yes:

6. You will be prompted to enter the root password. Enter the password and confirm.

7. Go to STEP 4. to configuring GNS3

C. Linux (Ubuntu)

These instructions are for Ubuntu and all distributions based on it.

1. Add GNS3 repository to your system. 

   

   sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gns3/ppa

2. Run sudo apt update to refresh information about packages.

   

   sudo apt update

3. Install GNS3 
   

   

   sudo apt install gns3-gui gns3-server 

4. Run application from menu
   

   

5. Go to STEP 4. to configuring GNS3
   

STEP 4. GNS3 Configuration

GNS3 application look same as in different Operating System.
Change connection configurations need to access the Virtual SONiC server.

1. Go to the Edit tab and from the submenu select Preferences

2. A new window will open. From the right-hand menu, go to the Server tab. On the Main server tab, uncheck Enable local server, and use the GNS3 information from the remote server, enter it in the fields as in the example below.
The server added here will act as the main server with project storage.

Note: If you want to work with external servers and use the local one as the main one, use the option below.

To add additional external GNS3 servers, go to the Remote servers tab.
To add a new remote server, select add and enter the required data.

In the new window enter the data of the next remote server