Introduction :
In this article, I will talk about cross-platform network simulators or emulator tools, of which only a few have made it to the level of GNS3, H3C, Packet Tracer, EVE-NG, and Huawei eNSP.
On the surface, the aforementioned products may appear to be identical, but a comparison of GNS3 vs Huawei eNSP reveals that both cross-platform network simulator tools have several aspects that distinguish them from one another.
GNS3:
GNS3 is a Network Simulator that allows you to practice on real router CLI and utilize real router images. In the year 2008, it was initially released. It's most commonly associated with Cisco devices running IOS images. You can also utilize this device on your simulated network if you include Juniper JUNOS and Nokia TiMOS images. The main purpose of this emulator is to allow the use of a mix of real and virtual devices to simulate the continuous operation of complicated networks.
GNS3 is a critical network simulator for you to use during your certification training. GNS3 can be used to gain hands-on experience for CISCO, Juniper, and Nokia certifications. You can practice on numerous vendor products and gain experience with various CLIs with this Network Simulation Program.
Unfortunately, Huawei router images cannot be integrated into GNS3. But you can integrate the USG firewall image into the EVE-NG network simulator.
GNS3 is available for download here.
Link: https://www.gns3.com/software/download
Huawei's eNSP:
Huawei eNSP is a handy Huawei Network Simulator platform. You can practice on Huawei routers and switches using Huawei eNSP. You may learn Huawei CLI, as well as construct and test various network topologies and scenarios.
Huawei eNSP is an excellent environment for studying for HCIA, HCIP, and HCIE certifications. The network simulator platform is simple to use.
Huawei eNSP is available for download here.
Link:
https://mega.nz/folder/WtFwWIZB#swLFgAQA156pSBNLYQNk2g
Difference:
| Description | Huawei eNSP | GNS3 |
| Connectivity on the range | It enables the use of CLI (command-line interface) on switches, routers, and servers, as well as the addition of end devices such as voice phones, laptops, and PCs. | It allows users to utilize the command line interface of routers, but not switches or other types of end-user devices. |
| RAM utilization | It does not utilize the actual RAM of the device. | It uses up all of the device's RAM. Each router is expected to use roughly 512 MB of RAM. |
Open Source | It is a vendor-based network simulation tool. | It is an open-source network software emulator. |
| Huawei images | It does support | It does not support |
| Wi-Fi & 4G (device) - Practice | It does support | It does not support |
Conclusion:
On comparing Huawei eNSP vs GNS3, I made sure to consider practically all of the important characteristics that are required to meet the needs of both professionals and end-users.
So, the next time you're choosing network simulators or emulator tools, make sure to double-check the functionalities against your personal or corporate requirements. A comparison like the one above will undoubtedly lead you to the best decision.
References:
Tan, C. S.. “Network simulator test engine for Huawei eNSP and Cisco GNS3.” (2014).
https://docs.gns3.com/docs/
https://support.huawei.com/enterprise/en/data-communication/ensp-pid-9017384
M M Zaheer Hussain
STAY SAFE !!!
