GNS3 Advanced: Automation, Docker, and Cloud Integration

• Proficiency in GNS3 topology creation and device configuration
• Working knowledge of Python or Ansible
• Familiarity with containerization and cloud fundamentals

Audience

• Senior network engineers and DevNet professionals
• Engineers integrating GNS3 with automation frameworks (e.g., Ansible, Python)
• Professionals experimenting with Dockerized services in virtual labs
• Advanced users working on hybrid cloud labs or simulating multi-vendor environments

GNS3 is a flexible network simulation tool that supports integration with automation frameworks, container-based services, and cloud environments for advanced lab setups.

This instructor-led, live training (online or onsite) is aimed at advanced-level networking professionals who wish to automate, containerize, and scale their GNS3 labs with real-world architectures involving hybrid and multi-cloud platforms.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Automate network tasks using Python scripts and Ansible in GNS3 environments.
• Deploy Docker containers inside GNS3 to simulate network services and endpoints.
• Integrate GNS3 with cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure for hybrid lab environments.
• Design advanced, scalable topologies for multi-vendor testing and continuous integration.

Format of the Course

• Interactive lecture and discussion.
• Hands-on lab configuration using live GNS3 topologies.
• Integration exercises with automation and container orchestration tools.

Course Customization Options

• To request a customized training for this course, please contact us to arrange.

Advanced GNS3 Architecture

• GNS3 architecture overview for distributed deployments
• GNS3 server and GNS3 VM performance optimization
• Managing multiple projects and collaborative workflows

Network Automation with Python and Ansible

• Introduction to automation in network engineering
• Creating and deploying automation scripts in GNS3
• Automating router and switch configuration with Ansible playbooks
• Testing network state and compliance with automated checks

Docker Integration in GNS3

• Installing and configuring Docker containers within GNS3
• Using prebuilt Docker appliances (e.g., web servers, DNS, Linux services)
• Building custom Docker containers for network testing
• Simulating microservices and service chaining in GNS3 topologies

Cloud and Hybrid Lab Integration

• Designing hybrid environments using GNS3 and public clouds
• Connecting GNS3 to AWS, Azure, or GCP via VPN and tunneling
• Deploying cloud-based endpoints and integrating with simulated networks
• Security and access considerations for hybrid topologies

Multi-Vendor Testing and Simulation

• Running and managing multiple vendor VMs (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto)
• Using QEMU, IOU/IOL, and VirtualBox appliances together
• Traffic generation and application emulation for interoperability testing

CI/CD and Advanced Lab Automation

• Integrating GNS3 with Git and CI pipelines for version control and testing
• Automating topology deployment and rollback
• Using REST APIs to control GNS3 from external scripts

Use Cases and Best Practices

• Lab design for pre-deployment validation
• Documenting network behavior and configurations
• Reusable lab templates and team workflows

Summary and Next Steps