Guide Install GNS3 Server on Remote Machine

cedricobrey1 · 2025-05-12T13:28:24+0100

Set up a GNS3 server on a remote machine (like a VPS, home server, or cloud instance) and connect to it using the GNS3 GUI from your local computer. Optionally, integrate with real networks (e.g., via Ethernet or NAT) or virtualization platforms like VMware or VirtualBox.

Step-by-Step Guide

1.

Supported OS:

Ubuntu/Debian
CentOS/RHEL
Windows (but typically used as GUI)

Example on Ubuntu:

bash

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sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gns3/ppa

sudo apt update

sudo apt install gns3-server

This installs only the gns3-server, not the GUI.

Start the Service:

bash

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sudo systemctl start gns3

sudo systemctl enable gns3

You can check status:

bash

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systemctl status gns3

2.

Edit the config file:

bash

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sudo nano /etc/gns3/gns3_server.conf

Set:

ini

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[Server]

host = 0.0.0.0 ; Listen on all interfaces

port = 3080 ; Default port

allow_remote_connections = True

Restart the server:

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sudo systemctl restart gns3

3.

On the remote machine, allow TCP port 3080:

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sudo ufw allow 3080/tcp

If behind a router/cloud provider, forward the port accordingly.

4.

Download and install GNS3 GUI on your local PC:

https://www.gns3.com/software/download

After installation:

Open GNS3.
Go to Edit > Preferences > GNS3 Server .
Click Add under "Server list".
Enter:Hostname/IP: IP of your remote server
Port: 3080 Name: e.g., "Remote Lab Server"
Click OK and set this server as default.

Now, when you create new projects, they'll run on the remote server.

5. Optional: Integrate with Real Networks

Option A: Bridged Networking (with Cloud node in GNS3)

Use the Cloud node in GNS3 to bridge to physical interfaces on the server.

Option B: NAT Forwarding

Use NAT in QEMU settings for basic internet access.

Option C: Connect to VMs (VirtualBox, VMware)

Ensure GNS3 is installed on the same machine as your VM platform, then link VM network adapters to GNS3 topologies.

6. Advanced Idea: Use Docker or VM for GNS3 Server

Run GNS3 server inside a Docker container
Or use a VM in VirtualBox/VMware/Virtual Private Server
Ideal for lab isolation and scaling

7. Secure Your GNS3 Server

Use SSH tunneling or a reverse proxy with HTTPS
Don’t expose the server directly to the internet without authentication/firewall
Use fail2ban or similar tools

Use Cases for This Setup

Shared labs for students or teams
Always-on network simulations
Integration with real hardware via Cloud nodes
Running heavy topologies remotely while using a lightweight laptop locally

Bonus: Add Dynamips, QEMU, IOU Support

Make sure your remote server has:

Dynamips (for Cisco IOS emulation)
QEMU binaries
IOU dependencies (if needed)

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Guide Install GNS3 Server on Remote Machine

cedricobrey1

New member

Step-by-Step Guide

1.

Supported OS:

Example on Ubuntu:

Start the Service:

2.

3.

4.

5. Optional: Integrate with Real Networks

Option A: Bridged Networking (with Cloud node in GNS3)

Option B: NAT Forwarding

Option C: Connect to VMs (VirtualBox, VMware)

6. Advanced Idea: Use Docker or VM for GNS3 Server

7. Secure Your GNS3 Server

Use Cases for This Setup

Bonus: Add Dynamips, QEMU, IOU Support

Guide Install GNS3 Server on Remote Machine

cedricobrey1

New member

Step-by-Step Guide​

1.​

Supported OS:​

Example on Ubuntu:​

Start the Service:​

2.​

3.​

4.​

5. Optional: Integrate with Real Networks​

Option A: Bridged Networking (with Cloud node in GNS3)​

Option B: NAT Forwarding​

Option C: Connect to VMs (VirtualBox, VMware)​

6. Advanced Idea: Use Docker or VM for GNS3 Server​

7. Secure Your GNS3 Server​

Use Cases for This Setup​

Bonus: Add Dynamips, QEMU, IOU Support​

Step-by-Step Guide

1.

Supported OS:

Example on Ubuntu:

Start the Service:

2.

3.

4.

5. Optional: Integrate with Real Networks

Option A: Bridged Networking (with Cloud node in GNS3)

Option B: NAT Forwarding

Option C: Connect to VMs (VirtualBox, VMware)

6. Advanced Idea: Use Docker or VM for GNS3 Server

7. Secure Your GNS3 Server

Use Cases for This Setup

Bonus: Add Dynamips, QEMU, IOU Support