The Cisco Networking Academy is part of the Cisco Learning Network, where students can learn about computer networking and Cisco products. Cisco CML and VIRL are lab environments.
Students and users can use it to test and learn about Cisco networking products and technologies. However, there exists some difference which is as follows.
Key Takeaways
- Cisco CML is a hardware-based network simulation platform, while VIRL is a software-based network simulation platform.
- Cisco CML offers more scalability and flexibility than VIRL.
- VIRL is a more cost-effective solution than Cisco CML.
Cisco CML vs VIRL
The difference between Cisco CML and VIRL is that they are intended for two different groups of people. CML, or Cisco Modeling Labs, is a tool that allows network administrators to configure networks using a simulated environment. VIRL, or Virtual Internet Routing Labs, is a Cisco tool that allows users to configure labs using an actual router.
Cisco Modeling Lab is a program that’s used for creating and testing networking models. It is used by engineers and students who learn about networking and wish to play around.
With creating and testing scenarios. It is used to design complex network systems that will help you in gathering data and installation.
VIRL stands for Virtual Internet Routing Lab. It is a Cisco IOS-based comprehensive network simulation environment.
It can be used to complement traditional network labs and provide a more cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional labs. VIRL can be used to model and prepare for certification.
And training, validating network designs and configurations, and troubleshooting and testing.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Cisco CML | VIRL |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Cisco CML is the abbreviation of Cisco Modeling Lab. | VIRL is the abbreviation of Virtual Internet and Routing Lab. |
| Scale | Cisco CML has more scale than VIRL. | VIRL has less scale than CML. |
| Intended For | Cisco CML is intended for customers from enterprise backgrounds m | VIRL is intended for all individuals and trainees. |
| Price | CML is costlier than VIRL. | VIRL is cheaper than CML. |
| TAC Support | CML customers are offered TAC support. | VIRL customers are not given TAC support. |
What is Cisco CML?
Cisco Modeling Lab is an online platform that helps network engineers simulate the behaviour of Cisco routers, switches, and access points. Using this simulation software, network engineers.
Can gain experience on network devices without having to purchase the hardware. They can set up virtual lab topologies with the same devices they will be working with in their day-to-day jobs!
Cisco Modeling Lab is a valuable platform for improving networking skill sets. When you’re using the Cisco Modeling Lab, you’re able to focus on learning about networking concepts.
Without having to worry about setting up equipment or dealing with network failures. Suppose you’re interested in improving your networking skill set.
Then you should take advantage of the Cisco Modeling Lab! The Cisco Modeling Lab (CML) is an advanced network simulation platform.
It is the only advanced simulation platform that provides end-to-end data centre services, including servers, storage, virtual machines, and full virtualized data centre services.
In addition to network services. CML provides a simplified way to model, configure, and analyze today’s large, virtualized network infrastructures.
One of the characters in the model is the Cisco Modeling and Best Practices (CMBP) Workflow, which is a solution for testing and verifying real-world network designs and configurations.
This workflow can monitor and verify logical and physical configurations and can be used with a variety of applications and devices.
What is VIRL?
VIRL is a virtual lab that consists of Cisco and Juniper network devices and different IOS images. It can help in network modelling by providing a virtual environment to carry out network designs.
Without affecting the actual network. Virtual Internet Routing Lab (VIRL) is a software package for Cisco networking students to practice, test and run commands on Cisco routers and switches.
It is a courseware, simulator and emulator designed to build and train the skills of engineers and technologists for the networking and communication industry. VIRL is a fun and engaging way.
For students and instructors to develop and improve their networking skills, and provides a platform to practice and gain hands-on experience before deploying the technology in the real world.
The characters in this courseware can be separated into three categories. Virtual network devices, virtual lab devices and virtual lab support devices.
This software can be used to simulate complex internetworking scenarios to understand the behaviour and performance of the network. The main difference between the two is CML is more for the enterprise.
However, customers require more memory and CPU to install, while VIRL is for all individuals and students as well. Also, VIRL is cheaper in comparison to CML.
Main Differences Between Cisco CML and VIRL
- Cisco CML is a section of the VIRL network, indicating a VIRL network is much larger than CML. VIRL networks are now called CML-P, which means Cisco Modeling Lab Personal.
- Cisco CML requires more CPU memory to install and run, while VIRL requires comparatively less.
- CML was the CCNP Data Center certification when it was first created, and when Cisco rebooted the CCNP Data Center certification, they came up with the VIRL.
- Cisco CML does not allow for customization of the IOS. It is locked to the Cisco IOS base. On the other hand, VIRL is a program that allows for a great deal of customization.
- Letting the user add anything from IOSs given by Cisco or allowing the user to give any IOS that they’d like.
- Cisco CML has a higher price range than VIRL.
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4842-6806-3_11
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sven-Reissmann/publication/326580332_Using_Cisco_VIRL_and_GNS3_to_Improve_the_Scale-out_of_Large_Virtual_Network_Testbeds_in_Higher_Education/links/5c88db91299bf14e7e786342/Using-Cisco-VIRL-and-GNS3-to-Improve-the-Scale-out-of-Large-Virtual-Network-Testbeds-in-Higher-Education.pdf
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4842-6806-3_12
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The article presents the key takeaways and comparison between Cisco CML and VIRL succinctly. The implications for network engineers and students are notable, and the functionalities of both platforms are distinct yet complementary.
The differences between Cisco CML and VIRL are well-defined, giving an understanding of the intended users, scale, and pricing. The advantages and use cases of each platform are depicted clearly, allowing users to make informed decisions.
The detailed comparison of Cisco CML and VIRL serves as a valuable resource for understanding their features and intended purposes. The insight into how both platforms can be used for learning, training, and real-world scenarios is highly informative.
The detailed comparison between Cisco CML and VIRL is beneficial. CML’s focus on enterprise backgrounds and its support for TAC stands out, although costlier than VIRL. The adaptability of VIRL for all individuals and trainees makes it an attractive alternative.
The utility and functions of Cisco CML and VIRL are clearly outlined in the article. It highlights their significance and the purpose each platform serves in network modeling and simulation. The differences in scale and cost-effectiveness are well-analyzed.
Cisco CML is a popular tool for creating and testing network models. It allows engineers and students to learn about networking and gain hands-on experience. VIRL, on the other hand, caters to the needs of Cisco networking students by providing a platform for practice and skill development.
The Cisco Networking Academy is an informative platform for learners seeking to better understand network engineering. The difference between CML and VIRL is vast, from scalability to price. The ability to practice configuring labs using actual routers in VIRL is an interesting feature.
The valuable information given in the article is insightful and helpful in understanding the differences between Cisco CML and VIRL. The comparison table provides a clear overview of their differences in scale, intended users, and cost-effectiveness.