Using Cisco VIRL for ASA Emulation

Opinion
Aug 11, 20152 mins

Anthony Sequeira of CBT Nuggets guides you through a simple Adaptive Security Appliance emulation in Cisco Virtual Internet Routing Labs.

In this post, I will demonstrate the power of Cisco VIRL when it comes to an emulation of the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance. In future posts, I will demonstrate other images that are available. 

This post was created using the latest VIRL version and ASA image available at the time of this writing. That is VIRL 0.10.14.20 and the ASA 9.4.1-200 code. Be sure to check the specific codes available as you read this, since VIRL is consistently updated as are the images it runs. 

To get started, I create a new blank topology in VIRL: 

screenshot 2015 08 09 22.00.37

I then select and place the objects I need and connect them in the topology:

screenshot 2015 08 09 22.02.59

Here is the result. Notice I use unmanaged switches. This is because I have no desire to practice or test the switch configs, and I do not want these to count against my 15 device limitation in the Personal Edition of Cisco VIRL:

screenshot 2015 08 09 22.06.27

Now I use the AutoNetKit to ensure that there is IPv4 addressing in place automatically, but I do not want any routing protocols. I would like to practice and test those myself manually:

screenshot 2015 08 09 22.10.53

It is that easy! I then click a button to autogenerate the base configurations I chose in the AutoNetKit, and then click a button to run the simulation. A right-click of one of the devices brings up my Telnet session to it! 

screenshot 2015 08 09 22.13.47
screenshot 2015 08 09 22.14.49

We can now practice with this auto-addressed topology to our heart’s content. We can save all the changes, or not, allowing ourselves a nice baseline for practice in the future. 

It is at this point we begin to realize the incredible power of the latest emulation technology. 

I hope you enjoyed this look at how simple VIRL makes ASA testing and practice. Again, please check back for more examples of powerful VIRL features and fun! 

Anthony Sequeira is a seasoned trainer and author regarding all levels and tracks of Cisco certification. Anthony formally began his career in the information technology industry in 1994 with IBM in Tampa, Florida. He quickly formed his own computer consultancy, Computer Solutions, and then discovered his true passion -- teaching and writing about Microsoft and Cisco technologies.

Anthony joined Mastering Computers in 1996 and lectured to massive audiences around the world about the latest in computer technologies. Mastering Computers became the revolutionary online training company, KnowledgeNet, and Anthony trained there for many years.

Anthony has never been happier in his career now that he is a full-time trainer for CBT Nuggets. He is currently teaching a wide variety of topics for CBT including Data Center, CCIE R&S, Microsoft Windows, and Storage.

Anthony is an avid tennis player, a private pilot, a semi-professional poker player, and enjoys getting beaten up by women and children at he and his daughter's martial arts school.

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of Anthony Sequeira and do not necessarily represent those of IDG Communications, Inc., its parent, subsidiary or affiliated companies.

More from this author