This indicates the image is compiled to run on standard x86 CPUs, not on Cisco’s native router hardware (like the ASR/ISR series with PowerPC or MIPS). It uses the Linux operating system as its host.
The linuxl3 identifier is crucial for those studying switching. Standard router images in GNS3 often struggle to simulate Layer 3 switching features accurately. This specific image behaves much like a Layer 3 switch (similar to a 3560 or 3750), allowing you to practice:
| Image Name | Use | L2/L3 | Crypto | Memory Model |
|------------|-----|-------|--------|---------------|
| i86bi-linuxl2-adventerprisek9-15.7(3).bin | Basic switching | L2 | k9 | m2 |
| i86bi-linuxl3-upk9-15.6(2)T.bin | Provider features | L3 | k9 (universal) | m |
| i86bi-linuxl3-adventerprisek9-m2.157-3.May.2018.bin | Full enterprise routing | L3 | k9 | m2 |
| iosv-15.6.2T.bin (vIOS) | QEMU-based router | L3 | k9 | N/A (higher resource) |
Why choose this over vIOS?
Why NOT choose it?
This is the “full” feature image often used for CCIE RS (Routing & Switching) and Enterprise labs.
Cause: Using non-k9 image. This image is k9 – check show version | include image. i86bi linuxl3-adventerprisek9-m2 157 3 may 2018.bin
This is the most critical section of the article.
The file i86bi-linuxl3-adventerprisek9-m2.157-3.may.2018.bin is proprietary, copyrighted software owned by Cisco Systems, Inc. It is not open-source, nor is it freeware.
Ethical alternative: Purchase Cisco CML Personal (approx. $199/year). It includes a library of legal, updated IOL/vIOS images with a proper license. This indicates the image is compiled to run
| Scenario | Suitability | |----------|--------------| | CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Lab (Routing Technologies) | ✅ Excellent | | MPLS L3 VPN testing | ✅ Yes | | DMVPN with IPsec | ✅ Yes (k9 crypto) | | Switching, STP, Trunking | ❌ No (use L2 image) | | Nexus / VDC features | ❌ No | | SD-WAN / Viptela | ❌ No | | Production deployment | ❌ Strictly lab only |
This image shines for: