How to Use GNS3 to Simulate a Cisco PIX Firewall

Save time running network tests by creating virtual GNS3 test networks.

Access the GNS3 program PEMU or PIX Emulator control panel and add a Cisco PIX IOS image to run within the GNS3 emulator. GNS3 features a hardware emulator that can run Cisco IOS images in a virtual environment. Once Cisco IOS images are setup in GNS3, a virtual Cisco network can be created and used for network lab work. Configure a Cisco PIX image in GNS3 so you can add PIX firewalls to virtual network environments.

Things You'll Need

• Windows computer with the GNS3 program installed
• Cisco PIX IOS image

Instructions

1. Launch the GNS3 program and click “Pix Firewall.” Click the “Edit” menu and then “Preferences.”

2. Click “Pemu” and then the “…,” or ellipsis button, next to the “Pix Image” box. Navigate to the directory containing the Cisco PIX IOS image file and click on the file.

3. Click the “Open” button and then “Apply.”

4. Place the mouse pointer over the “PIX firewall” icon in the left pane. Press and hold the left mouse button.

5. Move the mouse pointer to empty space above the “Console” window. Release the left mouse button.

6. Right-click the new “FW1” icon and click “Start.” Right-click the “FW1” icon and click “Console.” An active Cisco PIX IOS image command line will appear.

References

• Blind Hog: Pemu – PIX Emulator with GNS3
• GNS3: Documentation