GNS3 Technologies

GNS3 Technologies provides a network software emulator that enables users to visualize, plan, test, and troubleshoot network environments in a virtual setting, removing the need for physical hardware. The company's core product, Graphical Network Simulator-3 (GNS3), allows for the combination of virtual and real devices to simulate complex networks. It caters to a wide range of clients, from individual students and network engineers preparing for certification exams like the Cisco CCNA to large corporations such as Exxon, Walmart, AT&T, and NASA.

The initial version of GNS3 was released in 2008. The project originated in 2007 from Jeremy Grossmann's master's thesis project at a university. Grossmann created the software to assist with his own CCNP certification studies. He later met Stephen Guppy, and together they co-founded GNS3 Technologies. Grossmann serves as the CTO, with Guppy as the CEO. The journey to commercialize GNS3 involved a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2014, which raised over $553,000 from more than 13,000 contributors, surpassing its initial goal within hours. The company was formally founded in 2013 and was later acquired by SolarWinds on October 21, 2015.

The GNS3 software operates with a client-server architecture. The client is a graphical user interface (GUI) installed on a user's local machine (Windows, macOS, or Linux) where topologies are designed. The server component, which can be run locally, on the GNS3 VM, or a remote server, handles the emulation of network devices. GNS3 utilizes emulators like Dynamips (for Cisco IOS), QEMU, and VirtualBox to run real operating systems from various network vendors. This allows users to create multi-vendor network topologies, testing interoperability between different systems such as Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, and more. The platform supports creating dynamic network maps for proof-of-concept testing and troubleshooting. While the core GNS3 software is free and open-source, the business model includes paid offerings through GNS3 Academy, which provides a wide range of video training courses and materials for network professionals to prepare for certification exams and enhance their skills. This positions GNS3 not just as a simulation tool but also as a comprehensive educational platform for the networking community. Keywords: network simulation, network emulator, virtual network lab, network testing, Cisco CCNA, CCNP, network certification, multi-vendor networking, network design, virtual network environment, network troubleshooting, proof of concept testing, GNS3 Academy, network engineer tools, Jeremy Grossmann, Stephen Guppy, Dynamips, QEMU, network virtualization, open-source networking