# Cisco Modeling Labs (CML / VIRL)
> 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
- Slug: cisco-modeling-labs-cml-virl
- BAI Score: 72/100
- Archetype: Challenger
- Category: Software
- Last Analyzed: April 11, 2026
## Competitors
- Cisco Packet Tracer (https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-packet-tracer)
- Containerlab (https://optimly.ai/brand/containerlab)
- Eve Ng (https://optimly.ai/brand/eve-ng)
## Buyer Intent Signals
Problems: Physical Hardware Lab: Using physical Cisco routers and switches connected via serial or ethernet cables in a dedicated server rack.
Solutions: 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.
Comparisons: cisco modeling labs vs gns3
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## Full Details / RAG Data
### Overview
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML / VIRL) is listed in the AI Directory.
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.
### Metadata
| Field        | Value |
|--------------|-------|
| Name         | Cisco Modeling Labs (CML / VIRL) |
| Slug         | cisco-modeling-labs-cml-virl |
| URL          | https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml-virl |
| BAI Score    | 72/100 |
| Archetype    | Challenger |
| Category     | Software |
| Last Analyzed | April 11, 2026 |
| Last Updated | 2026-04-13T23:31:44.704Z |
### Verified Facts
- Founded: 2014
- Headquarters: San Jose, California
### Competitors
| Name | Profile |
|------|---------|
| Cisco Packet Tracer | https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-packet-tracer |
| Containerlab | https://optimly.ai/brand/containerlab |
| Eve Ng | https://optimly.ai/brand/eve-ng |
### Buyer Intent Signals
#### Problems this brand solves
- Physical Hardware Lab: Using physical Cisco routers and switches connected via serial or ethernet cables in a dedicated server rack.
#### Buyers search for
- 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.
#### Buyers compare
- cisco modeling labs vs gns3
### Links
- Canonical page: https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml-virl
- JSON endpoint: /brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml-virl.json
- LLMs.txt: /brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml-virl/llms.txt