Despite its efficiency, users frequently encounter hurdles with this specific image.
Why choose this over a CSR1000v or vMX?
| Feature | i86bi-linux-l3-15.4.2t | CSR1000v | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Architecture | IOS (Monolithic) | IOS-XE (Linux + IOSd) | | RAM Usage | ~150 MB | ~2.5 - 3 GB | | CPU Usage (Idle) | < 2% of 1 core | ~10-15% of 1 core | | Boot Time | 8 - 12 seconds | 2 - 4 minutes | | Scale | ~50 routers on a laptop | ~5 routers on a laptop | | Protocol Support | Full L3 (BGP, OSPF, MPLS) | Full L3 + Model-driven telemetry | i86bi-linux-l3-adventerprisek9-15.4.2t.bin
Verdict: For large-scale CCIE labs focusing on routing theory, the i86bi-linux-l3 image is vastly superior. For testing modern Netconf/YANG or 100Gbps throughput simulations, use CSR1000v. This image is a workhorse for MPLS labs,
This image is a workhorse for MPLS labs, supporting: more features |
| Image | Features | Best for |
|-------|----------|----------|
| i86bi_linux_l2-adventerprisek9-ms.152-2.S.bin | L2 switching | Switching labs |
| i86bi_linux_l3-adventerprisek9-15.4.2t.bin | L2 + L3 + MPLS + VPN | Routing + MPLS |
| i86bi_linux_l3-adventerprisek9-15.5.2t.bin | Slightly newer | Similar but newer T release |
| i86bi_linux_l3-adventerprisek9-15.6.2t.bin | Latest 15.x T | More stable, more features |
| Image | Purpose |
|-------|---------|
| i86bi-linux-l2-adventerprisek9-15.2a.bin | Layer 2 switching (IOSvL2) |
| csr1000v-universalk9-16.12.04 | Newer CSR1000v (Linux, better performance) |
| vios-adventerprisek9-m-15.6.2T | VIRL IOSv (similar but newer) |