Containerlab
A command-line tool that builds and manages container-based network labs with virtual routers and switches.
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About Containerlab
Containerlab starts containerized network operating systems, wires them together into the topology you describe in a file, and manages the lab through its lifecycle. General tools such as docker-compose cannot easily define links between containers, which is the gap it fills.
Topology files describe nodes, links and settings, and different kinds cover various NOSes, VMs, containers and services. Link impairments, host endpoints and bridges are supported, and there is a VS Code extension, desktop application and web UI alongside the CLI.
Strengths
- Topologies defined in a single file
- Supports many network operating systems through kinds
- Link impairments for testing failure conditions
- Optional VS Code extension, desktop app and web UI
Limitations
- Needs a container runtime and some networking knowledge
- Vendor NOS images must be obtained separately
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open source.
- License
- Open source, license not stated
- Developer
- The Containerlab contributors
- Platforms
- Linux, Command line
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Network engineers building reproducible virtual labs for testing and learning
- Categories
- Network tools, Container tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to Containerlab
Compare allSoftware that can replace Containerlab for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
GNS3
Builds and runs virtual networks of real router and switch images, for lab work and certification study.
GNS3 is a GPL-3.0 graphical lab tool for Windows, macOS and Linux that combines vendor images, virtual machines and Docker containers, with more setup involved.
EVE-NG
A network emulation platform for building virtual multi-vendor labs of routers, switches, firewalls and servers.
EVE-NG is a freemium, closed-source emulation platform managed from the browser, with advanced features in the paid Professional Edition instead of file-defined topologies.
Cisco Packet Tracer
A free network simulation program for building and testing virtual network labs while learning networking.
Cisco Packet Tracer is free proprietary software for Windows, macOS and Linux that simulates only Cisco equipment rather than running real network operating systems.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Batfish
A network configuration analysis tool that finds bugs and checks the correctness of router and switch configurations.
netshoot
A Docker and Kubernetes container image packed with network troubleshooting tools for debugging container networking.
NAPALM
Automate network devices with a common Python interface.
Netmiko
Script command-line sessions on network equipment with Python.
Nautobot
An open-source network source of truth and network automation platform you host yourself.
