Basic GNS3 (Dynamips) setup for Macintosh users

It's easy to setup GNS3 on Macs.

I'll write down some tips to install GNS3 on Mac, just in case you guys get lost in the middle of the way to prepare for the CCIE test.




To install, there is no need of special techniques or knowledges, but some tips and instructions could be useful.

1.Download

http://www.gns3.net/download/

This article is written for new on Mac and GNS3, so it'll be based on installing on OS X Mountain Lion.

Go to download page, then click and  get "GNS3 v0.8.4 Lion DMG package."
There is no package for Mountain Lion, but no need to worry. It says Lion but it works on Mountain Lion.

After download the file, double-click on DMG package and you'll see "GNS3.app" in the folder. Drag and drop "GNS3.app" in Applications folder, means you copy app into your application folder.

2. Initial Setup

Press "Command + , " then go into Preferences.

If you're not an English speaker, you could change the Language settings. Though, I won't recommend you to change the Language settings from English to Others. Since I used to use in Japanese for several weeks, during the period, GNS3 was not seemed to be stable.

If you wish to use a terminal which is not default one, you may choose something you want in terminal settings and press use.
I recommend you to use iTerm2 since I use it and really helped me pass the test.

3. Dynamips setup

Next, take a look at Dynamips settings.

In the Dynamips setup, there is nothing to change at this time, unless you wish to change some ports and working directories. If you don't know what you're changing, leave them as a default setting.

You may simply press "Test Settings" button and you'll see a green message as it shows in the picture, then you're ready to use Dynamips.

4. IOS setups

Press "Shift + Command + I" and go into "IOS images and hypervisors" setting.
You will need at least one IOS of C1700, C2600, C2691, C3600, C3700 and C7200 series IOS.

Ask someone around you if you do not have an IOS and you have no idea to get them from.

In the Settings, you will see "Image file:." just paste the path of IOS file in your Macintosh and press SAVE which is located at the bottom of the settings.

When you press SAVE, you may see some Warnings as shows in the picture. Just forget it and leave it alone and close the window.

5. Run the Router

Above settings are all clear, then you may use the Router simulator.

Drag and drop the Router icon.
You may see the caution message as shows below, this is because you're not ready to use baseconfig. After you create and locate baseconfig, the message won't show up again.

Here is a sample of baseconfig.

----

line con 0
 exec-timeout 0
 loggi syn
line vty 0 4
 exec-timeout 0
 loggi syn
 login
 pass cisco
!
ena pass cisco
no ip doma lo
!
loggi buff 4096

-----
Copy them and paste in a text file, then save the file as "baseconfig.txt."



If you are ready to run the Router. Press green triangle at the top or Control + click the Router icon and choose start.

Mouse over the Router icon, you will see "Router R1 is running", which means you are successfully started the router.

To connect the router with a console, just double-click on the router icon.

I tested the router if it is working properly, and as it shows, it works perfectly.