Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

GNS3 VS Eve-NG

Compare GNS3 VS Eve-NG and see what are their differences

GNS3 logo GNS3

GNS3 is a graphical network simulator that allows simulation of complex networks.

Eve-NG logo Eve-NG

The new EVE-NG platform is ready for todays requirements.
  • GNS3 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-06
  • Eve-NG Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-02

GNS3 features and specs

  • Realistic Network Simulation
    GNS3 provides a highly realistic environment for simulating complex networks, allowing users to design and test their network setups with real-world accuracy.
  • Wide Device Support
    It supports a wide range of network devices and software, including Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, and virtual machines, enabling diverse network topologies.
  • Free and Open-Source
    GNS3 is freely available and open-source, making it accessible to anyone without requiring a commercial license or subscription.
  • Community Support
    There is a large and active community of GNS3 users who provide support, share resources, and contribute to its development.
  • Extensive Learning Resources
    GNS3 has a vast array of tutorials, documentation, and guides that help users of all skill levels learn how to effectively use the tool.

Possible disadvantages of GNS3

  • Resource Intensive
    GNS3 can be very demanding on system resources, requiring significant CPU and memory, which may be challenging for users with lower-end hardware.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    For beginners, GNS3 can present a steep learning curve due to its complexity and the detailed knowledge required to effectively set up and manage network simulations.
  • Limited by Hardware Performance
    The performance and scale of simulations can be limited by the hardware of the host system, affecting the ability to run large or complex network topologies.
  • Initial Configuration Complexity
    The initial setup and configuration of GNS3, including the integration of virtual devices and images, can be complex and time-consuming.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Users may encounter stability issues or bugs, especially when integrating a variety of virtual devices and software versions, which can disrupt simulation activities.

Eve-NG features and specs

  • Multi-vendor Support
    Eve-NG supports network devices from various vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, and Arista, enabling diverse network simulations.
  • Web-based GUI
    The platform offers a web-based graphical user interface that makes it accessible from any device with a browser, simplifying access and configuration.
  • Scalability
    Eve-NG can scale to accommodate large, complex topologies, making it suitable for enterprise-level network simulations.
  • Collaboration
    Users can collaborate on network simulations in real-time, which is beneficial for teams working remotely on projects.
  • Comprehensive Resources
    Eve-NG has a vast community and comprehensive documentation, providing users with ample resources for troubleshooting and optimization.

Possible disadvantages of Eve-NG

  • Resource Intensive
    Running large topologies with Eve-NG can be resource-intensive, requiring significant CPU and memory allocation from the host machine.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    Eve-NG's setup process can be complex, particularly for those unfamiliar with network virtualization and emulation environments.
  • Learning Curve
    For users new to network emulation tools, Eve-NG can present a steep learning curve, especially in mastering advanced features.
  • Licensing Costs
    While a community edition is available, the professional edition of Eve-NG, which offers advanced features, requires a license fee.
  • Device Image Management
    Acquiring and installing device images can be cumbersome and may involve legal considerations, limiting ease of use for beginners.

GNS3 videos

CCNA Labs - Packet Tracer or GNS3?

More videos:

  • Review - Packet Tracer vs GNS3 vs VIRL vs Physical Equipment (Part 1). Which is best?
  • Review - GNS3 2.1.3 Basic Full Setup Guide For Beginners (2018) Start To Finish

Eve-NG videos

VIRL vs EVE-NG vs GNS3 - my take and the community response

More videos:

  • Review - Eve-NG Introduction

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to GNS3 and Eve-NG)
Technical Computing
63 63%
37% 37
Simulation Software
62 62%
38% 38
Tool
62 62%
38% 38
Numerical Computation
66 66%
34% 34

User comments

Share your experience with using GNS3 and Eve-NG. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, GNS3 should be more popular than Eve-NG. It has been mentiond 12 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

GNS3 mentions (12)

  • Bug Bounty Hunting 101: An Introduction for Beginners
    Practice: Set up simple networking labs using tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • Where do I go from here?
    If you mean a Cisco 2950, I guess you want to learn Networking. So a good place to start is to run GNS3 (https://gns3.com). You can download a VM image and run that, that's what I do. GNS3 is a great learning tool and you can use both real (your 2950) and virtual devices to make networks. Source: about 1 year ago
  • Exploiting Wpa3
    GNS3 is the software your looking for it can be found here https://gns3.com let me know if you could use some resources on it. Source: over 1 year ago
  • What skills are great to learn in a home lab for a beginner in IT ?
    GNS3 is a network device emulator, and more than a few devices requires lots of CPU and RAM resources. You need to pay for a licence for each device you want to emulate. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • How to escape from Helpdesk hell ?
    Allow me to introduce you to https://gns3.com/. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

Eve-NG mentions (3)

  • Want to build a virtual network for free or cheap. GNS3? EVE-NG? Other?
    EVE-NG. It's... Finicky to get going (Each and every single image has its own procedure (which is given a detailed instruction on eve-ng.net)), but once you've got EVE-NG up and some images installed, it is quite nice. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Is the EVE-NG.net site working?
    I get ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED when I try to connect to eve-ng.net Have everyone problem like this? Source: about 3 years ago
  • CCNP Collab / UC Virtual Labs
    Install an install of EVE and play around. Look at the how-to's on eve-ng.net. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing GNS3 and Eve-NG, you can also consider the following products

Cisco Packet Tracer - Download Cisco Packet Tracer, an innovative network simulation and visualization tool used by Cisco Networking Academy students and instructors.

ns-3 - a discrete-event network simulator for internet systems

NetSim - NetSim software was created to simulate various Cisco systems. Cisco software is known around the world as being one of the best network, routing and switch systems for businesses and private use. Read more about NetSim.

Paessler Multi Server Simulator - Paessler Multi Server Simulator is inexpensive and robust software that helps you power massive-scale testing.

Mininet - Mininet is a robust and inexpensive Instant Virtual Network designed to function on standard PCs like Laptops and Desktops.

FlexSim - Simulation software to model, simulate, predict, and visualize systems in manufacturing, material handling, healthcare, warehousing, mining, etc.