I86bi Linuxl3-adventerprisek9-m2 157 3 May 2018.bin Info

This image is the workhorse of virtual routing labs. Because it is based on IOS 15.7, it supports the majority of routing protocols required for CCNP (350-401 ENCOR) and CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure labs.

Supported Features:

What it does NOT do well:

Cisco filenames are notoriously complex, but they actually contain everything you need to know about the image. Let’s break down i86bi_linuxl3-adventerprisek9-m2 piece by piece:

  • m2: This often refers to the memory allocation or the specific packaging of the image for virtual environments, ensuring it has enough resources allocated to run the heavy enterprise features.
  • 157-3: This is the IOS version number (15.7(3)).
  • May 2018: This is the specific build date.

    • If you have legally obtained this file, here is what you need to run it: i86bi linuxl3-adventerprisek9-m2 157 3 may 2018.bin

  • Licensing File: Requires a valid iourc license file in the home directory of the running user (e.g., [license] i86bi_linuxl3 = <32-digit-hash>).

    • This is the most critical section of the article.

    The file i86bi-linuxl3-adventerprisek9-m2.157-3.may.2018.bin is proprietary, copyrighted software owned by Cisco Systems, Inc. It is not open-source, nor is it freeware. This image is the workhorse of virtual routing labs

    Ethical alternative: Purchase Cisco CML Personal (approx. $199/year). It includes a library of legal, updated IOL/vIOS images with a proper license.

    Topology:
    R1 (this image) – R2 (CSR1000v) – R3 (IOSvL2) What it does NOT do well: Cisco filenames

    Config snippet (BGP between R1 & R2):

    hostname R1
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
 ip address 10.0.0.1 255.255.255.0
 no shutdown
!
router bgp 65001
 bgp router-id 1.1.1.1
 neighbor 10.0.0.2 remote-as 65002
 address-family ipv4
  network 192.168.1.0 mask 255.255.255.0
  neighbor 10.0.0.2 activate
 exit-address-family
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