Download Adding Virtual Machines to the GNS3 Topology

Adding Virtual Machines to the GNS3 Topology
Rich Macfarlane 2013
Details
1.2.1 Start VMWare Virtual Machines to Connect
Start by running the the virtual machines you want to connect to GNS3. Using VMWare
Workstation open the VM from the appropriate directory. (or double click the .vmx file). Then
power on the virtual machine.
1.2.2 Configure VMWare Virtual Networks
Create the Virtual Networks
If VMNet1-6 Vitual Networks which you need to use are not set up on your machine, create
these VMWare Virtual Networks. They are needed to attach Virtual Machines to GNS.
From VMWare workstation hosting the virtual server, select the Virtual Network Editor...,
from the Edit menu, as shown below.
Configure all the necessary Subnets on virtual networks, such as VMNet1 to 192.168.5.0/24,
with no DHCP, and as Host-only, as shown above.
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Check the Host machine Virtual Network Adapters Configuration
When VMWare created the virtual networks, associated Virtual Network Adapters are
created. Check the configurations are correct for the virtual networks you are going to use.
On the host machine, go to the Network Sharing Centre, and check the Virtual Network
adapters, for the virtual networks we created, are enabled, and have the correct name, and
the correct IP Addresses. If not they will not work correctly from GNS3.For example, the
VMNet1 adapter below should have an IP Address of 192.168.5.1.
1.2.3 Attach each Virtual Machine to a Virtual Network
From VMWare Workstation, running the VM to be connected, select the VM>Settings menu
option, and then click on Network Adapter as shown below.
In the Network Connection pane, select a Custom Network Connection and select the virtual
network the VM is to be connected to from the drop down. Such as VMNet1 in the example
below (192.168.5.0 network).
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1.2.4 Configure the Network Adapter for each Virtual Machine
We now want to configure an interface on each VM with settings for the virtual network it is
to be connected to. To do this we have to assign an IP Address and Default Gateway to the
VM’s network adapter. Below this is shown for both Linux and Windows VMs.
1. Linux - Setting a Static IP Address and Default Gateway
Within the CSN11111 course Linux virtual machine, via the Ubuntu Home Button open the
Network Connections window.
Edit the Wireed Connection, setting up a static IP Address (example shown for the
192.168.20.0 network):
Check that the IP address has been set correctly, use the ifconfig command.
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Check the default gateway using the route command, as shown below.
2. Windows - Setting Static IP Address and Default Gateway
Open the Network connections window. Select the VM adapter and rightclick>Properties. This
rightclick>Properties on IPv4, and enter the IP Address and Default Gateway, as shown below.
Click OK to save. (example for the 192.168.5.0 network)
Check the default gateway using the ipconfig command from a console window, as shown
below.
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1.2.5 Connect Virtual Network to GNS3
Now, from GNS3, drag a cloud or Computer (defined as a cloud) onto the topology. Then
Rightclick->Configure the computer/cloud. The virtual networks that were set up previously
should be in the list under Ethernet (if they are have been enabled). Connect to the
appropriate virtual network by selecting, and then clicking the Add button (delete any others).
Click OK to save.
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