By Fathalla Ramadan
March 2026
Many CCNA learners ask:
“Can I run real Cisco IOS in GNS3 using free images from Cisco DevNet?”
The short answer: It’s complicated—and the landscape has changed.
In this guide, I’ll clarify:
- What Cisco actually provides for free in 2026
- What their license terms really say
- What you can ethically and legally do as a self-learner
- Safe alternatives that won’t risk your progress
This isn’t the “easy download” post you might hope for—but it’s the truth, based on testing and Cisco’s current policies.
The Hard Truth: IOSv Is No Longer Publicly Available
As of early 2026, Cisco no longer offers public downloads of the standalone IOSv (Virtual) OVA image through DevNet.
- The “Always-On” labs now feature CSR1000v (IOS-XE) or container-based environments
- Searching for “Cisco IOSv Router (Virtual) – OVA” in DevNet returns no downloadable asset
- Older guides (including my own) are now outdated, and thus I’ve updated it here.
I’ve personally verified this: there is no direct “Download” button for IOSv in DevNet for general users.
Are DevNet Images Licensed for GNS3?
No.
Cisco’s End User License Agreement (EULA) for DevNet-downloaded images—whether CSR1000v or legacy IOSv—explicitly restricts usage to Cisco Modeling Labs (CML).
From Cisco’s official documentation:
“These images are licensed for use only within Cisco Modeling Labs. Use in third-party emulators (e.g., GNS3, EVE-NG) is not authorized.”
So while many learners (myself included) have used these images in GNS3 for years, it is not formally permitted under Cisco’s terms.
That said:
- Cisco does not pursue individual students for personal, non-commercial study
- Risk of enforcement is extremely low
- But strictly speaking, it’s outside the license
Ethical note: As an educator, I believe in modeling integrity. If we teach networking, we should also teach respect for licensing—even when enforcement is unlikely.
What Can You Do Legally?
Option 1: Use Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) Personal Edition
- Official, fully licensed platform from Cisco
- Runs real IOSv, IOS-XE, NX-OS
- Cost: ~$199/year
- Includes topology sharing, cloud sync, and exam-aligned labs
- Best for: Serious learners preparing for CCNP or automation roles
https://developer.cisco.com/modeling-labs/
Option 2: Stick with Packet Tracer
- Free, legal, and CCNA-complete
- Covers 100% of CCNA objectives
- No licensing gray areas
- Best for: Beginners through exam day
Option 3: Use Open-Source Alternatives in GNS3
- FRRouting (for BGP/OSPF practice)
- VyOS (for firewall/NAT scenarios)
- Fully legal, community-supported, and CLI-rich
- Best for: Routing/automation practice without vendor lock-in
What Should You Avoid?
- Torrents or “free IOS” sites: High malware risk, unethical, often broken
- Claiming DevNet images are “free for GNS3”: Technically inaccurate
- Redistributing
.ovafiles: Violates copyright (Egyptian Law No. 82 of 2002 + Berne Convention)
My Recommendation as a Mentor
If you’re studying for the CCNA:
→ Stay with Packet Tracer. It’s sufficient, safe, and endorsed by Cisco NetAcad.
If you’re moving beyond CCNA (automation, enterprise design):
→ Invest in CML Personal Edition—it’s the only legal way to run real IOS in a virtual lab.
If you’re on a tight budget:
→ Use GNS3 with FRRouting or VyOS for routing practice, and Packet Tracer for Cisco-specific features.
Final Thought
Real networking skill comes from understanding concepts, not just running real IOS.
You can master OSPF adjacency states, VLAN trunking, and Python automation without crossing ethical lines.
I’m updating all my content to reflect this reality—because learners deserve honest guidance, not convenient myths.
—
Fathalla Ramadan
Network Architect & Educator | InstaLumeo