In this article, I will show you that how can we use layer 2 or layer 3 switch in gns3. Cisco switches use hardware ASICs to perform to their duties so unfortunately dynamips cannot emulate real switches unlike it emulates Cisco router easily. In additon, despite of this problem, if we insert NM-16ESW module in to compatible router, we can use some features of switches like STP(Spanning Tree Protocol), VLAN etc. You can use C2690 and/or C3700 router's ios for layer 3 switch. Moreover, if you change symbol of router with layer 3 switch, it load better sight to your network.
Figure 1: Set Layer 3 Switch Symbol and Add NM-16ESW
When you configure your layer 3 switch, you should use interfaces of NM-16ESW modules to emulate switch port.
Figure 2: There are 16 Fast Ethernet Port of NM-16ESW Module
I hope that I will write about configuration of vlan in gns3 at next article.
Note: If you enjoy it, you understand it. Gertrude Stein
