Networking

GNS3 2.0 released new features

For those networking geeks out there like myself, no doubt you have used and continue to utilize GNS3 as a tool for mock ups, learning, and just about anything else you can think of. GNS3 today has some major news with the GA release of GNS3 2.0 that touts a lot of new features. If you are like me you have been running the beta release of 2.0 for a while now and are loving it. Today the wait for 2.0 to be official is over. Let’s take a look at GNS3 2.0 released new features.

GNS3 2.0 released new features

There is a long list of new features with GNS3 2.0, but below are some of the major feature points with this release.

  • Save as you go – the project is automatically saved as changes are made
  • Multiple users can access the same project and see commands sent by other users in a router console for instance
  • Smart packet capture – Just click and link and choose to start a new capture
  • No capture restrictions – You no longer are limited in which type of device you can collect captures on
  • Delete projects from the GNS3 GUI
  • Cloud is now viewed as a real node – no emulation and packet captures are possible
    • New cloud templates
    • New cloud interface
  • Snap to grid for all objects
  • New NAT mode – no configuration to connect GNS3 nodes to the Internet
  • New support for profiles – can differentiate between environments where you run GNS3 – home vs work, etc

The above are just a few of the features that I am excited about with GNS3 2.0.  To see the full listing, take a look at the full what’s New in GNS3 2.0 link.

Upgrading

A note from GNS3 about upgrading.  There is NO rollback possible once you upgrade for your projects.  It is recommended that you backup all your projects, settings and snapshot the GNS3 VM beforehand.

The upgrade process for the software is the same point and click, next, next, installer process we are used to.  Simply grab a copy of the new GNS3 2.0 version and run the installer.

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Not showing all the screenshots here, but simple next, next, finish, process.

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Wizard finishes…

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In checking the GNS3 version now, we see GNS3 2.0.0.

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Be sure to snapshot your GNS3 VM first before upgrading.  After creating a snapshot, choose to run the upgrade in the console menu of your GNS3 VM.  The upgrade process directs you to create a snapshot.

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The upgrade process will begin pulling files down from github and applying the update.

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After running the update, we now see the GNS3 version is 2.0.0 with no beta designation.

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Thoughts

GNS3 2.0 released new features is great news for networking geeks who love great software that allows them to simulate, test, mock up, and just plain figure out how things work.  GNS3 is a great tool that just keeps getting better.  Version 2.0 is a milestone release which takes features and functionality to the next level.  Be sure to visit GNS3 and download a copy of 2.0 today.

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Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee is the Senior Writer, Engineer and owner at Virtualizationhowto.com and has over two decades of experience in Information Technology. Having worked for numerous Fortune 500 companies as well as in various industries, Brandon has extensive experience in various IT segments and is a strong advocate for open source technologies. Brandon holds many industry certifications, loves the outdoors and spending time with family.

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2 Comments

  1. Really appreciate the support Brandon – let us know if there is anything we can ever do to help you out with GNS3.

    1. Mark, thanks so much! Will do. I echo the thoughts of all when I say we really appreciate all you guys have done and continue to do for the community in providing such a great tool for both learning and production labs. Thanks again!

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