{
  "slug": "cisco-modeling-labs-cml-virl",
  "name": "Cisco Modeling Labs (CML / VIRL)",
  "description": "Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), formerly known as VIRL (Virtual Internet Routing Lab), is a premier network simulation platform that allows engineers to create virtual representations of real-world networks. It provides access to authentic Cisco OS images, enabling users to test configurations, troubleshoot protocols, and study for professional certifications in a safe, scalable environment.",
  "url": "https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml-virl",
  "logoUrl": "",
  "baiScore": 72,
  "archetype": "Challenger",
  "category": "Software",
  "categorySlug": null,
  "keyFacts": [],
  "aiReadiness": [],
  "competitors": [
    {
      "slug": "cisco-packet-tracer",
      "name": "Cisco Packet Tracer"
    },
    {
      "slug": "containerlab",
      "name": "Containerlab"
    },
    {
      "slug": "eve-ng",
      "name": "Eve Ng"
    }
  ],
  "inboundCompetitors": [],
  "aiAlternatives": [],
  "parentBrand": null,
  "subBrands": [],
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-11T16:33:06.919+00:00",
  "verifiedVitals": {
    "website": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/cloud-systems-management/modeling-labs/index.html",
    "founded": "2014",
    "headquarters": "San Jose, California",
    "pricing_model": "Subscription (Annual)",
    "core_products": "Cisco Modeling Labs Personal, Cisco Modeling Labs Personal Plus, Cisco Modeling Labs Enterprise",
    "key_differentiator": "It is the only simulation platform that legally includes and officially supports a wide library of current, licensed Cisco OS images (IOS-XE, NX-OS, IOS-XR).",
    "target_markets": "Network Engineers, CCNA/CCNP/CCIE candidates, Network Architects, NetDevOps Teams",
    "employee_count": "Not publicly available",
    "funding_stage": "Not publicly available",
    "subcategory": "Network Emulation & Simulation"
  },
  "intentTags": {
    "problemIntents": [
      "Physical Hardware Lab: Using physical Cisco routers and switches connected via serial or ethernet cables in a dedicated server rack."
    ],
    "solutionIntents": [
      "best cisco network simulator for ccnp lab",
      "cisco virl replacement",
      "how to run ios-xr in a virtual environment",
      "network simulation for devops ci/cd pipelines",
      "virtualized router testing for enterprise netops",
      "GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3): An open-source multi-vendor network emulator that allows for complex network topologies using real NOS images.",
      "EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment Next Generation): A powerful network emulation environment often used for multi-vendor testing and preparation for service provider certifications."
    ],
    "evaluationIntents": [
      "cisco modeling labs vs gns3"
    ]
  },
  "timestamp": 1776123104704
}