How to use L2 Switch in GNS3 for additional security features

You can greatly improve your practice sessions if you study for the Cisco pass tests by adding a Layer 2 switch to GNS3. Creating a new project, choosing the device type, and adjusting its settings are all necessary when using a network device such an L2 switch. You can link other network devices or virtual PCs to this device as well.

Once the switch is configured, you can use several switching ideas in your topology, like EtherChannel, STP, and VLAN. In summary, by mimicking real-world gadgets, you can enhance your skills and obtain significant experience before taking the actual exam.

// 01 why layer 2 switches are important in GNS3 networking

In the OSI architecture, a Layer 2 switch is a network device that operates at the Data Link layer. This indicates that it communicates with other networked devices via MAC addresses. It primarily connects and facilitates communication amongst web-enabled devices.

In today’s computer networks, Layer 2 switches are crucial components. Distributing traffic exclusively to the appropriate locations speeds up traffic and keeps the network from being overly crowded.

L2 devices also assist network managers in segmenting networks and optimizing traffic flow. To do this, they make use of virtual local area networks or VLANs. Maintaining a stable and functional network without this equipment would be difficult.

// 02 Benefits of using Layer 2 Switch on GNS3

Cisco switches and routers are not installed on your PC automatically when you install GNS3. As a result, you must configure these devices manually.

For example, obtaining the IOS image is the first step in adding a Layer 2 Switch to GNS3. Then you add it from the program’s QEMU section.

Switching is a subject that requires practice with L2 devices, such as switches, if you’re preparing for a Cisco exam.

A Layer 2 switch configuration may only make advantage of certain interesting features available on physical devices. This is a result of certain iOS pictures not supporting all features.

For example, following the installation of a vIOS Switch image, you can configure VLAN, VTP, and STP.

// 03 Steps for adding L2 Switch in GNS3

For Layer 2 switch first you need to download the vIOS-L2.vmdk switch image

Step 1

Download the Switch IOS file first, then launch the GNS3 emulator to utilize it. Click the Edit button when the software opens. and then click on the preferences tab

Step 2

Navigate to the QEMU tab, click on the QEMU VMs tab then click on the new button to create a new template for the L2 Switch

Step 3

Select the server type where you want run the VM and then next

Step 4

Now give the name to the VM as you choice and click next

Step 5

Now select the appropriate QEMU setting for the binary and memory, here we will choose 3rd option

Step 6

Now increase the RAM to 512 MB and click next

Step 7

after that, select the option New Image and then click on browse

Step 8

navigate to the directory where you kept the .vmdk file that you downloaded earlier

Step 9

now click on apply and then ok

Step 10

look for the switch which you imported and right on it, then click on the configure template

Step 11

in template configuration select the category tab, change it to Switches options

Step 12

if you want to change the icon of the switch, then go with symbol tab and change it

Step 13

here i am selecting one custom imported symbol for the switch

Step 14

now change to the network tab and change the adaptor quantity to as many as you want

Step 15

here i changed it to 10 adaptor which means my switch will be having 10 ports

Step 16

after doing all the configuration, close the template and create the simple topology with the switch that you imported

Step 17

then right-click on the switch and navigate to the console option

Step 18

the console panel will open, and it will start booting up the switch, the full boot up will take some time nearly to 1 min

Step 19

after that you can configure the Layer2 switch as you want you’ll get the option and advance feature as the physical switch will have

// 04 Conclusion

The purpose of the article is to aware the readers how they can import the original l2 switch IOS in the GNS, and then they can do configuration and security feature lab practice as they will do on the real physical switches in the working environment.