GNS3 VS EVE-NG VS PACKET TRACER VS VIRL VS ENSP: A COMPREHENSIVE COMPARISON
INTRODUCTION:
Gone are the days when network engineers had to rely on physical routers, switches, and firewalls to design, test, and troubleshoot their networks. Thanks to network emulation and simulation technology advancements, we now have various tools to create virtual network environments that behave like real networks. When I took my CCIE 15 years ago, I needed to invest in many routers and switches, which cost a lot and were difficult to get. Not to mention the network rack, cable, cooling and the noise I must bear when I practice near the lab pod. However, this is not the case now and with so many simulators available, choosing the right one for your needs can be daunting. This article compares and contrasts five of the most popular network emulation and simulation tools: GNS3, EVE-NG, Cisco Packet Tracer, VIRL, and eNSP.
CONTENT:
- GNS3
- EVE-NG
- Packet Tracer
- VIRL
- eNSP
- Comparison of Features
- FAQs
- Conclusion
GNS3:
GNS3 is a network emulator that allows you to run real network operating systems (NOS) such as Cisco IOS, Juniper JunOS, and others on your computer. It uses a combination of Dynamips (a Cisco emulator) and QEMU (a generic emulator) to run NOS images. GNS3 has been around for over a decade and has a large and active user community. Some of the key features of GNS3 are:
- Support for a wide range of NOS images from various vendors
- Integration with cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
- Support for network automation and programmability through Python scripting
- A range of network topologies and devices to choose from
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of network devices and software.
- Provides a high degree of customization and flexibility.
- Allows the user to run real-world device images.
- It is free to use
Cons:
- It may require significant hardware resources to run multiple network topologies simultaneously.
- It can be challenging to set up and configure for beginners.
- It may not support all network devices and configurations.
- It may require additional software and plugins to work correctly.
EVE-NG:
EVE-NG is another popular network emulator that has gained much traction in recent years. It is an open-source platform that allows you to create complex network topologies using a web-based interface. EVE-NG supports a range of virtualization technologies such as VMware, KVM, and VirtualBox, and allows you to run NOS images from various vendors. Some of the key features of EVE-NG are:
- Support for multi-vendor NOS images
- Web-based interface for ease of use
- Integration with cloud platforms such as AWS and GCP
- Network automation and programmability through Python scripting
- Support for virtualized network functions (VNFs)
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of network devices and software.
- Provides advanced virtualization and cloud technologies.
- Offers a web-based interface for easy access and management.
- Allows the user to run real-world device images.
Cons:
- It may require significant hardware resources to run multiple network topologies simultaneously.
- It can be challenging to set up and configure for beginners.
- It may not support all network devices and configurations.
- It may require additional software and plugins to work correctly.
- Payment require to use
CISCO PACKET TRACER:
Cisco Packet Tracer is a network emulator developed by Cisco Systems. It is primarily targeted towards students and instructors who are learning about networking. Packet Tracer allows you to create simple to complex network topologies using a drag-and-drop interface and supports a range of Cisco devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points. Some of the key features of Cisco Packet Tracer are:
- Easy to use drag-and-drop interface
- Support for Cisco devices and NOS images
- Built-in tutorials and labs for learning
- Integration with Cisco NetAcad (an online learning platform)
Pros:
- It provides a user-friendly interface for beginners to learn about networking.
- Supports Cisco devices and configurations, providing a high degree of accuracy and detail.
- Provides a built-in assessment tool for testing and verifying network knowledge.
Cons:
- It only supports Cisco devices and configurations, limiting its versatility compared to other tools.
- It is an emulator and may not provide the same detail and accuracy as real-world devices.
- Limited to a pre-defined set of features and protocols.
- It may not be suitable for advanced network simulations.
- Trainers and students who are over-rely on packet tracers will have the illusion that the actual config is easy as no actual IOS is installed
VIRL:
VIRL (Virtual Internet Routing Lab) is a network emulator developed by Cisco Systems. It is a commercial product targeted towards network engineers and architects who need a powerful and flexible platform for designing, testing, and troubleshooting networks. VIRL allows you to create complex network topologies using a web-based interface and supports a range of NOS images from various vendors.
Some of the key features of VIRL are:
- Support for multi-vendor NOS images
- Web-based interface for ease of use
- Integration with cloud platforms such as AWS and GCP
- Network automation and programmability through Python scripting
- Support for virtualized network functions (VNFs)
Pros:
- Provides a highly realistic and accurate simulation of real-world networks, including support for Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, IOS-XR, and NX-OS devices.
- Offers an easy-to-use graphical interface for designing and managing network topologies, with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Supports advanced protocols and features, including MPLS, BGP, and VRF.
- Offers a built-in packet capture and analysis tool for troubleshooting network issues.
Cons:
- Requires significant hardware resources, including CPU and memory, to run effectively, making it a costly option for some users.
- Limited support for non-Cisco devices and software may limit its versatility in certain situations.
