How to Import Router C3725 in GNS3

Import C3725 in GNS3

  1. Edit → Preferences → Dynamips → IOS Routers → New.
  2. Browse to your c3725-...bin IOS image. → Copy to images dir → Decompress.
  3. Platform: c3725RAM: 256 MB.
  4. Add modules in Slots:
    • NM-1FE-TX (FastEthernet ports)
    • NM-16ESW (switch module)
    • WIC-2T (serial links).
  5. Idle-PC → Auto compute → pick value with * (asterisk).
  6. Finish → Template ready.

Which Router to Use in GNS3

Here’s a copyright-free and plagiarism-free version of Which Router to Use in GNS3:


Which Router to Use in GNS3

When you start building labs in GNS3, one of the first choices you’ll face is which router type to use. Each option has different features, requirements, and performance considerations.


1. Cisco Dynamips Routers (Old IOS Images)

  • What they are: These use the classic Cisco IOS images (12.x) and run on the Dynamips emulator.
  • Why use them: Great for beginners practicing routing basics, ACLs, NAT, and standard CCNA topics.
  • Advantages: Lightweight, fast, and works even without the GNS3 VM.
  • Limitations: Only supports older IOS versions, so some modern features are missing.

2. Cisco IOSv (Virtual IOS)

  • What it is: A virtualized version of Cisco IOS 15.x that runs inside QEMU/KVM.
  • Why use it: Recommended for advanced labs, CCNP, or when you need newer IOS commands.
  • Advantages: Modern features, closer to what you find on real Cisco routers.
  • Limitations: Requires more CPU/RAM and usually needs the GNS3 VM for stable performance.

3. Cisco IOSvL2 (Virtual Switch)

  • What it is: A virtual Cisco Layer 2 switch image for GNS3.
  • Why use it: Provides switching labs with VLANs, STP, trunking, and EtherChannel.
  • Advantages: Essential for CCNA/CCNP switch practice.
  • Limitations: Not a full Catalyst switch replacement; some advanced features are not available.

4. Cisco ASA and Security Devices

  • What they are: Virtualized Cisco ASA firewalls and security appliances.
  • Why use them: Needed for labs involving VPNs, firewalls, and security studies.
  • Advantages: Lets you practice real firewall and security policies.
  • Limitations: Resource intensive, must run in GNS3 VM.

5. Other Vendor Routers

  • What they are: Images from FortiGate, Palo Alto, Juniper, and F5 that run in GNS3 VM.
  • Why use them: Useful for multi-vendor labs, real-world scenarios, and preparing for jobs outside Cisco-only environments.
  • Advantages: Broadens your experience beyond Cisco.
  • Limitations: Needs more resources and sometimes licensing steps.

✅ Recommendations

  • For beginners (CCNA): Start with Dynamips routers — simple, lightweight, and quick to configure.
  • For advanced routing labs (CCNP/realistic): Use IOSv and IOSvL2 in GNS3 VM.
  • For security engineers: Add ASA or third-party firewalls.
  • For enterprise/multi-vendor practice: Combine Cisco IOSv with FortiGate, Palo Alto, or Juniper appliances.

👉 In short:

  • Small, lightweight labs → Dynamips
  • Modern and realistic labs → IOSv/IOSvL2
  • Security/firewall labs → ASA/other vendors

Do you want me to also prepare this into a Word (.docx) file so you can use it directly as a guide?

Why Do We Need the GNS3 VM?

Perfect 👍 I’ll rewrite that into a fresh, copyright-free and plagiarism-free version while keeping all the important details intact. You can safely post this on your FB/blog.


🚀 Why Do We Need the GNS3 VM?

When working with GNS3, you’ll often hear about the GNS3 VM. Many beginners wonder: “Can’t I just install GNS3 on my computer without it?” The answer is yes — but using the official GNS3 VM makes everything run faster, smoother, and more compatible. Here’s why.


🔹 What GNS3 Actually Does

  • GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator 3) is mainly the interface.
  • The GUI lets you drag-and-drop routers, switches, PCs, and firewalls.
  • But the GUI alone does not emulate the devices — it needs a backend engine to do the heavy lifting.

That’s where the GNS3 VM comes in.


