Install VMware Workstation or VMware Fusion on a Mac or Windows. These are typically for-profit commercial items.

Use the full-featured free VMware Player instead. The VIX API, which enables applications such the GNS3 network simulator to control the functioning of virtual machines, is not supported by it.

GNS3 is compatible with VirtualBox.

Install GNS3.

Install gns3 windows server within your current operating system, Put it outside of your Ubuntu VM to avoid a potential problem with nested virtual machines. Ubuntu will be used for homework assignments and class projects.

Please visit https://www.gns3.com.

Choose "Free Download."

Select "Download" after choosing Windows, Mac, or Linux, as appropriate.

When requested, create a GNS3 Community Account. After logging in, go back to the Download page.

Use the downloaded installer and select the default settings. Allow ubridge to run as root to capture packets if requested

Setup the GNS3 VM

You must next install the "GNS3 VM" after installing the base GNS3 application. It is a virtual machine running Ubuntu Linux that comes pre-installed with all the necessary applications to imitate more complex devices. Because it will be handling part of the virtualization heavy lifting, VMware was required as the first installation step.

The "VMware Workstation and Fusion" image should be selected.

Remove the.zip file.

Start VMware Fusion or Workstation

Navigate to the.ovf file "GNS3 VM.ovf")that you just downloaded and unzipped by choosing "Import" (or "Open a Virtual Machine").

As a new VM, let VMware import it. Accept the default location and name it suggests "GNS3 VM" as doing so will make finding it later simpler.

Configure GNS3

When you start GNS3 Mac, the message "uBridge requires root access to communicate with network interfaces" will appear. Say YES, as this will enable us to link GNS3 to the actual network if we so choose.