First of all, for those who have just started using Dynamips for their studies I strongly recommend looking over the following link Running IOS on PC. On that page you may also find the links to the Dynagen topology file for the previous edition of our virtual topology. As for GNS3 fans, Brian McGahan is working on the topology for this platform and plans to release it soon as well.

Now for the new Dynamips topology – the main change when comparing to the old one is the replacement of 3640 platform with 3725 router, which supports IOS 12.4T. Best of all, the 3725 routers with “ADV. ENTERPRISE SERVICES” images support most of the IOS features required for the updated CCIE R&S exam, including MPLS VPNs, ZFW, EIGRPv6 and OER. Additionally, the use of 3725 platform means we now have the built-in FastEthernet controller, which allows to get rid of the NM-4E modules used int 3640s. As a consequence, some interface names have changed too - specifically, all “Ethernet 0/X” interfaces have translated to “FastEthernet 0/X”.

You may find a sample .NET file for Dynagen here; the file has been created with a dual-CPU workstation on mind. However, a more powerful platform is recommended to simulate the full CCIE R&S rack (10+3 routers). Notice that you need to provide a correct path to the IOS image used in the topology as well as obtain the image itself. You may also need to edit other directory variables, such as working directory in order to get working configuration. Of course, you may want to play around with the IdlePC value to obtain optimal performance with your hardware platform and operating system. As a side note, two good tricks to reduce the load on your CPU

1) Disable spanning-tree for all VLANs in SW1-SW4 and provide a loopless topology by shutting down unused links and connecting switching in a star topology.
2) Shut down the backbone routers and only bring them up for testing purposes.

And finally, for the Dynamips version of our Full-Scale Labs Workbook. This one is coming right after we finish updating the “classic” VOL2 for the new R&S lab blueprint. You may expect the first “fully-Dynamips” labs to appear by the mid of October.

Happy studying!