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Hack the Route vs GNS3

Pick GNS3 if you want to build large, custom topologies from real router and switch images on your own computer: it is free, open source and very flexible, but you supply the images and set it all up. Pick Hack the Route if you want ready-made labs on real Linux machines in your browser, with steps to follow, checks on your work and faults to fix, and nothing to install or configure.

Side by side

Hack the RouteGNS3
Runs on Real Linux machines on real links: each lab is a small network An emulator: real network operating system images, virtual machines and containers that you supply
Install Nothing to install A desktop app, usually with the GNS3 VM or a server of your own to run the images
In the browser Yes: the shells, the map and the packet capture all open in a browser tab No hosted labs: it runs on your computer or a server you set up
Guided steps and checks Every lab says what to run and why, checks what you did, and has faults to switch on, find and fix A blank canvas: you design the topology and the exercises, or follow a course from elsewhere
Price Free: 14 labs, no card. Pro: $15 a month or $120 a year for all 99 labs Free and open source; the device images are yours to get and license
Focus Linux networking: addressing, switching, routing, DNS, packets, network security and troubleshooting Any topology you can build, with images from Cisco and other vendors, for study, practice and testing designs

When to pick GNS3

Also compared: Hack the Route vs Cisco Packet Tracer · Hack the Route vs TryHackMe for networking

Questions

Is Hack the Route an alternative to GNS3?
For learning networking, yes. GNS3 gives you a canvas and the freedom to build anything from images you bring. Hack the Route gives you ready labs on real Linux machines, each with its steps, checks and faults, so you spend the time on the network rather than the setup.
Do I need device images or a VM for Hack the Route?
No. Every lab's machines are ready when you start it, and you reach them in your browser.
Which is better for beginners?
Hack the Route starts from zero: the first road begins with your first IP address, and every lab says what to run and why. GNS3 gives more freedom but leaves the setup and the lesson to you.
Is Hack the Route free?
Free opens the beginner labs of First Contact, plus each other road's beginner first lab: 14 labs on real machines, no card needed. Pro opens all 99 labs and the break-and-fix challenges for $15 a month, or $120 a year.

Learn it on real machines.

Every lab is a small network of real Linux machines in your browser. Start with a free account: Google or email, no card.

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