Some pre-downloaded images come pre-configured with specific IP addresses, usernames, or passwords that you didn't set.
Consult the on the EVE-NG website to find the exact prefix for the node you are setting up. Step 3.2: Upload the Image via SFTP
If your downloaded file is in a format other than .qcow2 (such as .vmdk or .raw ), you must convert it using QEMU utilities embedded in EVE-NG. Connect to your EVE-NG server via SSH (using Putty or Terminal) and run the following command: eve-ng qemu images download
: Must follow a specific prefix (e.g., asav- , paloalto- , linux- ) followed by the version. Example : /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/asav-9.12.1/
Emulated Virtual Environment - Next Generation (EVE-NG) is the premier tool for network engineers, architects, and security professionals looking to build complex, multi-vendor labs. Whether you are studying for CCNP/CCIE, testing firewalls, or simulating enterprise infrastructure, EVE-NG relies on to run virtual machines. Connect to your EVE-NG server via SSH (using
FortiGate VM images for KVM are available via the FortiCloud support site under free trial licenses. 2. Open-Source and Linux Operating Systems
Is downloading these images "piracy"? Technically, yes. However, most vendors turn a blind eye to individual students using these images for certification prep (like the or CCIE ). The industry understands a fundamental truth: An engineer who learns on your virtual software is an engineer who will buy your physical hardware for their company. Conclusion: A Digital Library of Alexandria FortiGate VM images for KVM are available via
The "magic" happens when these images are wrapped in a QEMU container, allowing EVE-NG to trick the software into thinking it is running on proprietary silicon rather than a standard x86 server. 2. The Great Download Divide
The most standard method is purchasing a Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) subscription. This provides access to a "refplat" ISO containing verified QEMU images for IOSv, IOSvL2, ASAv, and more.
Many community-shared images are distributed as .tgz or .tar.gz files. This archive usually contains the correctly named folder and the virtioa.qcow2 file inside. This is the easiest way to add an image.
If you tell me you need (e.g., Cisco vIOS, Arista vEOS, FortiGate), I can give you the exact download path and conversion steps.