Formerly known as VIRL (Virtual Internet Routing Lab), CML is Cisco’s official software emulation platform. This exact virtual image train is provided directly by Cisco within CML as the standard node type for Cisco IOSv routing. 4. Resource Allocation and Requirements
At first glance, Vios-adventerprisek9-m.vmdk.spa.157-3.m3 looks like a random string of tech jargon. But to network engineers and virtualization specialists, this filename tells a detailed story of power, flexibility, and enterprise-grade routing.
Since it is a native .vmdk , you can directly attach it to a VM configured with an Intel E1000 or VMXNET3 NIC. This allows you to build:
⚠️ : While the image can be found on third-party repositories (CSDN, haolizi.net, etc.), these are illegal copies often repackaged from .qcow2 to .vmdk , and their MD5 signatures will not match official Cisco appliances.
Because this image is packaged as a .vmdk file, it cannot be loaded directly onto physical routers. Instead, it is designed for virtualization platforms used in network testing and training: 1. Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)
, owned by Cisco Systems. It can legally be obtained only through:
: This image supports a wide range of L3 technologies, including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and IPv6, making it ideal for CCNP and CCIE level study.
: GNS3 will upload the file to your GNS3 VM and automatically create the template. For EVE-NG Create Directory
: adventerprisek9 represents the Advanced Enterprise Services feature set, which includes comprehensive support for routing protocols, security, and advanced networking features. Resource Requirements :
: The base image takes up roughly 100–200 MB of storage, but snapshots and copy-on-write disks will expand this depending on lab configurations. Important Licensing and Legal Considerations
: Running unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions produces a No such file or directory warning. Solution : Ensure the directory structure is complete: /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/vios-adventerprisek9-m.vmdk.SPA.157-3.M3/ should contain the .vmdk file. You may need to manually create the missing directories or files.
The image supports full deployment of enterprise-grade routing protocols, including: for IPv4 and IPv6 multi-area routing.