Vqfx-20.2r1.10-re-qemu.qcow2 -

vqfx-20.2r1.10-re-qemu.qcow2 is the virtualized Routing Engine (RE) image for Juniper Networks' vQFX10000, specifically the 20.2R1.10 Junos release. It is designed for network simulation, validation, and DevOps workflows in environments like GNS3, EVE-NG, or Cisco Modeling Labs (CML). Cisco Learning Network Core Functionality & Design Split Architecture : The vQFX operates as a dual-VM system. This specific file handles the Routing Engine (Control Plane)

, while a separate PFE image (Packet Forwarding Engine) manages the data plane. Virtual Performance

: Unlike the physical QFX10000 switches, this virtual version has significant performance limits and is not intended for production traffic. It is optimized for feature emulation rather than high-speed throughput. Hypervisor Compatibility : While native to (indicated by the

extension), it can be adapted for Libvirt or Vagrant with some configuration. Cisco Learning Network Key Technical Insights Version Discrepancy Alert : There are known community reports where images labeled as actually report as version

once booted. It is recommended to download from the "Application Package" section of the Juniper Support portal to ensure you receive the correct 20.2 release. Resource Requirements : Typically requires 1024 MB to 2048 MB for the RE VM to function smoothly. Interface Mapping

: To enable actual traffic flow, the RE must be properly linked to the PFE VM via internal virtual bridges. Juniper Elevate Community Usage Use Cases Lab Testing : Ideal for testing VXLAN/EVPN Vqfx-20.2r1.10-re-qemu.qcow2

configurations and other data center fabric protocols before hardware deployment. Automation : Compatible with Containerlab for building automated network "spins". Educational

: Frequently used in GNS3 tutorials to learn Junos OS without needing expensive hardware. Juniper Elevate Community Guide: Importing Juniper vMX and vQFX into CML2.4

5. Basic Setup Instructions (EVE-NG / QEMU)

8. Final Verdict

Should you use Vqfx-20.2r1.10-re-qemu.qcow2?

YES, if: You are following an older Juniper training course, need to test Junos CLI on QFX, or are building a legacy EVPN lab for compatibility testing.
NO, if: You expect high-performance switching, need modern features (e.g., PTP, advanced telemetry), or are deploying in a production or internet-facing environment.
Better alternatives: Download vQFX 23.2+ from Juniper's website (free for evaluation) or use vJunos-switch (the newer containerized version).

Tuning for KVM

CPU Pinning: Assign dedicated host CPU cores to the vQFX process to avoid packet drops.
VirtIO vs e1000: Always use model=virtio for data interfaces. VirtIO is paravirtualized; e1000 is too slow for routing protocols.
Memory: 4GB is the floor. For EVPN with 10 VXLANs, bump to 6GB.

Summary Checklist

[ ] Download Vqfx-20.2r1.10-re-qemu.qcow2
[ ] Download matching PFE image (Critical!)
[ ] Upload to simulator directory.
[ ] Set permissions.
[ ] Boot RE and verify FPC status.

vqfx-20.2R1.10-re-qemu.qcow2 file is the Routing Engine (RE) disk image for the Juniper vQFX10000

, a virtualized version of the physical QFX10000 data center switch vqfx-20

. It handles the control plane functions, while a separate Packet Forwarding Engine (PFE) image handles the data plane. Cisco Learning Network Key Specifications Junos OS 20.2R1.10. File Size: Approximately 675 MB. MD5 Checksum: 20220bfa3d387184fce957936eeeb4ec Recommended RAM: Recommended CPUs: 1 or 2 vCPUs. Disk Interface: IDE or Virtio. Configuration & Setup

To "put together" a working vQFX node, you must link the RE to a PFE instance (e.g., vqfx-20.2R1-2019010209-pfe-qemu.qcow Cisco Learning Network Management Port ( Connect this to your management network or admin VLAN. Internal Link ( You must connect this interface directly to the PFE's

interface to establish the internal control link between the two VMs. Switch Ports:

In this virtual architecture, the logical switch ports are actually configured on the RE, but traffic is processed by the PFE. Default Credentials: (Note: the password is case-sensitive with a capital 'J'). Cisco Learning Network Supported Platforms

format is optimized for QEMU-based environments, making it compatible with: Available via the Juniper vQFX RE appliance in the GNS3 Marketplace. Cisco CML: Can be imported using community node definitions. KVM/Libvirt: YES, if: You are following an older Juniper

Can be manually installed on Linux servers for testing and QA. Cisco Learning Network Guide: Importing Juniper vMX and vQFX into CML2.4

This file is a QEMU disk image for vQFX, which is the virtualized version of Juniper Networks' QFX Series switch. It is specifically the Routing Engine (RE) image.

Step 2: Create the Image Directory

Connect to your EVE-NG server via SSH and create a directory for the vQFX.

mkdir /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/vqfx-20.2r1.10

1. Core Identity & Version Breakdown

Product: Juniper vQFX (Virtual QFX Series Switch)
Software Version: 20.2R1.10
Component: Routing Engine (-re-)
Format: QEMU QCOW2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write v2)

Version String Analysis (20.2r1.10):

20.2 = Major release train (2020, second quarter).
R1 = Release 1 (first major release of this train).
10 = Spin/Build number (tenth build).
Note: Juniper typically releases ED (Early Deployment) or S (Service Release) updates. 20.2R1.10 is an older, likely stable ED release. Current Juniper releases are in the 23.x/24.x range.

Step 3: Upload the Images

Upload your .qcow2 files to this directory using WinSCP, FileZilla, or the scp command from your computer.

Migration from 20.2 to newer versions

If you plan to upgrade, note that 20.2r1.10 uses an older partition layout. Upgrading to 21.4 or 22.2 may require a fresh installation rather than a simple request system software add. Always read the release notes for vqfx specifically (not physical QFX).