EVE-NG does provide copyrighted vendor images for download directly. To use the platform effectively, you must acquire images from official vendors, use a subscription service like Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), or explore community-provided resources at your own risk. Core Methods to Acquire Images
There are three primary ways to obtain images for your EVE-NG lab environment: Official Vendor Portals
: The most secure and legal method. Use your corporate or partner credentials to download official operating system files from vendors like Palo Alto Networks Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)
: Purchase a CML subscription for approximately $200. This provides access to the Refplat ISO
, which contains official Cisco images (IOSv, IOS-XE, NX-OS, etc.). Note that while these images are technically for CML, many users extract and port them to EVE-NG. Free & Open Source (FOSS) Images
: Some network operating systems are free to download and use legally, such as Arista vEOS , and various Linux distributions like Direct Download & Collection Services
For users looking for pre-packaged collections, several third-party sites offer curated image packs. Use these with caution
, as they are not officially endorsed by EVE-NG or the vendors. How to load images - - EVE-NG
aria2c -x16 -s16 "URL"
gunzip filename.qcow2.gz
unzip filename.zip
sha256sum filename.qcow2
/opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/ + vendor folder (e.g., iosv/, csr1000v/)scp filename.qcow2 root@EVE-IP:/tmp/
ssh root@EVE-IP "mv /tmp/filename.qcow2 /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/iosv/"
chown -R root:root /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/iosv/
/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions
For educational labs using obsolete images (e.g., Cisco 7200, old PIX firewalls), you may find a magnet link for "EVE-NG v2.0 Image Pack." If you choose this route:
.qcow2 files with clamav or virustotal./opt/unetlab/addons/dynamips//opt/unetlab/addons/iol/bin//opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/For QEMU images, you must use a specific naming convention:
<device-name>-<version>
Example: For Cisco IOSv version 15.5, create:
/opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/iosv-15.5/
Then upload virtioa.qcow2 (rename your main disk to this).
Save as get-csr.sh:
#!/bin/bash
mkdir -p /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/csr1000v
cd /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/csr1000v
wget https://software.cisco.com/download/... # Replace with real eval URL
unzip csr1000v*.zip
mv *.qcow2 virtioa.qcow2
/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions
echo "CSR1000v ready for EVE-NG"
With this guide, you can methodically build an image library for any network topology. Start small, test each image, and expand as needed.
Downloading and adding images to EVE-NG is a foundational task for building a functional network lab. Because EVE-NG does not provide copyrighted vendor images directly due to licensing restrictions, you must source them yourself and follow strict naming and directory structures to ensure they are recognized by the platform. 1. Sources for EVE-NG Images
Finding reliable images often involves a mix of official, legal subscriptions and community-vetted repositories.
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML): The most reliable and legal way to get a complete set of Cisco images (IOSv, IOS-XE, NX-OS, etc.) is through a CML subscription.
Vendor Support Portals: If you have an active service contract with vendors like Juniper, Fortinet, or Arista, you can download KVM/QEMU images directly from their support sites.
Pre-Built "Full Packs": Some third-party sites offer "Full Packs" or "Spoto" images—large collections (often 17GB+) that include pre-configured appliances like ASA, Firepower, and Juniper. Note: Use these at your own risk regarding licensing and security.
Community Repositories: Platforms like GitHub often host community-maintained lists of compatible image names and occasional download links. 2. Recommended Images for Certification Labs
For certifications like CCNA or CCNP, certain images are widely considered the most stable: How to load images - - EVE-NG
Downloading and setting up EVE-NG images is the most critical hurdle for anyone building a virtual network lab. While EVE-NG provides the platform, it does not provide the vendor images (like Cisco, Juniper, or Palo Alto) directly due to licensing and copyright.
Here is the "full story" of how you get from a fresh installation to a fully functional lab with all the images you need. 1. The Legal Starting Point
Because EVE-NG Limited cannot legally distribute copyrighted software from vendors, you have two main legitimate paths to acquire images:
Official Vendor Portals: If you have a support contract with a vendor (e.g., Cisco, Fortinet), you can download the KVM/QCOW2 versions of their software directly from their websites.
