How to Install Aruba AOS-CX Switch Simulator in GNS3

In this guide, you will learn how to install the Aruba AOS-CX switch simulator into GNS3, configure the appliance using the GNS3 VM, and perform basic connectivity tests with Virtual PCs.

Step 1: Download Required Files

There are two specific files required to get this simulator running.

1. GNS3 Appliance File

Navigate to the GNS3 Marketplace and locate the "appliances" section. Search for the Aruba AOS-CX switch simulator and download the .gns3a file.

2. Aruba OVA Image

You must log in to your HP Networking account to obtain the actual switch simulator software. Download the OVA file from their portal.

Step 2: Import Appliance into GNS3

Once you have the files, open GNS3 to begin the import process.

1. Extract the OVA

Before importing, you need to extract the downloaded OVA file using a tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR. Inside the extracted folder, locate the actual VM disk image (often a VMDK or similar file).

2. Run the Import Wizard

In GNS3, go to File > Import Appliance and select the .gns3a file you downloaded earlier. Select "Install the appliance on the GNS3 VM" as this requires a hypervisor to run.

Select the QEMU binary (the default version is usually fine). When prompted for the image file, select the disk image you extracted from the OVA. Click Import to upload it to the GNS3 VM.

Step 3: Initial Switch Configuration

Drag the newly installed Aruba switch into your workspace and start the node. Open the console to watch the boot process.

1. Login Credentials

The default login is admin with no password (press Enter). You will immediately be prompted to set a new password.

2. Convert Interfaces to Layer 2

By default, the interfaces on this simulator are in "routed" mode (Layer 3). To use them as standard switch ports, you must disable routing.

configure terminal
interface 1/1/1-1/1/52
 no routing
exit

Note that in the simulator, interfaces 1-10 are typically the active ones, while others might be down by default.

Step 4: Configure VLANs and Connectivity

To test the switch, we will create a VLAN and assign it to specific ports.

[Image of network diagram showing VLAN trunking and access ports]

1. Create VLAN

Create a test VLAN (e.g., VLAN 123) and name it:

vlan 123
 name test-vpcs
exit

2. Assign Access Ports

Assign the VLAN to the interfaces you plan to use (e.g., Port 1 and Port 2).

interface 1/1/1-1/1/52
 vlan access 123
exit

Step 5: Troubleshooting Connectivity

After connecting two Virtual PCs (VPCS) to Port 1 and Port 2 and assigning them IP addresses (e.g., 10.1.1.1/24 and 10.1.1.12/24), you might find that pings fail initially.

1. Check Interface Status

Run show interface brief. You may notice the status of the interfaces is "down".

2. Enable Interfaces

You must explicitly enable the interfaces. Return to the configuration menu and run the no shutdown command on the range of interfaces.

interface 1/1/1-1/1/52
 no shutdown
exit

Once the interfaces are up, ping tests between the two Virtual PCs should succeed, confirming the simulator is working correctly as a Layer 2 switch.

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