GNS3 is open-source software that helps in emulating networks using the Cisco Internetwork Operating Systems (IOS). GNS3 enables you to run a Cisco IOS in a virtual environment. It serves as a graphical user interface to Dynamics also. In this article, you will learn about how to make a router function as a switch in GNS3. Here are some related articles: How to install GNS3 on macOS, and how to fix Error opening file for writing, click on Abort to stop installation, Retry to try again, or Ignore to skip this file. Also see how to uninstall GNS3 in Windows, and How to install GNS3 on a Windows device.

A Router provides routing capabilities (intent-based networking for the WAN, LAN, and cloud routers connect computers and other devices to the Internet). In this guide, I will be demonstrating how to may a router act as a layer two device on the network.

For some articles I have written on GNS3, please see the following guides “Error–Failed to open a session for the virtual machine GNS3 VM, how to make a router function as a switch in GNS3 and Graphical Network Simulator: How to connect GNS3 to the internet on Windows. When it comes to network simulators and emulators, everyone has their favorite. In this article, I will be discussing the Graphical Network Simulator (GNS3).

Router Emulatalation with GNS3

In order to achieve this in GNS3, follow the following steps below: Drag your router into the topology and right click on it and choose “configure
– Go over to the “slots” tab
– Leave the “slot 0” the way it is
– Make a “slot 1” entry for “NM-16ESW”, apply and save your changes
– Change the symbol on it to look like a switch if you want
– Enter the “no ip route” command in global config mode so it doesn’t act like a router

Switch_Router(config)#no ip routing
Switch_Router(config)#do copy run start

Note the following deviations from a normal switch config.

Switch# show vlan-switch
Switch# vlan database

I hope you found this blog post helpful on how to make a router function as a switch in GNS3. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment session.