gns3-lab-automation

GNS3 Lab Automation Skill

Overview

GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3) is a network emulation platform for building complex network topologies. This skill provides knowledge for automating GNS3 lab operations through the MCP server.

Key Features (Must Know!)

🗒️ Project Notes/Memory System

Problem: Lab configurations consume conversation context (IPs, credentials, architecture notes) Solution: Store persistent notes in per-project README

When to use:

• ✅ Always read notes when starting work on a project
• ✅ Update notes after configuring new devices
• ✅ Document IP schemes, credentials, topology changes
• ✅ Record troubleshooting findings and solutions

Tools:

• get_project_readme() - Retrieve project documentation
• update_project_readme(content) - Save/update documentation (markdown format)

Resource: projects://{id}/readme (read-only browsing)

Example Workflow:

# 1. Always start by reading existing notes
notes = get_project_readme()

# 2. Do your work (configure router, add nodes, etc.)
# ...

# 3. Update notes with new information
update_project_readme("""
# Lab Configuration

## Network Topology
- Router1: 10.1.0.1/24 (GigabitEthernet0/0)
- Router2: 10.1.0.2/24 (GigabitEthernet0/0)

## Credentials
- Username: admin
- Password: cisco123

## Last Updated
2025-10-26: Added Router2, configured OSPF
""")

📋 Template Usage Notes

Problem: Forgetting default credentials, boot times, device-specific setup steps Solution: Templates include built-in usage notes with device info

What's included:

• Default credentials (username/password)
• Boot timing estimates ("First boot takes 60 seconds...")
• Persistent storage locations ("/root directory persists")
• Console availability and device-specific quirks

How to access:

• For specific node: projects://{id}/nodes/{node_id}/template
• For template: gns3://templates/{template_id}

Example:

# Get usage notes for a MikroTik node you just created
usage = read_resource("projects://{id}/nodes/{node_id}/template")
# Returns: "The login is admin, with no password by default.
#           On first boot, RouterOS is actually being installed..."