GNS3 vs EVE-NG: A Comparative Analysis 09/04/2023 – Posted in: Network, Virtualization – Tags: EVE-NG, GNS3, hypervisor, Network Emulation, Network Simulation
If you are into network simulation and emulation, you may have heard of GNS3 and EVE-NG. Both are popular network simulation software used by network engineers, administrators, and enthusiasts. While they serve similar purposes, they have some differences that set them apart. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between GNS3 and EVE-NG.
GNS3
GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator) is a network simulation tool that allows you to simulate network topologies using virtual machines (VMs). It is an open-source software that is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. GNS3 allows you to create complex network topologies and run them on your computer, making it an excellent tool for testing and troubleshooting network configurations. It supports multiple vendor devices such as Cisco, Juniper, and Fortinet, making it a versatile tool.
EVE-NG
On the other hand, EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment-Next Generation) is another popular network emulation software that allows you to create virtual network topologies. It is also an open-source software that supports multiple vendor devices such as Cisco, Juniper, and Huawei. It has a web-based user interface, making it easy to use and access from anywhere. It also has a large community of users who contribute to the development of the software.
Now let’s dive into the differences between GNS3 and EVE-NG. Firstly, GNS3 is a desktop application that you need to install on your computer, while EVE-NG is web-based, meaning you can access it from any device that has an internet connection. This makes EVE-NG a more convenient option, especially if you need to access your simulations from multiple devices.
Secondly, GNS3 supports multiple hypervisors such as VirtualBox, VMware, and QEMU, while EVE-NG uses only KVM as its hypervisor. This means that GNS3 is more flexible in terms of the hypervisors you can use, while EVE-NG is more streamlined, making it easier to use.
Thirdly, GNS3 has a steeper learning curve compared to EVE-NG. While both tools have a learning curve, GNS3 requires more technical knowledge to use. However, once you learn how to use it, you have more control over your network simulations. EVE-NG, on the other hand, has a simpler user interface, making it easier to learn and use.
Finally, GNS3 is better suited for small to medium-sized networks, while EVE-NG is better suited for larger networks. This is because GNS3 requires more computing power to run larger networks, while EVE-NG is designed to handle larger networks more efficiently.
In conclusion, both GNS3 and EVE-NG are excellent network simulation tools, and the choice between them comes down to personal preference and the needs of your network simulations. If you need a tool that is easy to use and accessible from any device, then EVE-NG is a good option. However, if you need more control over your network simulations and want to use multiple hypervisors, then GNS3 is the better choice.
