Introduction
Most administrators and network engineers desire to pass numerous computer certifications, for instance, CCIE, JNCIE, and CCNA among others. To accomplish this, they need several complementary tools that provide a platform for the simulation of complex networks. One of which is GNS3. GNS3 is a graphical network simulator platform, which is considered a powerful complementary tool for use by network engineers, as well as other computer professionals. This paper will try to define GNS3, explain how it works with VPN, IP Telephony, installation of images (ISO) in routers, as well as its complexity (Ciscoguides, 2011, p. 1).
What is GNS3
GNS3 is a graphical network simulator, which provides a platform for the simulation of a complex network. It is a powerful tool for real labs and is used by network engineers as well as other professionals to get certifications like CCNA, and CCNP, among others. GNS3 is powerfully linked to Dynamips, Qemu, and Dynagen. While Dynagen is a text-based front-end made for Dynamips, Dynamips is a program, which helps GNS3 in IOS emulation. On the other hand, Qemu is an open-source device emulator, which is generic and virtualized. Furthermore, GNS3 can be used with Cisco IOS, and Juniper (JunOS). In addition, it is utilized in verifying configurations that could be used afterward on real routers (GNS3dev, 2011, p. 1).
How GNS3 works with VPN
GnS3 is a strong complementary tool for use with VPN. A virtual private network is a network that provides secure access to an organization’s network using an open telecommunication infrastructure, such as the internet. It enables the secure transfer of data between different networked devices without allowing other external access (GNS3dev, 2008, p. 1). This is usually done using secure cryptography. VPN can be enabled on GNS3 topology and is essential in enhancing its efficiency. A lab for VPN can be set up using GNS3 for networking different devices. This can be done using the SSL-VPN on the GNS3 platform (Dunbar, 2010, p. 1).
IP telephony and VPN
IP telephony refers to the technologies, which employ the use of internet protocol’s packet-switched connections that exchange fax and voice, among others. It provides a way of extending uninterrupted voice, video, mobile, and data applications. The need to secure such transmissions allows the use of a VPN. These can also be set up on GNS3, especially in experimental real lab checks to find their admissibility (Cisco Systems, 2011, p. 1).
How to Install images (ISO) in the routers
As had been stated earlier, GNS3 can be used to test features of Cisco IOS in routers. However, it is important to note that users are required to present their own IOS for use on the GNS3 platform. Installing IOS to router requires one to ensure that TFTP is installed and configured. The user should then run the TFTP download command and thereafter type IOS information. Finally, the user should run the TFTP download again to start the recovery process (Cisco Systems, 2011, p. 1).
Work with VPN Project
A virtual private network is very important in securing information passed between networked devices. Nonetheless, setting up a VPN project is complex and demanding. Setting VPN on GNS3 is quite easy but requires extensive research. For networking engineers anticipating to pass various certifications that come their way, it is quite vital to have an explicit understanding of GNS3, VPN, and IOS routers taking into account, their common usability. This is fundamental in developing their understanding of the applications, which would lessen their workload (Novell, inc., 2011, p. 1).
Reference List
Cisco Systems., 2011. IP Telephony. Cisco Systems. Web.
Ciscoguides., 2011. GNS3. Cisoguides. Web.
Dunbar, P., 2010. GNS3 Labs: Cisco Router Simulator Network Labs & Topologies. GNS3 Topology. Web.
GNS3dev., 2008. New Tutorial for GNS3. GNS3. Web.
GNS3dev., 2011. GNS3: Graphical Network Simulator. GNS3. Web.
Novell, inc., 2011. GNS3. OpenSUSE. Web.