sudo apt update && sudo apt install qemu-kvm libvirt-daemon-system virt-manager bridge-utils -y
Step 1: Locate the EVE-NG QEMU Directory SSH into your EVE-NG server:
cd /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/
Step 2: Create the Nexus Directory
mkdir nexus9300v-9.3.9
cd nexus9300v-9.3.9
Step 3: Upload the Image
Use SCP/WinSCP to transfer nexus9300v.9.3.9.qcow2 into this folder.
Rename it strictly:
mv nexus9300v.9.3.9.qcow2 virtioa.qcow2
Note: EVE-NG expects the hard disk to be named virtioa.qcow2. Nexus9300v.9.3.9.qcow2 Download
Step 4: Fix Permissions
/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions
Step 5: Create a Lab
Step 6: First Boot Start the node. The first boot takes approximately 5-7 minutes as it formats the virtual disk and initializes NX-OS. Do not power cycle. sudo apt update && sudo apt install qemu-kvm
When you download nexus9300v.9.3.9.qcow2, it boots into a 60-day evaluation license.
The modern network engineering landscape is defined by the separation of the control plane and data plane, and the ability to model network behavior in a virtual environment. The nexus9300v.9.3.9.qcow2 image represents the virtual instantiation of Cisco’s Nexus 9000 series switches, specifically running the NX-OS operating system version 9.3.9.
This specific image is widely sought after for lab environments focusing on Data Center technologies, VXLAN/EVPN fabrics, and Nexus Dashboard integration. Unlike container-based network simulators (such as GNS3 or Packet Tracer), the QCOW2 image is a fully functional virtual machine (VM) intended for Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) hypervisors, offering near-identical feature parity with physical production hardware. Step 1: Locate the EVE-NG QEMU Directory SSH
The primary source is the official Cisco website. You need an active Cisco.com account with a valid service contract (SmartNet) attached to a Nexus 9300 physical SKU.
If you cannot get the file, Cisco DevNet allows you to reserve a virtual Nexus 9000 in the cloud. However, for offline qcow2 download, you need a contract.
⚠ Warning: Do NOT search for "free nexus9300v.9.3.9.qcow2 download" on torrent sites. Many contain malware or modified binaries. Use only official Cisco channels or your employer’s support portal.