How to use Cisco ASA 8.4 with GNS3

This tutorial will help you setup your CCNA, CCNP or CCIE Security Lab with Cisco ASA 8.4 which is currently supported by the latest version of GNS3.

1. Download the source files here.
2. Extract them and place them in the GNS3 images directory.
   For example : C:\Users\<user name>\GNS3\images\QEMU\
3. Go to Edit -> Preference -> QEMU -> QEMU VMs
4. Click New -> Give Name -> Set type
   
   

1. Assign RAM (>=1024 MB)
   
2. Select the boot files.
   
3. 
   Kernel Command Line :

   no-hlt -append ide_generic.probe_mask=0x01 ide_core.chs=0.0:980,16,32 auto nousb console=ttyS0,9600 bigphysarea=65536

   Options :

   -vnc none -vga none -m 1024 -icount auto -hdachs 980,16,32

4. Press Ok. Then Drag Cisco ASA to workspace.
   
5. Right click on it. Click start.
6. Go to console view. If everything is configured correctly it will start booting. If anyone is curious to see the boot sequence click here.
   
7. Default license is accepted.
   
8. Issue the following commands sequentially.
   

   en 
   activation-key 0xb23bcf4a 0x1c713b4f 0x7d53bcbc 0xc4f8d09c 0x0e24c6b6
   wr
   reload

9. This will take 15-20 minutes roughly. It could take more time.
10. During the reboot, it will take some time during key validation phase. Nothing to be worried. Wait for atleast 15-20 mins.
    
11. Now your ASA will be licensed properly.
    

    So now you have a full fledged Cisco ASA Firewall running inside your computer.