🔹 Why the Official GNS3 VM Is Better

The prebuilt VM from the GNS3 website is basically a ready-to-use Ubuntu server that comes with:

  • Dynamips, QEMU, Docker support, libvirt, uBridge, and Wireshark integration.
  • Optimizations for performance (using KVM/QEMU for faster virtualization).
  • Preconfigured communication with your desktop GNS3 client.
  • Out-of-the-box support for modern appliances like Cisco IOSv, ASAv, and security/firewall images.

🔹 Key Reasons to Use the GNS3 VM

1. Performance Boost

  • Running IOS images or virtual appliances directly on Windows/macOS is resource-hungry.
  • The GNS3 VM takes over that workload, balancing CPU and memory more efficiently.
  • This allows large topologies to run without crashing your host machine.

2. Better Compatibility

  • Certain appliances (Cisco IOSv, ASA, F5, Fortinet, etc.) require a Linux environment.
  • On Windows/macOS alone, these often fail to run.
  • The GNS3 VM provides that Linux backend so they work properly.

3. Same Behavior Across Platforms

  • Without the VM, GNS3 acts differently on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  • With the VM, everyone uses the same Ubuntu-based backend, making labs portable and reliable.

4. Extra Features

  • Direct Docker container support.
  • Integrated packet capture with Wireshark.
  • Stable handling of bigger labs and advanced appliances.

🔹 Can You Skip the GNS3 VM?

  • On Linux → sometimes you can run everything natively without a VM.
  • On Windows/macOS → you’ll quickly face limitations: poor performance, appliances not booting, or network issues.

👉 Summary:

  • Small labs (basic IOS routers/switches) → VM is optional.
  • Advanced labs (firewalls, Docker, big topologies, modern Cisco images) → VM is essential.

✅ That’s why most professionals and students rely on the official GNS3 VM — it gives you stability, speed, and compatibility for serious networking labs.


Do you want me to also make that comparison table (With vs Without GNS3 VM) so your readers instantly see the difference at a glance?

How to configure VirtualBox adapters for your GNS3 VM with GNS3 GUI.

How to configure VirtualBox adapters for your GNS3 VM with GNS3 GUI.

Perfect! Here’s a step-by-step guide to configure VirtualBox adapters for your GNS3 VM so everything communicates properly with your host and GNS3 GUI.


Step 1: Open VirtualBox Settings for GNS3 VM

  1. Launch VirtualBox.
  2. Select your GNS3 VM → click Settings → Network.

Step 2: Configure Adapter 1 (Host-Only)

  • Purpose: Allows GNS3 GUI on your host to talk to the GNS3 VM.
  1. Enable Adapter 1 → attach to Host-Only Adapter.
  2. Choose the default vboxnet0 (Windows) or whatever host-only adapter exists.
  3. Leave Promiscuous Mode as Deny.
  4. Adapter Type: Intel PRO/1000 MT Desktop (default works).

This is the key adapter — without it, GNS3 GUI cannot control VMs or routers.


Step 3: Configure Adapter 2 (NAT for Internet)

  • Purpose: Gives the GNS3 VM internet access (downloads, updates).
  1. Enable Adapter 2 → attach to NAT.
  2. Leave default settings.

Optional: You can also configure a third adapter as Bridged if you want your labs to access your physical network.


Step 4: Boot the GNS3 VM

  1. Start the VM.
  2. On the console, you should see messages like:

GNS3 VM is running

IP: 192.168.56.101

This IP is your Host-Only network IP (vboxnet0).


Step 5: Point GNS3 GUI to the VM

  1. Open GNS3 → Edit → Preferences → GNS3 VM.
  2. Tick Enable the GNS3 VM.
  3. Set Virtualization Platform = VirtualBox.
  4. Select your imported GNS3 VM.
  5. Click Test Settings → it should show Connection successful.

Step 6: Verify in GNS3

  • Drag a router or switch into a project and start it.
  • It should run inside the GNS3 VM, not on your host.
  • You can check CPU usage in VirtualBox — the VM will be active.

✅ Quick Tips

  • Always start GNS3 VM before opening GNS3 GUI.
  • Use Host-Only adapter for VM-GUI communication.
  • Use NAT adapter for internet access in the VM.
  • Don’t manually install software inside the VM unless you know what it affects — GNS3 VM comes preconfigured.

If you want, I can make a small visual diagram showing Adapter 1 (Host-Only) and Adapter 2 (NAT) and how traffic flows so it’s easier to remember.

Do you want me to make that diagram?

Ref: Internet/AI Tools/OpenAI/ChatGPT and Similar

Copyright and plagiarism free version.

