# Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)
> 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
- Slug: cisco-modeling-labs-cml
- BAI Score: 72/100
- Archetype: Challenger
- Category: Networking Hardware & Software
- Last Analyzed: April 10, 2026
## Competitors
- Cisco Packet Tracer (https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-packet-tracer)
## Also Referenced By
- Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE) Workshops (https://optimly.ai/brand/google-cloud-vmware-engine-gcve-workshops)
- Containerlab (https://optimly.ai/brand/containerlab)
## Buyer Intent Signals
Problems: Physical Hardware Lab: Engineers manually configure physical switches and routers in a dedicated lab space.
Solutions: 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).
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## Full Details / RAG Data
### Overview
Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is listed in the AI Directory.
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.
### Metadata
| Field        | Value |
|--------------|-------|
| Name         | Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) |
| Slug         | cisco-modeling-labs-cml |
| URL          | https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml |
| BAI Score    | 72/100 |
| Archetype    | Challenger |
| Category     | Networking Hardware & Software |
| Last Analyzed | April 10, 2026 |
| Last Updated | 2026-04-12T23:15:23.935Z |
### Verified Facts
- Founded: 2020 (rebranded from VIRL)
- Headquarters: San Jose, CA
### Competitors
| Name | Profile |
|------|---------|
| Cisco Packet Tracer | https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-packet-tracer |
### Also Referenced By
- Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE) Workshops (https://optimly.ai/brand/google-cloud-vmware-engine-gcve-workshops)
- Containerlab (https://optimly.ai/brand/containerlab)
### Buyer Intent Signals
#### Problems this brand solves
- Physical Hardware Lab: Engineers manually configure physical switches and routers in a dedicated lab space.
#### Buyers search for
- 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).
### Links
- Canonical page: https://optimly.ai/brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml
- JSON endpoint: /brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml.json
- LLMs.txt: /brand/cisco-modeling-labs-cml/llms.txt