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML): Many engineers purchase a Cisco CML license specifically to legally obtain the latest IOSv, IOSvL2, and ASAv images, which are then manually exported to EVE-NG. 2. The "Full Pack" Shortcut
To avoid the tedious process of manual conversion, many users look for "Full Packs" or "EVE-NG Spoto" collections.
What they are: These are pre-built virtual disks (VMDKs) that come with 30+ popular network images (ASA, CSR1000v, Fortigate, etc.) already configured. Download All Eve-ng Images
The Advantage: It saves weeks of manual configuration. You simply import the VMDK into your VMware/ESXi environment and the images are ready to boot.
Alternative: Platforms like PNETLab offer a built-in store where you can download images directly through the GUI, simplifying the process compared to EVE-NG's manual CLI method. 3. Manual Installation Workflow
If you download an individual image (like a Palo Alto firewall or a Windows VM), you must follow a strict three-step process:
Creation: Create a specifically named directory on the EVE-NG server (e.g., /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/paloalto-11.2.0/).
Upload: Use an SFTP client (like WinSCP or FileZilla) to move the image file into that directory.
Permissions Fix: This is the "secret sauce." You must run the following command in the EVE-NG CLI to make the image usable:/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions. 4. Verification and Lab Use
Once uploaded and fixed, you can add "Nodes" in the EVE-NG web interface. If the node name is blue, the image is installed correctly; if it is grey, the files are missing or in the wrong directory.
If you want to dive deeper into a specific vendor,g., CheckPoint vs. Huawei).
Choosing between the Community version and Professional version for your lab.
Instructions for converting ISO or OVA files into the required .qcow2 format. How to load images - - EVE-NG
To set up a complete lab environment, you cannot download a single "all-in-one" file containing every image due to licensing and legal restrictions
. Instead, you must source individual images from vendors or community repositories and upload them to specific directories within your EVE-NG VM. Where to Find Images
Most professional network images require a valid service contract with the respective vendor. However, many offer free trial or "community" versions: Cisco Systems: Official images like are available via Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) You can download the image for free by creating a guest account on the Arista Software Downloads trial images can be found on the Juniper Trials Open Source/Linux: Ready-to-go images can be downloaded from the EVE-NG Documentation or built manually. Directory Structure for Uploads
Once downloaded, you must move the files to EVE-NG using an SCP client (like WinSCP or FileZilla). The destination depends on the image type: Image Type Destination Directory on EVE-NG (Cisco ASAv, Palo Alto, Windows) /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/ (Cisco L2/L3 Switches) /opt/unetlab/addons/iol/bin/ (Old Cisco IOS) /opt/unetlab/addons/dynamips/ Critical Post-Upload Step After uploading any new image, you
fix the file permissions, or the nodes will fail to start. Run this command in the EVE-NG CLI: /opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Naming Conventions:
EVE-NG is strict about folder names. For example, a Palo Alto folder must start with paloalto-11.2.0 Resources: EVE-NG Supported Images List
Comprehensive Guide to Managing EVE-NG Images Acquiring and installing images for
is a multi-step process that varies depending on the vendor and image type. EVE-NG itself does not provide copyrighted vendor images
(like Cisco or Juniper) due to licensing restrictions. Users must obtain these images through official vendor channels or legal subscriptions. 1. Methods for Acquiring Images
There are several ways to gather the necessary files for your lab: Official Vendor Portals
: The most secure method is downloading images directly from vendors like , Juniper, or Arista. For Cisco specifically, purchasing a Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)
subscription is the recommended legal path to get a wide array of working images (IOSv, IOSvL2, ASAv, etc.). Third-Party Packs
: Some community members share "Full Packs" or torrents containing categorized vendor images (Cisco, Palo Alto, etc.).