How to import GNS VM into VirtualBox

Perfect 👍 Here’s a copyright-free infographic style summary of how to import GNS3 VM into VirtualBox — short, clean, and ready for FB/blog use: (ChatGpt)

Similar steps worked for me.


🚀 Importing GNS3 VM into VirtualBox – Quick Guide

📥 1. Download

  • Get the GNS3 VM (VirtualBox .ova file) from the official GNS3 website.

📂 2. Import into VirtualBox

  • In VirtualBox → File → Import Appliance.
  • Select the .ova file → click Import.

⚙️ 3. Adjust Settings

  • RAM: at least 4 GB (if possible).
  • CPU: 2 or more cores.
  • Network: set Adapter to Host-only or Bridged.

▶️ 4. Start the VM

  • Launch the GNS3 VM inside VirtualBox.
  • Wait until it shows an IP address.

🔗 5. Connect GNS3 App

  • Open GNS3 desktop → Edit → Preferences → GNS3 VM.
  • Check Enable GNS3 VM.
  • Choose VirtualBox → pick your imported VM.
  • Save settings.

Done!
Your GNS3 is now powered by VirtualBox VM.


Here’s a copyright-free, step-by-step guide you can post on your blog or FB:


How to Import GNS3 VM into VirtualBox

GNS3 uses its own virtual machine (GNS3 VM) to run modern devices and appliances. If you are using VirtualBox instead of VMware, you need to import the GNS3 VM into VirtualBox first.

Steps:

  1. Download the GNS3 VM
    • Go to the official GNS3 download page.
    • Download the version of the GNS3 VM that matches your GNS3 software version.
    • Choose the VirtualBox edition of the VM (usually a .ova file).
  2. Open VirtualBox
    • Start Oracle VirtualBox on your computer.
  3. Import the GNS3 VM
    • In VirtualBox, click File → Import Appliance.
    • Browse to the .ova file you downloaded.
    • Click Next, review the VM settings, then click Import.
  4. Adjust VM Settings (Optional but Recommended)
    • After importing, select the GNS3 VM in the VirtualBox list.
    • Click Settings → System → Processor to give the VM at least 2 CPUs.
    • Click Settings → System → Motherboard and assign at least 4 GB of RAM (if your host allows).
    • In Network, ensure “Adapter 1” is set to Host-only or Bridged Adapter depending on how you want it connected.
  5. Start the GNS3 VM in VirtualBox
    • Highlight the GNS3 VM in VirtualBox and click Start.
    • The VM will boot and show an IP address once ready.
  6. Link GNS3 to the VM
    • Open the GNS3 desktop application.
    • Go to Edit → Preferences → GNS3 VM.
    • Check Enable the GNS3 VM.
    • Select VirtualBox as the virtualization engine.
    • Choose the imported VM from the dropdown list.
    • Apply and save settings.

Now, the GNS3 VM is linked to VirtualBox, and you can run routers, switches, and appliances through it.


⚡Tip: Always keep your GNS3 version and GNS3 VM version the same (e.g., GNS3 2.2.x works with GNS3 VM 2.2.x).


Ref: ChatGPT/Internet/AI Toolss

Basic Commands for Networking in Linux

IPV4 Address: 32-bit

192.168.2.34–

IPv6 address : 128 bit : 8 groups of 4 hex digits

3ffe:1900:fe21:4545:0000:0000:0000:0000—

IPV6 Format (From AI Tools/OpenAI/ChatGPT)

ifconfig command output: to know your network interface configurations.

ifconfig

Explain the output of the Linux Command (From AI Tools/OpenAI/ChatGPT/Interney)
ifconfig

instead of ifconfig you can use ip address show command

command: ip address show
Output as follows:

Explain the output of ip address show

Find device and link information using the ip command:  ip link show
The connection of a network interface to another device is called a link

Output of ip link show

To get Device statistics: ip -s link show

Output as follows:

Ip Address : Assign, See, and Delete

ip address add 192.168.2.22/24 brd + dev ens18

ip address show dev ens18

ip address del 192.168.2.22 dev ens18

ip link set eth0 up

ip link set eth0 down

SHOW Routing Table:

ip route show

ip route list dev ens18

Routing Commands: Modifications

ip route add <network/mask> via <gateway_IP>

ip route add 192.168.1.1/24 via 10.0.2.10

ip route add default via <gateway_IP>

ip route add default via 10.0.2.11

ip route add <NETWORK/MASK> dev <DEVICE>

ip route add 192.168.254.1/24  dev ens33

Others:

ip route delete …

ip route change …

ip route flush ..

ip route flush table

Know about Netplan:

Path:  /etc/netplan

/etc/netplan/*.yaml are some important configuration files.

