{
  "slug": "cisco-modeling-labs-cml",
  "name": "Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)",
  "description": "Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is an on-premise network simulation platform that allows users to design, test, and troubleshoot virtual networks using authentic Cisco operating systems. It serves as an enterprise-grade environment for network engineers, replacing the previous Virtual Internet Routing Lab (VIRL) products.",
  "url": "https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml",
  "logoUrl": "",
  "baiScore": 72,
  "archetype": "Challenger",
  "category": "Networking Hardware & Software",
  "categorySlug": null,
  "keyFacts": [],
  "aiReadiness": [],
  "competitors": [
    {
      "slug": "cisco-packet-tracer",
      "name": "Cisco Packet Tracer"
    }
  ],
  "inboundCompetitors": [
    {
      "slug": "google-cloud-vmware-engine-gcve-workshops",
      "name": "Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE) Workshops"
    },
    {
      "slug": "containerlab",
      "name": "Containerlab"
    }
  ],
  "aiAlternatives": [],
  "parentBrand": null,
  "subBrands": [],
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-10T21:23:25.594+00:00",
  "verifiedVitals": {
    "website": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/cloud-systems-management/modeling-labs/index.html",
    "founded": "2020 (rebranded from VIRL)",
    "headquarters": "San Jose, CA",
    "pricing_model": "Subscription (Annual)",
    "core_products": "Virtual network nodes (IOS-XE, IOS-XR, NX-OS), browser-based topology designer, REST API for network automation.",
    "key_differentiator": "It is the only officially licensed platform providing access to true Cisco OS images in a virtualized format with full Cisco support.",
    "target_markets": "Network Engineers, CCNA/CCNP/CCIE candidates, Network Operations (NetOps) teams, Educational institutions.",
    "employee_count": "Not publicly available",
    "funding_stage": "Not publicly available",
    "subcategory": "Network Simulation & Emulation"
  },
  "intentTags": {
    "problemIntents": [
      "Physical Hardware Lab: Engineers manually configure physical switches and routers in a dedicated lab space."
    ],
    "solutionIntents": [
      "best network simulation software for enterprises",
      "official cisco network lab emulator",
      "network lab virtualization for devops teams",
      "Cisco VIRL alternative",
      "browser-based network topology builder",
      "Generic Virtualization (ESXi/VirtualBox): Using general-purpose virtualization software like VMware or VirtualBox to run network operating system images.",
      "GNS3 (Graphical Network Simulator-3): Using the open-source community-driven network emulator (often for CCNA/CCNP study)."
    ],
    "evaluationIntents": []
  },
  "timestamp": 1776035723935
}