Start and Configure Virtual Devices in GNS3

After successful installation of GNS3 users need to mount the appropriate IOS images and drag-and-drop appropriate icons from the left to center pane. Also they need to connect them accordingly in order to exploit the features of GNS3 at their full. Once everything is done successfully users are then required to boot the virtual routers or switches in order to configure them before the finally start practicing on them. Users are supposed to keep in mind that when they start virtual devices in GNS3 they are not by default able to see the console window. GNS3 during the installation process installs another application named Putty which is used to display the consoles of the virtual devices within GNS3. Console windows of the devices are required to be initiated manually though. As a GNS3 user you can start the virtual devices and view their consoles by following the steps given below:

1. Logon to the computer and open GNS3 console window.

2. Right click on the already configured and connected device from the center pane and from the appeared menu click on Start option.

3. In order to view console of the started virtual device again right click on that device and from the menu choose Console option this time.

4. You will be displayed with the console window of the virtual device and once the boot process of the device is completed you can interact with it to enter the commands using the opened console window.