How to Install GNS3 on Ubuntu and Linux Mint
If you are learning computer networking, GNS3 is one of the tools that eventually becomes essential. Unlike simpler simulators such as Cisco Packet Tracer, which only supports Cisco devices, GNS3 gives you the freedom to run many different network operating systems including Cisco IOS, Mikrotik RouterOS, Juniper, and even lightweight Linux or Windows images. For many users, GNS3 feels much closer to a real world lab because the network topologies can be built as complex as needed.
This time LinuxSimplify.com will guide you through how to install GNS3 on Ubuntu and Linux Mint, and also explain the core components inside GNS3 so you understand what each part does before building your own lab.
Understanding the Main Components in GNS3
Qemu
Qemu is a lightweight system emulator used to run virtual operating systems. In GNS3, it is commonly used for running Mikrotik RouterOS, although you can also use it for Linux or Windows testing. It is similar to VirtualBox or VMware but more suitable when you need several OS instances with minimal resource usage.
Dynamips
Dynamips is the emulator used to run Cisco IOS images. If you are preparing for networking certifications such as CCNA or CCNP, Dynamips is extremely helpful because you can practice using real IOS without owning physical routers.
Dynagen
Dynagen used to be the front end interface for Dynamips before GNS3 had a complete graphical interface. Today, most of its role is handled directly by GNS3, but it is still part of the overall architecture and often mentioned in older documentation.
VPCS
VPCS stands for Virtual PC Simulator. It provides very lightweight end devices that you can use for basic tests such as ping and traceroute. It is much lighter than running a full virtual machine and very helpful when creating larger topologies in GNS3 on Ubuntu or Linux Mint.
Installing GNS3 on Ubuntu and Linux Mint Using the Official PPA
In the early days, installing GNS3 required compiling many components manually. Now the process is far simpler because GNS3 provides an official PPA repository. The steps below work on Ubuntu 16.04, 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, and also on Linux Mint versions that are based on Ubuntu.
Add the official GNS3 PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gns3/ppa
Update the repository list:
sudo apt-get update
Install the GNS3 GUI and server:
sudo apt-get install gns3-server gns3-gui
During installation, Ubuntu or Linux Mint may display a dialog asking for permission to configure network related access. Choose Yes to continue the installation.
Official PPA reference:
https://launchpad.net/~gns3
Running GNS3 for the First Time
After installation, open GNS3 from the applications menu. On the first launch you will see a setup wizard. This wizard only appears once and helps GNS3 determine how it will run on your system.
Select the option Run the topologies on my computer since most users on Ubuntu and Linux Mint will run everything locally. Continue to the Local Server Configuration page. The default settings here are already correct so you can simply click Next.
If GNS3 shows a message saying that the connection to the local server was successful, click Finish to access the main workspace.
Inside the main interface you will see available devices such as Cisco routers, Mikrotik RouterOS images, VPCS, switches, and cloud connectors. All of these can be combined to create simple or advanced network simulations depending on what you want to practice.
Starting a Simple GNS3 Project
To make sure everything runs properly, LinuxSimplify.com recommends starting with a small topology first, for example:
- One router
- One VPCS device
- Testing connectivity using ping
This initial setup helps verify that Qemu, Dynamips, and other integrations are working correctly. After that you can continue building more advanced topologies such as OSPF labs, BGP scenarios, VLAN setups, or simulations of a small office network.
Additional Resources for Further Setup
If you want to expand your GNS3 environment later, you can check the following useful resources:
- Official GNS3 documentation:
https://docs.gns3.com - GNS3 software and image information:
https://www.gns3.com/software
Conclusion
That is the complete guide to installing GNS3 on Ubuntu and Linux Mint. GNS3 is one of the most flexible tools for anyone who wants to build a virtual networking environment without investing in multiple physical routers or switches. Whether you are a student, a network engineer, or someone exploring how networks function behind the scenes, GNS3 is a powerful and practical tool that can run very well on both Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
If you want LinuxSimplify.com to cover additional topics, such as adding Mikrotik RouterOS into GNS3, connecting GNS3 to the internet, or building specific training topologies, feel free to request them in the comments. Future tutorials will follow based on what readers need the most.
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