Dynamips

Dynamips

Dynamips is an open-source Cisco router emulator that allows you to create virtual Cisco routers on your computer. It supports many Cisco IOS images and features like configuring virtual interfaces, routing protocols, access-lists, and more.
Dynamips image
networking cisco router emulator

Dynamips: Open-Source Cisco Router Emulator

Create virtual Cisco routers on your computer with Dynamips, an open-source router emulator supporting various Cisco IOS images and features like virtual interfaces, routing protocols, access-lists.

What is Dynamips?

Dynamips is an open-source software that emulates Cisco routers. It allows you to create one or more virtual Cisco routers on a regular PC and connect them together or to virtual or physical devices.

Some key features of Dynamips:

  • Supports a wide range of Cisco IOS images from older routers to newer models like 7200, 3600, 2600, 1700, etc.
  • Virtual routers behave close to real hardware with features like console access, interfaces, routing protocols, ACLs, switching, etc.
  • Allows you to lab complex network topologies with routers, switches and PCs on your laptop without expensive hardware
  • Integrates with GUI front-ends like GNS3 for easier configuration
  • Lightweight and efficient thanks to Dynamips's dynagen technology
  • Open source software with an active developer and user community

If you're preparing for Cisco certifications or want to test networking scenarios, Dynamips is a great alternative to real Cisco gear for home labs allowing faster experiments.

Dynamips Features

Features

  1. Emulate Cisco routers on a PC
  2. Supports many Cisco IOS versions
  3. Configure virtual interfaces and routing
  4. Access-list and ACL support
  5. Supports multiple virtual routers
  6. Integrates with GNS3

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Realistic Cisco IOS emulation

Allows testing and prototyping

Saves money compared to real gear

Portable lab environment

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited performance compared to real routers

IOS images not included

Complex setup and configuration


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