Tag: CML

Cisco Modeling Labs 2.7

Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is a powerful, scalable network simulation platform that enables network engineers, IT administrators, and developers to design, build, and test networks in a controlled environment. The latest version, Cisco Modeling Labs 2.7, introduces new features and enhancements, including an improved REST API that enables seamless automation and integration. In this article, we’ll discuss how to get started with CML 2.7 and use Postman to interact with its API for network automation tasks.

CML API Documentation

Log in to Cisco Modeling Labs: Go to the CML web interface, typically accessed via your browser.

Find API Documentation: CML’s built-in documentation is available under Help > API Documentation. This provides detailed information on available API endpoints, request formats, and expected responses.

A new page will open with the documentation:

Here you can find all the information on the available CML API calls that you might need. 

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Cisco Modeling Labs 2.7

As of Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) version 2.7, the standard IOS-XRv image has limited support and fewer features compared to the newer IOS-XRv 9000 image, which is the preferred option for IOS XR simulations in CML. The IOS-XRv image is not included in the refplat ISO and the only option available after a fresh CML 2.7 install is XRV9K. 

The IOS-XRv 9000 image includes more robust MPLS and VRF capabilities, such as successful L3 MPLS VPN implementations, making it a better choice for complex routing scenarios. However, the IOS-XRv image itself remains available with limitations, including a lack of L2 MPLS VPN support in certain scenarios.

XRv vs XRv9K resources

The only challenge with the IOS-XRv 9000 image is that it requires slightly more resources than the IOS-XRv image.

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Last weekend I decided to try Cisco’s Modeling Labs (CML). This is Cisco’s network virtualization platform comparable to GNS3 or EVE-NG. It replaced an older Cisco product called VIRL (Virtual Internet Routing Lab), offering more features and improved performance.
I have quite a lot of experience with both EVE-NG and GNS3, so I’m curious to see how CML will compare.

In this article we go over the following steps:

Getting started

I went with the option of installing CML on my ESXi server.
This installation will cover a fresh install on VMware ESXi using the CML .OVA file. 
Some useful links before we get started:

CML information:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/cloud-systems-management/modeling-labs/index.html

CML Licensing:
https://learningnetworkstore.cisco.com/cisco-modeling-labs-personal/cisco-modeling-labs-personal/CML-PERSONAL.html

Software download:
https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286290254/type/286290305/release/CML-Personal%202.7.2

We start by downloading two files from the software website. We need both of these for the install.

1. 1. The server installation file (either the OVA of the ISO).
   2. The reference platform ISO (this contains the router images that are used in CML).

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