Category: CML

CML 2.7 – Adding the IOS-XRv image

Cisco Modeling Labs 2.7

As of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) version 2.7, the standard IOS-XRv image has limited support and fewer features compared to the newer IOS-XRv 9000 image, which is the preferred option for IOS XR simulations in CML. The IOS-XRv image is not included in the refplat ISO and the only option available after a fresh CML 2.7 install is XRV9K. 

The IOS-XRv 9000 image includes more robust MPLS and VRF capabilities, such as successful L3 MPLS VPN implementations, making it a better choice for complex routing scenarios. However, the IOS-XRv image itself remains available with limitations, including a lack of L2 MPLS VPN support in certain scenarios.

XRv vs XRv9K resources

The only challenge with the IOS-XRv 9000 image is that it requires slightly more resources than the IOS-XRv image.

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CML 2.7 – Getting started with Cisco Modeling Labs v2.7

Last weekend I decided to try Cisco’s Modeling Labs (CML). This is Cisco’s network virtualization platform comparable to GNS3 or EVE-NG. It replaced an older Cisco product called VIRL (Virtual Internet Routing Lab), offering more features and improved performance.
I have quite a lot of experience with both EVE-NG and GNS3, so I’m curious to see how CML will compare.

In this article we go over the following steps:

Getting started

I went with the option of installing CML on my ESXi server.
This installation will cover a fresh install on VMware ESXi using the CML .OVA file. 
Some useful links before we get started:

CML information:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/cloud-systems-management/modeling-labs/index.html

CML Licensing:
https://learningnetworkstore.cisco.com/cisco-modeling-labs-personal/cisco-modeling-labs-personal/CML-PERSONAL.html

Software download:
https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286290254/type/286290305/release/CML-Personal%202.7.2

We start by downloading two files from the software website. We need both of these for the install.

    1. The server installation file (either the OVA of the ISO).
    2. The reference platform ISO (this contains the router images that are used in CML).

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