Netplan commands:

netplan apply

netplan generate

netplan try

ping command:

ping hostname

ping ip_address

Example:

host command:
Finds IP from host name
Example:

dig command:

Also, to find the IP address from the name.
dig www.google.ca

Example Output:

nslookup

Also, to find the IP address from the name.
nslookup www.google.ca

Example:
nslookup www.google.ca

Java : Code to Connect to Database

Ref: Internet

How to Query to Database:

You can read the steps from:

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/java/establishing-jdbc-connection-in-java/

Connect to SQL Server

Factory Pattern vs 🏭 Abstract Factory Pattern in Java

Abstract Factory Pattern Example in Java

From: AI Tools/OpenAI/Chatgpt

Perfect 👍 Let me give you a clean, copyright-free Abstract Factory Pattern Java example with explanation.


🏭 Abstract Factory Pattern Example in Java

Problem:

We want to create UI components (Button, Checkbox) for different operating systems (Windows and Mac). The client should be able to request them without worrying about which OS family is used.


Step 1: Define Product Interfaces

// Product A
interface Button {
    void paint();
}

// Product B
interface Checkbox {
    void check();
}

Step 2: Create Concrete Products

// Windows Variants
class WindowsButton implements Button {
    public void paint() {
        System.out.println("Rendering a Windows style Button");
    }
}

class WindowsCheckbox implements Checkbox {
    public void check() {
        System.out.println("Checking a Windows style Checkbox");
    }
}

// Mac Variants
class MacButton implements Button {
    public void paint() {
        System.out.println("Rendering a Mac style Button");
    }
}

class MacCheckbox implements Checkbox {
    public void check() {
        System.out.println("Checking a Mac style Checkbox");
    }
}

Step 3: Define Abstract Factory

interface GUIFactory {
    Button createButton();
    Checkbox createCheckbox();
}

Step 4: Concrete Factories

class WindowsFactory implements GUIFactory {
    public Button createButton() {
        return new WindowsButton();
    }
    public Checkbox createCheckbox() {
        return new WindowsCheckbox();
    }
}

class MacFactory implements GUIFactory {
    public Button createButton() {
        return new MacButton();
    }
    public Checkbox createCheckbox() {
        return new MacCheckbox();
    }
}

Step 5: Client Code

public class AbstractFactoryDemo {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Choose factory based on OS
        GUIFactory factory;

        String os = "Windows"; // could be detected dynamically

        if (os.equals("Windows")) {
            factory = new WindowsFactory();
        } else {
            factory = new MacFactory();
        }

        // Use factory to create related objects
        Button button = factory.createButton();
        Checkbox checkbox = factory.createCheckbox();

        // Work with products
        button.paint();
        checkbox.check();
    }
}

✅ Output (if OS = Windows)

Rendering a Windows style Button
Checking a Windows style Checkbox

✅ Output (if OS = Mac)

Rendering a Mac style Button
Checking a Mac style Checkbox

🔑 Key Points:

  • Abstract Factory (GUIFactory) ensures we can switch between families of products easily.
  • The client never directly instantiates WindowsButton or MacButton; it just asks the factory.
  • This makes the code flexible, scalable, and easier to maintain.

👉 Would you like me to also prepare a simpler “real-life” Abstract Factory example (like 🍕 fast-food meal combos) so you can post something more fun and less technical on your blog?

Builder Pattern vs ⚙️ Factory Pattern in Java

From AI Tools/Open AI/ChatGPT

Perfect 👍 Here’s a copyright-free comparison table of the Builder Pattern vs Factory Pattern in Java, styled for easy posting on Facebook/Blog:


