Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)

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Hey I was just watching Ronnie's Hands-on BGP show and got to the module where he was actually configuring routers to peer with one another. I was about to go grab all my lab gear and start configuring it to follow along when Ronne said something about CML, a term I had never heard of before.

After a google search, I ended up here:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/cloud-systems-management/modeling-labs/index.html#~licensing

Looks like $199 or two Cisco learning credits gets you a Personal CML instance with 20 Cisco nodes. Couple questions.

1. Is this all cloud based? I've seen some chatter about CML and VMware on-premise work. Perhaps CML was rewritten and now is cloud based only?

2. Does an ITPro.TV membership come with Cisco Learning credits or other CML access? Or is this something I need to acquire separately?

Regards,
Adam Tyler

@Adam-Tyler,

This is something that is not included with the membership and that is due the licensing model from Cisco. The advantage of using CML2 is that it includes the true Cisco images, including Layer 2 images which are not available anywhere else.

But your pricing is right...it about that per year. It allows you to build up to a 20 node topology as long as you have the hardware to run it.

Cisco may have a version that is cloud hosted. I've not really checked into that myself.

If you have Cisco images yourself, you can. run them on GNS3 or EVE-NG... GNS3 is free and EVE-NG has a free and pro version.

If I have Cisco images... Hmm... Right, so physical lab it is! Thanks Ronnie.

Luckily I have about 5 2911 ISR on hand to toy with.

Regards,
Adam Tyler

@Adam-Tyler,

With GNS3, there are specific image requirements. Maybe the EVE-NG can do 2911.. I'm not sure. I've been using GNS3 since version .9 I think I may have to use EVE-NG soon...it is the premier emulated virtual environment platform today.

CML2 is designed to run their specific images and there are many different ones they have...but the cost per year must be planned for. I think the interface is clunky...but people like this too.

I found GNS3 back in 2006 or around that time...and have become accustomed to their interface which I believe is very intuitive but they have lagged behind in development since it really is the project of 2 people.

Ronnie,

Thanks. I've heard too that some of these virtualization lab platforms don't really get layer two technologies right. Spanning-tree and lag for example. I just put a rack full of gear next to my desk, it seems to work. I have a question for you on the hands-on BGP class, but I will post it separately, thanks!

Regards,
Adam Tyler