It's really easy to go from zero to a working Cisco ASA network using Cisco VIRL 2. No longer do you need to struggle to build networks that consist of Cisco ASAs - you can get a network up and running in a few minutes using Cisco VIRL.

The initial installation of VIRL 2 is easy. The import of ASAv appliances is easy. It is also easy to get things working. VIRL 2 is so much better than VIRL 1.

This is Part 3 of my VIRL series showing you how to download, install and configure Cisco VIRL 2. The new version of Cisco VIRL allows you to create virtual Cisco networks using just your Web browser. You don't have to use a thick client or any other software - everything is included and everything is easy to use.

The new version of Cisco VIRL 2 is one of your best options for CCNA, CCNP and CCIE Labs. VIRL 2 has multiple advantages over other platforms such as GNS3 or EVE-NG. VIRL 2 supports an HTML5 web client and contains all the Cisco IOS images. You don't have to use a thick client like you do with GNS3. You don't have to follow a convoluted process to get Cisco images working like you do with EVE-NG.

You don't have to try to find images as they are all included as part of your VIRL subscription and by simply mapping an ISO drive to your virtual machine you can immediately start using all Cisco IOS images in your topologies. Both EVE-NG and GNS3 require that you provide your own IOS images - typically they recommend that you buy a VIRL subscription anyway. That means that you are already paying for VIRL.

VIRL2 is also an official Cisco product - that means that you don't have to worry about any gray legal issues with regards to running Cisco IOS images on your laptop. This is an official Cisco product that is supported by Cisco. By paying your yearly subscription fee of $199, you can use Cisco IOS images such as IOSv, IOSvL2, ASAv, NX-OSv and others without any worries. VIRL 2 has everything you need to get started.

Disadvantages include the requirement to license your installation. That however has been simplified dramatically from previous releases. There is also a 20 node limited in topologies. However, for most of us that is fine for a lot of labs.

Is VIRL better than GNS3 or EVE-NG? In many ways it is. But, all platforms have advantages and disadvantages. If you are studying for your ccie, you many prefer gns3 or eve-ng as they don't limit the number of devices in a topology like virl does. VIRL-PE limits you to 20 devices - so your topologies cannot be massive like they could with gns3 or eve ng. However, if you are studying for your ccna or ccnp, VIRL may be more than enough.

Cisco have made massive changes to their certification programs and it is fantastic to see the new version of VIRL in action.

Menu:

Overview: 0:01

Requirements: 1:36

Import OVA: 2:38

macBook specifications: 3:20

Customize VMware Settings: 3:34

Start VIRL: 4:30

Initial system wizard: 4:47

Browse to VIRL Web UI: 7:30

License the server: 8:09

Build my ASA Lab: 9:23

Start Lab: 10:34

Configure ASA: 14:05

Test network: 17:50

Conclusion: 18:38

Videos mentioned:

VIR2 Part 1: https://youtu.be/sW5-jHLygFg

VIRL 2 Cisco Live: https://youtu.be/5xUvqDMxH3g

VIRL 1 installation: https://youtu.be/Ie5GwqtUVc8

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Cisco ASAv configuration:

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interface GigabitEthernet0/1

nameif outside

security-level 0

ip address 8.8.8.254 255.255.255.0

no shut

!

interface GigabitEthernet0/0

nameif inside

security-level 100

ip address 10.1.1.254 255.255.255.0

no shut

route outside 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 8.8.8.8

object network obj_any

subnet 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0

nat (inside,outside) dynamic interface

policy-map global_policy

class inspection_default

inspect icmp

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