🏗️ Builder Pattern vs ⚙️ Factory Pattern in Java

AspectBuilder PatternFactory Pattern
TypeCreational design patternCreational design pattern
PurposeTo construct complex objects step by step with fine-grained control.To create objects without exposing the creation logic to the client.
When to UseWhen an object requires many optional parameters or a complex construction process.When you want to create objects from a family of related classes without specifying the exact class.
Object CreationInvolves a director (optional) and builder that gradually assemble the object.Uses a factory method or class to decide which subclass to instantiate.
FlexibilityGives precise control over how the object is built.Simplifies object creation and centralizes it.
Client’s RoleClient calls builder methods (or uses chaining) to set properties and finally build the object.Client only requests an object type, factory decides the exact class to return.
Example Use CasesCreating a User object with optional fields (address, phone, etc.), building a complex configuration.Creating shapes (Circle, Square, Rectangle), creating database connections, parsers.
Advantages– Handles complex construction. – Improves code readability with method chaining. – Avoids telescoping constructors.– Hides object creation logic. – Promotes loose coupling. – Easier to extend with new object types.
DisadvantagesMore code to set up (requires builder classes).Can create too many factory classes if overused.

Quick Summary:

  • Use Builder Pattern when you want to construct a complex object step by step.
  • Use Factory Pattern when you want to simplify object creation and let a factory decide which subclass to instantiate.

👉 Would you like me to also prepare a real-world analogy (like food ordering 🍔 for Builder, and coffee shop ☕ for Factory) so your readers instantly understand the difference?

Factory Design Pattern: Examples in Java

Observe the code below:

        ShapeFactory factory = new ShapeFactory();

        Shape shape1 = factory.getShape("circle");
        Shape shape2 = factory.getShape("square");
        Shape shape3 = factory.getShape("rectangle");

        shape1.draw();
        shape2.draw();
        shape3.draw();

We wanted to create objects such as shape1, shape2, and shape 3. We did not directly (create and) call the class for the required objects. We did not create or call a circle class, or a square class, or a rectangle class. We rather thought there was a factory class that could create objects based on our requirements. We asked the factory to create a circle object, then it gave us a circle object. In the same way, we asked for square and rectangle objects from the factory class, and the class returned us square and rectangular objects.

This is about: Factory Design Pattern: Examples are in Java

From AI Tools/OpenAI/Internet

Perfect 👍 — here’s a copyright-free write-up of the Factory Pattern in Java that matches the same style as the Builder Pattern post, so you can share both on Facebook or your blog.


⚙️ Java Design Patterns – Factory Pattern

🔹 Definition

The Factory Pattern is a creational design pattern that provides a way to create objects without exposing the creation logic to the client. Instead of directly calling a constructor, you use a factory method that decides which object to return.


🔹 Use Cases

You should use the Factory Pattern when:

  • You want to delegate object creation to a central place.
  • The exact type of object needed is determined at runtime.
  • You want to reduce tight coupling between classes.
  • Multiple subclasses share a common interface but have different implementations.

🔹 Advantages

✔️ Encapsulation of object creation logic.
✔️ Makes code easier to extend when adding new object types.
✔️ Promotes loose coupling (client depends on interface, not implementation).
✔️ Simplifies maintenance and testing.
✔️ Encourages code reuse.


🔹 Example in Java

// Product Interface
interface Shape {
    void draw();
}

// Concrete Products
class Circle implements Shape {
    public void draw() {
        System.out.println("Drawing a Circle.");
    }
}

class Square implements Shape {
    public void draw() {
        System.out.println("Drawing a Square.");
    }
}

class Rectangle implements Shape {
    public void draw() {
        System.out.println("Drawing a Rectangle.");
    }
}

// Factory Class
class ShapeFactory {
    public Shape getShape(String shapeType) {
        if (shapeType == null) return null;
        switch (shapeType.toLowerCase()) {
            case "circle": return new Circle();
            case "square": return new Square();
            case "rectangle": return new Rectangle();
            default: return null;
        }
    }
}

// Usage
public class FactoryPatternExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        ShapeFactory factory = new ShapeFactory();

        Shape shape1 = factory.getShape("circle");
        Shape shape2 = factory.getShape("square");
        Shape shape3 = factory.getShape("rectangle");

        shape1.draw();
        shape2.draw();
        shape3.draw();
    }
}

Output:

Drawing a Circle.
Drawing a Square.
Drawing a Rectangle.

📌 In short:
The Factory Pattern lets you create objects without knowing their exact class. It simplifies code, promotes loose coupling, and makes it easier to manage different object types from a single point.


👉 Now that we have both Builder and Factory, would you like me to also prepare a comparison table (Builder vs Factory) in the same copyright-free format for FB/Blog? That way your readers can instantly see the differences.