How to use QEMU/QCOW2 Images Collection in EVE-NG

The Dynamips QEMU/QCOW2 Images Collection contains ready-to-use virtual images for both EVE-NG and GNS3.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to install the images correctly, verify the required folder structure, and ensure EVE-NG can detect and start them successfully.

Using Images in EVE-NG

Step 1: Download the Image

Download the required image from your Google Drive collection.

After extracting the ZIP file, you will normally see:

• An image folder
• One or more QCOW2 files

Important

Do NOT rename:

• The folder name
• The QCOW2 file name

Changing either name may prevent the node from starting correctly.

Step 2: Upload the Image to EVE-NG

Upload the extracted folder to:

/opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/

You can use WinSCP, SCP, or any SFTP client.

Default EVE-NG credentials:

Username: root
Password: eve
Port: 22

Step 3: Verify Folder Naming

EVE-NG requires a specific folder naming structure.

Examples:

csr1000vng-17.12.01
fortinet-7.4.1
paloalto-11.0.2
cat9kv-17.15.01

The folder name must begin with the correct EVE-NG image prefix.

Examples:

csr1000vng-
fortinet-
paloalto-
cat9kv-
nxosv9k-
vios-
viosl2-

Step 4: Verify QCOW2 Filename

Inside the folder, the disk image must use the correct filename.

Examples:

virtioa.qcow2
hda.qcow2
sataa.qcow2
scsia.qcow2

Example:

/opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/csr1000vng-17.12.01/virtioa.qcow2

Common Examples

Device	Folder Prefix	Disk Name
Cisco CSR1000v	csr1000vng-	virtioa.qcow2
Cisco C8000v	c8000v-	virtioa.qcow2
FortiGate	fortinet-	virtioa.qcow2
Palo Alto	paloalto-	virtioa.qcow2
Nexus 9000v	nxosv9k-	sataa.qcow2
Cisco IOSv	vios-	virtioa.qcow2
Cisco IOSv-L2	viosl2-	virtioa.qcow2

Step 5: Fix Permissions

Run:

/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions

Step 6: Verify the Image

Create a new lab and check whether the image appears in the node list.

If the image is visible, the installation was successful.

Using Images in GNS3

Most images from the collection can also be imported directly into GNS3.

1. Open GNS3.
2. Create a new QEMU VM.
3. Select the QCOW2 file.
4. Configure RAM, CPU, and network adapters.
5. Start the node.

Because GNS3 does not require EVE-NG folder naming conventions, the setup process is generally simpler.

Need the Correct Folder Name?

EVE-NG uses strict naming conventions for every QEMU image.

Refer to the official EVE-NG naming guide:

Qemu image namings

This guide contains the correct folder prefixes and QCOW2 filenames required for each supported vendor and platform.