I86bi-linux-l3-adventerprisek9-15.4.1t.bin

copy running-config flash:/startup-config To make it persistent across reloads, schedule a boot variable:

| Feature | i86bi-linux-l3 (this image) | i86bi-linux-l2-adventerprise | i86bi-linux-l2-tp | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Layer 3 only (router) | Layer 2 (switch) + L3 | Layer 2 + L3 (basic) | | Switching features | None (no STP, 802.1Q trunking via subinterfaces only) | Full: STP, RSTP, PVST+, 802.1Q, EtherChannel, port-security | Limited switching | | Routing protocols | All (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, ISIS) | Basic (static, RIP, OSPF maybe limited) | Basic | | Best for | CCIE R&S, SP, MPLS, BGP | CCNP Switch labs, VLANs | Small switching labs | i86bi-linux-l3-adventerprisek9-15.4.1t.bin

While newer platforms like IOS XE, Nokia SR Linux, and Arista vEOS are gaining ground, the simplicity, low resource footprint, and deep routing feature set of this IOSv image ensure it will remain a mainstay in virtual labs for years to come. | | linux | Host OS: The image is a Linux process

| Component | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | | Architecture: Intel x86 Binary Image. This indicates the image runs on standard x86 CPUs under a Linux OS (not on Cisco’s custom hardware). | | linux | Host OS: The image is a Linux process. It leverages the host’s Linux kernel for drivers and scheduling. | | l3 | Layer 3 functionality: This is a router image (not a switch). It focuses on IP routing, MPLS, VPNs, and multicast. | | adventerprisek9 | Feature set: The highest encryption and feature license (Enterprise + Advanced IP Services + Crypto). “k9” denotes strong cryptographic support (SSH, IPSec, 3DES/AES). | | 15.4.1t | IOS version: Release 15.4(1)T. The ‘T’ stands for Technology Train, meaning it includes newer features than mainline releases. | | .bin | File format: Binary executable. | What is “IOSv”? This image belongs to a family known as IOSv (IOS for Virtual). Unlike the classic 7200 or 3725 images used in early GNS3, IOSv is a true Linux userspace process. It runs natively on a Linux host (or inside a QEMU VM) without binary translation. This makes it significantly faster and more stable than older, emulated images. It focuses on IP routing, MPLS, VPNs, and multicast

show license show version Look for License Level: adventerprise and License Type: Permanent or Evaluation .