GNS3

GNS3 is an open-source instrument meant to help users perform advanced network testing scenarios and actual implementations by setting up virtual or real servers and other clients, conducting research, and addressing liabilities and flaws that might come up.

This application enables, via a friendly interface, access to advanced functionality. Above all, GNS3's GUI is intuitive and accessible even to non-experienced users.

On the left-side panel, there are the device browsing options and the advanced device configuration methods. These options are 'Browse Routers,' 'Browse Switches,' 'Browse End Devices,' 'Browse Security Devices,' 'Browse All Devices,' and 'Add a Link.' The last option allows you to connect, with manual or a wizard-assisted implementation, a new appliance, as well as opt for a completely new installation or to import a given setup.

Moreover, the options are suitable for the addition and configuration of ATM Switches, Cloud accounts, Ethernet Hubs or Switches, Frame Relay switches, NAT (Network Address Translation), or VPCS (Amazon Virtual Private Cloud).

The interface's top bar allows easy access to the most important commands. You can use these to open an existing project, create one from scratch, create quick snapshots with custom names, display/hide interface labels, start/pause/stop the nodes' activity, as well as insert pictures, notes, draw shapes, lock/unlock items, or take full-page screenshots.

Probably one of the most useful traits of GNS3 is the visual representation of your networking structures and implementations. This means that at the centre of the screen, in an adjustable panel, you can draw lines between hosts, visualize the appliances' connections, and therefore, get a general overview of the networking structures you are creating/testing.

To summarize, with GNS3, you can get access to a lightweight, modern-looking application that is suitable for both real and virtual networking structures, as well as the management of local or remote hosts, all from within the console's stylish interface.