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Student setup guide

Set up a free network lab for BlueMesh in about 30 minutes. You need a Windows or Linux computer and one of two free lab programs.

1. Choose a lab program

  • GNS3 runs real Cisco router software (IOS). It needs router images that you own, and on Windows it needs the GNS3 VM.
  • Cisco Packet Tracer is a simpler simulator. It is free with a Cisco Networking Academy account and needs no router images.

2. Install GNS3 with the GNS3 VM

  1. Download GNS3 from gns3.com and run the installer.
  2. When the installer asks about the GNS3 VM, keep it selected. On Windows the VM runs in VirtualBox or VMware, so install one of them first if you have neither.
  3. Open GNS3 and check Edit > Preferences > GNS3 VM. The VM starts when you open a project.

3. Get a router image legally

  • Use a Cisco IOS image that you own or have permission to use, for example from your own router or your university's lab.
  • For the BlueMesh GNS3 labs, use the c7200 router image.
  • Do not download router images from free download sites. They are copyrighted and can carry malware.
  • Add the image in GNS3: Edit > Preferences > Dynamips > IOS routers > New, then choose the image file.

4. Install Cisco Packet Tracer

Create a free account at Cisco Networking Academy (netacad.com). Then download Cisco Packet Tracer from the Packet Tracer course page. You need no router images.

5. Open a BlueMesh lab

  • GNS3: choose File > Import portable project and pick the project file, or File > Open for a .gns3 file.
  • Packet Tracer: choose File > Open and pick the .pkt file.

Start the lab, then ask BlueMesh what is broken. It reads the devices, links and configs.

6. No images? Use the practice terminal

BlueMesh has a built-in practice terminal. It is a simulated Cisco command line, so you need no router images and no lab program. Open a practice lab and type commands such as show ip route or show ip ospf neighbor.

If something goes wrong

  • GNS3 says the VM is not running: start it in VirtualBox or VMware, then open GNS3 again.
  • A router does not start: check that the image is a c7200 IOS image and that it is listed under IOS routers.
  • Packet Tracer does not open the file: make sure the .pkt file finished downloading.