You can use the eve-ng or GNS3 emulator
GNS3 Features:
- Multiple Vendor Support: In addition to MikroTik, GNS3 supports a wide range of third-party devices, allowing you to simulate complex and heterogeneous networks.
- Realistic Test Environment: Allows you to configure and run simulations that closely mimic the behavior of real networks, which is invaluable for learning, network design, and troubleshooting.
- Integration with Third Party Software: GNS3 can be integrated with network analysis software and monitoring tools, providing an even richer and more useful network simulation experience.
How to Use RouterOS in GNS3:
To use RouterOS on GNS3, you need access to a RouterOS system image that supports GNS3. MikroTik offers versions of RouterOS for x86 architectures, which can be used in virtual environments. Here I leave you a basic guide of the steps to follow:
- Download GNS3: Install GNS3 on your computer. It is available for Windows, macOS and Linux on the GNS3 official website.
- Get the RouterOS Image: Download the RouterOS image for x86 architectures from the MikroTik website. You will need to purchase a license if you plan to use it for commercial or long-term purposes.
- Import Image to GNS3: Follow the instructions in GNS3 to import the RouterOS image as a virtual device. This may involve creating a new device template and specifying the downloaded RouterOS image as the device's operating system.
- Build your Network: Once imported, you can drag and drop the RouterOS device into your GNS3 workspace and start connecting it to other virtual devices and networks.
- Configure RouterOS: Start the virtual RouterOS device and access it through the GNS3 console to begin configuration, just as you would with a physical MikroTik device.
Please remember that while GNS3 is a powerful tool for network simulation, performance and the ability to simulate complex scenarios may be limited by your computer's resources, such as CPU, RAM, and storage.
EVE-NG Features:
EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment Next Generation) is another popular platform for network simulation, which allows users to configure, pro
EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment Next Generation) is a powerful and flexible emulation platform used for network simulation and training in network technologies. Like GNS3, EVE-NG supports emulation of devices from multiple manufacturers, including MikroTik, allowing users to create and test network configurations in a virtual environment without the need for physical hardware. EVE-NG is widely used by network professionals and enthusiasts for practice, network design, proof-of-concept demonstration, and education.
EVE-NG Features:
- Multi-Vendor Support: Allows you to emulate devices from numerous manufacturers, including routers, switches, and firewalls, among others.
- Web interface: EVE-NG provides a web user interface for managing virtual laboratories and devices, facilitating their use and access.
- Integration with Third Party Tools: Can be integrated with external tools and packet capture software for a more complete simulation experience.
How to Use RouterOS in EVE-NG:
To use MikroTik RouterOS on EVE-NG, follow these general steps. Note that you will need access to a RouterOS image that supports virtualization.
- Install EVE-NG: First, install EVE-NG on your server or virtual machine. EVE-NG offers two editions: the Community Edition (free) and the Professional Edition (paid with additional features). You can download it from the EVE-NG official website.
- Get the RouterOS Image: Download the RouterOS CHR (Cloud Hosted Router) image from the MikroTik website. CHR is a version of RouterOS designed to run on popular virtualization platforms.
- Upload Image to EVE-NG: Follow the EVE-NG specific instructions to upload your RouterOS CHR image to the EVE-NG server. This usually involves transferring the downloaded image to the correct directory on the EVE-NG server and possibly renaming the file to comply with EVE-NG naming standards.
- Create a New Lab and Add RouterOS Devices: Once the RouterOS image is in EVE-NG, you can create a new virtual lab and begin adding RouterOS devices to your network configuration, using the EVE-NG web interface.
- Configure RouterOS: Boot the RouterOS devices and use the EVE-NG console or an SSH connection to access them and begin configuration, exactly as you would with a physical MikroTik device.
Considerations:
- RouterOS Licensing: CHR uses a different licensing system than physical MikroTik devices. Make sure you understand the licensing options and select the most appropriate one for your simulation needs.
- System Resources: Simulating virtual devices consumes system resources such as CPU and memory. Make sure your host system has enough resources to support your virtual lab in EVE-NG.
EVE-NG is an exceptional tool for network simulation and offers a robust platform to learn and experiment with MikroTik RouterOS configurations, along with a wide variety of other network devices, all within a controlled, virtual environment.
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