You're looking for EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment - Next Generation) images!

EVE-NG is a popular network emulation platform used for testing and validating network configurations. Here are some features of EVE-NG:

Key Features:

  1. Network Emulation: EVE-NG allows you to create a virtual network environment to test and validate network configurations, topologies, and services.
  2. Multi-Vendor Support: EVE-NG supports a wide range of network vendors, including Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and many more.
  3. Web-Based Interface: EVE-NG provides a user-friendly web-based interface for easy setup, configuration, and management of virtual networks.
  4. Drag-and-Drop Topology Creation: Create network topologies by dragging and dropping nodes (devices) and connecting them with virtual links.
  5. Realistic Network Behavior: EVE-NG emulates real-world network behavior, including latency, packet loss, and jitter.
  6. Scalability: EVE-NG supports large-scale network emulations, making it suitable for complex network testing and validation.
  7. Integration with Other Tools: EVE-NG integrates with other tools, such as Ansible, Docker, and Jenkins, to automate testing and validation workflows.
  8. Supports Various Network Protocols: EVE-NG supports a wide range of network protocols, including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS, and more.

Image Types:

EVE-NG provides various image types for different network vendors and platforms. Some common image types include:

  • QEMU (Quick Emulation) images: For emulating x86-based devices, such as routers and switches.
  • Docker images: For containerized network applications and services.
  • OVA (Open Virtualization Appliance) images: For emulating virtual appliances, such as firewalls and load balancers.

To download EVE-NG images, you can visit the official EVE-NG website or check out online repositories, such as the EVE-NG GitHub page.

What specific feature or image are you looking for?

Downloading images for involves two distinct parts: getting the core software and acquiring the node images (like Cisco, Aruba, or Palo Alto) to run your labs. 1. Official Software Downloads

To set up the environment, you first need the EVE-NG virtual machine and the client tools to interact with it. EVE-NG Community Edition (Free) : You can download the (recommended for easy import) or file from the official EVE-NG Download Page . Mirrors are available on Google Drive EVE-NG Windows Client Pack : Essential for connecting tools like to your virtual lab. It is available as an installer. Other OS Support : Integration packs are also available for macOS (dmg) 2. Where to Get Node Images

Node images are the "operating systems" of the network devices you want to simulate.

Optimization tips

  • Use thin-provisioned QCOW2 to save disk space.
  • Create snapshot or base images and clone for multiple nodes to reduce storage use.
  • Assign appropriate CPU and RAM per device to avoid overcommitting the host.
  • Use bridged networking and proper interface mapping for external connectivity.

5. Fix Permissions (Crucial!)

After adding any image, always run the permission fix script:

/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions

Without this, nodes will fail to start with cryptic errors.

Error 1: “Permission denied” or “Could not open disk image”

Solution: Run the fix-permissions command (unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions). Always.

Uploading images to EVE-NG

  1. Use SFTP/SCP to transfer images to the EVE-NG server into the correct image folder. Paths are vendor- and device-specific; common locations:
    • /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu-vmname-version/
    • /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu--/
  2. Set correct ownership and permissions: 
    chown -R root:root /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu-<name>/
chmod -R 755 /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu-<name>/
  3. Run the EVE-NG fix permissions script (on the server): 
    /opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions
  4. In the EVE-NG web UI, add the node type to your lab and select the uploaded image.

4. Upload the Image

  • SCP/WinSCP: Copy the .qcow2 file into the new folder and rename to virtioa.qcow2 (unless documentation says otherwise).
  • Web GUI: Browse to Folder view in EVE-NG, right-click folder → Upload file.

2.5 Firewalls (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Check Point)

  • PA-VM (Palo Alto): Free 15-day trial (requires registration).
  • FortiGate VM: Free 14-day trial (sign up for FortiCloud).

Part 5: Converting Other Formats (VMDK, IMG, ISO)

Sometimes you download a .vmdk (VMware) or .img file. EVE-NG prefers qcow2. Here is how to convert using QEMU tools.