Note: Use these at your own risk, as they may violate copyrights or contain unverified files. Direct Download Scripts
: Advanced users sometimes use tools or scripts (like those found in similar emulators like PnetLab) to "pull" images directly into the environment via SSH. Cloud Images
: Free open-source images for Linux (Ubuntu, Debian) can be downloaded directly to your EVE-NG server using from their respective official cloud image repositories. 2. Image Types and Directories EVE-NG does provide copyrighted vendor images for download
EVE-NG supports three main types of images, each with a specific storage path on the server: Cisco Dynamips images (Cisco IOS) - - EVE-NG
EVE-NG does not officially provide a built-in feature or "button" to download copyrighted vendor images due to legal and licensing restrictions. Instead, users must manually acquire and upload images to their server. How to Acquire and Load Images To populate your lab, you typically follow these steps:
Acquire Images: Legally obtain network appliance images from vendor sites like Cisco (e.g., via Cisco Modeling Labs/VIRL).
Transfer to EVE-NG: Use an SCP/SFTP client like WinSCP or FileZilla to upload images to specific directories on your EVE-NG server. QEMU images: /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/ Cisco IOL images: /opt/unetlab/addons/iol/bin/ Dynamips images: /opt/unetlab/addons/dynamips/
Fix Permissions: Always run the following command from the EVE-NG CLI after uploading new images to make them visible and usable: /opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Common Workarounds & Alternatives
While no "Download All" button exists in the official software, the community often uses these methods to streamline the process:
Torrent Files: Some community resources provide torrent files containing large collections of images pre-organized into the correct folder structures.
PnetLab (Alternative): A similar platform called PnetLab includes a built-in server where users can browse and download many images directly from the GUI.
Git Updates: You can update EVE-NG templates, icons, and configuration scripts via Git, though this does not include the actual router/switch images.
For official step-by-step guides on specific vendors, refer to the EVE-NG Documentation How-To section. Add Network Device Images to EVE-NG from CML
To download all EVE-NG images, you must primarily source them from official vendor portals
(like Cisco, Juniper, or Palo Alto) because EVE-NG does not legally distribute copyrighted vendor software. While some third-party sites offer "full packs," using official images ensures stability and legal compliance for your lab environment. 1. Download the EVE-NG Platform Before adding images, you need the base emulator platform: : Recommended for VMware or VirtualBox. Download from the Official EVE-NG Download Page Client Pack : Essential for telnet/VNC/RDP sessions to your lab nodes. dynamips.io 2. Source Supported Images
EVE-NG supports three main types of images, which must be acquired from their respective vendors: Cisco Images (vIOS, IOL/IOU) : Best obtained via a Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)
subscription, which provides official access to IOSv, ASAv, and more. QEMU Images (KVM)
: Standard for firewalls (Palo Alto, Fortinet) and Linux servers. These are typically files available on vendor support portals.
: Older Cisco router images (e.g., 7200 series) used primarily for legacy labs. 3. Upload and Prepare Images
Once you have the image files, you must follow strict naming conventions and directory structures for EVE-NG to recognize them. Image Type Upload Path on EVE-NG Server Common File Type /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/ /opt/unetlab/addons/iol/bin/ /opt/unetlab/addons/dynamips/ Basic Workflow to Add an Image: : Use a tool like or FileZilla to move the image to the correct directory. Folder Creation
: Each QEMU image must be in its own folder starting with a specific prefix (e.g., for Palo Alto, for Windows). Permissions Crucial Step.
After uploading any new image, you must run the following command via the EVE-NG CLI to fix permissions: /opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 4. Official Documentation Links For specific image types, refer to the EVE-NG How-to Guides
which provide step-by-step terminal commands for every supported vendor. , such as Cisco vIOS or Palo Alto? EVE-NG Cisco Images
Downloading a single, "complete" text file or a direct package containing all EVE-NG images is not possible through official channels, as EVE-NG Limited does not provide copyrighted vendor images for download. You must legally obtain images from individual vendors or use authorized subscriptions. Official & Legal Methods to Obtain Images
The only legal way to acquire proprietary images is through official vendor support or paid lab subscriptions:
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML): The most cost-effective legal way to get a full library of Cisco images (IOSv, IOSvL2, ASAv, etc.) is by purchasing a CML Personal subscription. These images can then be exported for use in EVE-NG.
