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Open an SSH client (like PuTTY or Terminal) and log in to your EVE-NG CLI as the root user. Step 2: Create the Correct Directory Name
If the node name is grayed out in the "Add a New Node" side menu, EVE-NG cannot find a folder with the correct prefix inside /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/ . Double-check your spelling and hyphens.
Cisco Software Central (look for CML/VIRL image bundles, CSR1000v, or Catalyst 9000v).
EVE-NG's internal scripts look for specific filenames inside the folders (usually virtioa.qcow2 ). Rename your uploaded file using the CLI:
Downloading copyrighted network operating systems from unauthorized third-party blogs or file-sharing sites violates vendor terms of service and poses significant security risks. Unauthorized images often contain malware or modified code that can compromise your host machine. Always obtain images through official, legal channels: Cisco Images (vIOS, CML) Download-- Eve-ng Images
If you buy a personal subscription to Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), you get access to a massive ISO file containing officially supported, legal QEMU images for Cisco IOSv, IOSv-L2, ASAv, XRv, and NX-OSv. These can be easily copied straight into EVE-NG. Community Forums and GitHub
EVE-NG provides various image types for different network vendors and platforms. Some common image types include:
The issue of image distribution legality is one of the most frequently debated topics in the EVE-NG community. The official EVE-NG policy is clear: distributing vendor images without proper licensing is totally illegal, and users are expected to obtain images directly from vendors using their own accounts.
EVE-NG relies on a strict naming convention to recognize QEMU images. If a folder or file is named incorrectly, the node will appear greyed out in the EVE-NG web interface. Step 1: Create the Correct Directory Name Open an SSH client (like PuTTY or Terminal)
⚠️ Avoid downloading pre-packaged "EVE-NG Image Packs" from unauthorized third-party file-sharing sites (like Mega, Google Drive links, or Torrents). These files frequently contain altered code, outdated operating systems, or hidden security threats. 3. Step-by-Step Guide to Installing QEMU Images
Ultimate Guide: How to Download and Add EVE-NG Images EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment Next Generation) is the premier network emulation platform for network engineers, devops professionals, and students. To build realistic labs for Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, or Fortinet certifications, you need to populate EVE-NG with component images.
The Ultimate Guide to Downloading and Installing EVE-NG Images
Create a folder with the correct name (e.g., vios-15.6.2 ). Cisco Software Central (look for CML/VIRL image bundles,
Vendor image files are often 1GB to 4GB+.
EVE-NG requires strict folder naming conventions. Every vendor folder must start with a specific prefix. Example for Cisco ASAv: asav- Example for Palo Alto: paloalto- Run the following command to create your directory: mkdir -p /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/asav-9.16.1/ Use code with caution. Step 3: Upload the Image File
Which (Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto, etc.) are you trying to set up? Are you using EVE-NG Community or EVE-NG Professional ?
: "IOS on Linux" or "IOS on Unix" images are lightweight, compiled versions of Cisco IOS made to run natively on Linux. They use very little RAM and CPU.
has revolutionized the way network engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and IT students prepare for exams, test configurations, and design network topologies. Unlike physical labs, which are costly and inflexible, EVE-NG allows you to simulate complex multi-vendor networks directly on your computer or a server.
Navigate to /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/ . You must create a subfolder using a strict naming convention template defined by EVE-NG. Format: -