- It may require a steep learning curve for beginners due to its advanced features and complexity.
- Requires a paid license to access all of its features and capabilities, making it a less accessible option for some users.
ENSP:
eNSP (Enterprise Network Simulation Platform) is a network simulator developed by Huawei. It is primarily targeted towards Huawei network engineers and architects who need to test their network designs and configurations before deploying them in the real world. eNSP allows you to create complex network topologies using a graphical interface and supports a range of Huawei devices and NOS images. Some of the key features of eNSP are:
- Support for Huawei devices and NOS images
- Easy to use graphical interface
- Support for virtualized network functions (VNFs)
- Integration with Huawei’s eSpace network management system
Pros:
- Supports Huawei devices and configurations, providing high accuracy and detail.
- Provides a user-friendly interface for easy access and management.
- Supports advanced features such as MPLS, BGP, and VPLS.
- Offers built-in tools for network testing and troubleshooting.
- Free to use
Cons:
- Only supports Huawei devices and configurations, limiting its versatility compared to other tools.
- It may not provide the same level of detail and accuracy as real-world devices.
- It may not be as widely used or supported compared to other tools.
- It may require additional software and plugins to work correctly such as Oracle virtual box
COMPARISON OF FEATURES:
To help you make an informed decision about which network emulator or simulator to choose, here is a comparison of some of the key features of GNS3, EVE-NG, Cisco Packet Tracer, VIRL, and eNSP:
- NOS Image Support: GNS3, EVE-NG, VIRL, and eNSP support multi-vendor NOS images, while Cisco Packet Tracer only supports Cisco NOS images.
- Ease of Use: Cisco Packet Tracer is the easiest to use, followed by EVE-NG and GNS3, while VIRL and eNSP have a steeper learning curve.
- Programmability: GNS3, EVE-NG, VIRL, and eNSP all support network automation and programmability through Python scripting, while Cisco Packet Tracer does not.
- Device Support: GNS3, EVE-NG, VIRL and eNSP support a wide range of devices, while Cisco Packet Tracer only supports Cisco devices
- Cost: GNS3, Cisco Packet Tracer, and eNSP are free, while VIRL and EVE-NG are commercial products.
FAQS:
Q. Can I use these network emulators and simulators for certification exam preparation?
A. Yes, you can use GNS3, EVE-NG, VIRL, and eNSP for certification exam preparation, as they support a wide range of NOS images from various vendors. Cisco Packet Tracer is specifically designed for Cisco certification exam preparation.
Q. Which network emulator or simulator should I choose if I am a beginner?
A. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with Cisco Packet Tracer, as it has a user-friendly interface and built-in tutorials and labs for learning.
Q. Can I use these network emulators and simulators for production network testing?
A. While these tools are great for designing, testing, and troubleshooting networks, they are not intended for production network testing. We recommend using physical devices or cloud-based solutions for production network testing.
Q. Which tool supports the most network devices?
A. Both GNS3, EVE-NG and eNSP support a wide range of network devices and software, including Cisco, Juniper, and Fortinet devices. eNSP require virtual machine package for it to integrate with other devices.
Q. Which tool supports the most advanced features and protocols?
A. eNSP supports the most advanced features and protocols, such as MPLS, BGP, and VPLS.
Q. Which tool is the most widely used and supported?
A. GNS3 is the most widely used and supported tool, with a large community of users and developers continually improving and adding features to the tool.
Q. Which tool requires the most hardware resources?
A. GNS3, EVE-NG and eNSP may require significant hardware resources to run multiple network topologies simultaneously due to their advanced virtualization and emulation capabilities.
CONCLUSION:
GNS3, EVE-NG, Cisco Packet Tracer, VIRL, and eNSP are all great network emulators and simulators, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The best tool for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you are looking for a free and open-source tool with a wide range of NOS image support, GNS3 and EVE-NG are great options. VIRL is a great choice if you need a powerful, flexible platform for designing, testing, and troubleshooting networks. If you are a Huawei network engineer, eNSP is the obvious choice. Lastly, if you are a student or instructor learning about networking, Cisco Packet Tracer is the best tool designed for Cisco certification exam preparation.
In summary, choosing the right network emulator or simulator is an important decision, and carefully considering your needs and requirements is important. We hope this comparison of GNS3 vs EVE-NG vs Cisco Packet Tracer vs VIRL vs eNSP has helped you make an informed decision.
Remember, no matter which tool you choose; it’s important to keep practising and experimenting with different network topologies and configurations to develop your skills as a network engineer. If you’re looking for a comprehensive network training provider, consider Infosyte. They offer both simulators and physical devices for network training, providing a well-rounded learning experience for their students. No matter which tool you choose, it’s important to keep practising and experimenting with different network topologies and configurations to develop your skills as a network engineer. You can succeed in the dynamic and exciting networking field with the right training and tools. Good luck on your networking journey!
“Choosing the right network emulator or simulator is like selecting the right tool for a job. You want to make sure it fits your needs and requirements to achieve the best results.”