Vendor Support Portals: If you or your employer have a support contract, you can download specific .qcow2 or .bin files directly from sites like Cisco Software Central, Fortinet Support, or Arista's website.
Free/Trial Images: Some vendors offer free lab or trial versions of their software:
Arista vEOS: Free lab images available with a registered account. Create a working folder on your management PC (e
Fortinet: Trial VMs (like FortiGate) often available with a 15-day evaluation license.
VyOS / BSDRP: Open-source routing platforms that are free to use. Community & Third-Party Resources
While not "official," these resources are frequently used by the community to find image lists and setup guides:
GitHub Repositories: Developers often share automation tools and "naming tables" (e.g., hegdepavankumar/Cisco-Images-for-GNS3-and-EVE-NG) that provide links to collections hosted on external drives, though these links may frequently expire.
EVE-NG Image Collection Packs: Third-party sites like Dynamips sell pre-organized "Full Packs" that include workbooks and pre-built OVAs, though these are not official EVE-NG products.
Education FTP Servers: Some users search for specific filenames (e.g., c7200-adventerprisek9-mz.152-4.S6.image) to find images hosted on university or educational FTP servers. How to Add Downloaded Images
Once you have obtained an image, you must follow specific naming conventions for EVE-NG to recognize it:
To download and install EVE-NG images, you must typically acquire them directly from vendors or reputable sources, as the emulator itself does not provide copyrighted software.
Below is a complete guide on how to find, upload, and verify images for your lab. 1. Finding Legitimate Image Sources
Downloading images from unofficial sites can lead to security risks or corrupted files. Use these official and community-vetted paths:
Official Vendor Portals: The most secure way to get Cisco IOS, XE, or NX-OS images is through Cisco Software Central with a valid license.
Free Virtual Images: Several vendors offer free virtual appliances that work natively with EVE-NG: Arista vEOS: Available for free with a user account. Extreme EXOS/VOSS: Often available for free evaluation. VyOS / BSDRP: Open-source network OS images.
EVE-NG Full Pack (Paid): Some third-party services like Dynamips offer curated "Full Packs" with pre-configured images for a fee, though these are not official EVE-NG products. 2. Supported Image Formats
EVE-NG supports three primary image types. Each must be placed in a specific directory on your EVE server:
QEMU (qcow2): Most common for modern firewalls and routers (/opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/).
Dynamips (bin): Older Cisco IOS routers (/opt/unetlab/addons/dynamips/).
IOU/IOL (bin): Cisco "IOS on Unix" lightweight images (/opt/unetlab/addons/iol/bin/). Linux images - - EVE-NG
Before we dive into the "how," let’s clarify the "what." An "image" in EVE-NG terms is a virtual disk file (usually .qcow2, .img, or .vmdk) that contains a network operating system.
Common image types include:
.image): Used for old Cisco IOS (7200, 3600 series). Easy to find but CPU-heavy..qcow2): The standard for modern devices (Cisco IOSv, IOSvL2, XRv9k, Juniper vMX, Arista vEOS, Palo Alto, Fortinet). Requires KVM acceleration..bin): Cisco IOS on Linux – very lightweight, great for switching labs.Why you can’t just “download all”: EVE-NG does not host proprietary images. Vendors like Cisco, Juniper, and Arista require you to have a valid support contract or trial license. Distributing these images is illegal. Therefore, when you search for "Download All Eve-ng Images," you are looking for methods and sources, not a single ZIP file.
An advanced EVE-NG lab might include:
Total disk space required: 150GB – 500GB+
"Download all EVE-NG images" sounds great until you realize:
Total for a "complete" set: Easily 80–150 GB.
Pro tips: