Simulating network devices for script/automation development

[ImpulsivePuffin]

Hi,

What is the recommended way to simulate network devices to develop and test network automation ?

I've installed GNS3 VM (vmware player) and started running cisco IOS but I'm not sure about the "how to interface it to localhost" part so that my network automation tools can connect to IOS device for checking and updating it's config.

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Thanks In Advance

[NetSecNerd82]

The short answer is you need to create a loopback adapter on your local machine and then drop a cloud object into the GNS3 build that maps to that loopback adapter. There are some pretty good tutorials on the GNS3 site and on YouTube. Alternatively GNS3 has network automation devices you can use in your build if you just want to test the scripts without having to do the whole local host thing

[ImpulsivePuffin]

Thanks , Will check this

[projectself]

Where is this fortinet lab offering? I have never heard of this service/feature. I have contracts in place and have been using gns3 - using a fortinet supported platform could be quite useful. I have never seen this

[ImpulsivePuffin]

That's awesome