Overview

Updated in May 2025. This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Embark on a practical journey into the powerful world of Cisco Modeling Labs 2 (CML2) with this hands-on course designed to elevate your networking skills. Discover the essential requirements for getting started with CML2 and learn how to seamlessly install and configure it on various platforms, including Windows 10, macOS Catalina, and VMware ESXi. Whether you're setting up a local system or managing a remote server, this course covers all your bases. Dive deeper into CML2 operations as you familiarize yourself with its interface and functionalities. Learn to build and configure simple labs using the GUI and API, access nodes via Telnet or SSH, and leverage CML2's robust tools to simulate real-world scenarios. The course introduces best practices for managing licenses, accessing the console, and optimizing workflows to streamline your networking experiments. Explore advanced topics like connecting your virtual labs to external networks and integrating VIRL 1.x images into your CML2 setups. These lessons prepare you to enhance your labs for comprehensive testing and experimentation. By the end of this course, you’ll have mastered the art of creating, managing, and extending CML2 labs to meet diverse networking needs. Ideal for IT professionals, network engineers, and enthusiasts, this course assumes a basic understanding of networking and virtualization. It is tailored for intermediate learners looking to gain practical skills with Cisco’s innovative modeling tool.

Syllabus

Requirements

In this module, we will introduce the course content and help you evaluate your preparedness for working with Cisco Modeling Labs 2 (CML2). From understanding the course objectives to ensuring you meet all technical and practical prerequisites, this section sets the stage for a successful learning experience.

CML2 Installation

In this module, we will provide detailed instructions for installing Cisco Modeling Labs 2 (CML2) on three different platforms: Windows 10, macOS Catalina, and VMware ESXi. Each lesson walks you through the unique steps for each operating system, highlights important precautions, and ensures proper post-installation setup to get you ready for hands-on network modeling.

CML2 Operations

In this module, we will dive into the operational aspects of Cisco Modeling Labs 2 (CML2). You’ll become familiar with the core interfaces—Cockpit, Lab Manager, and Workbench—and learn to build and configure labs using both GUI and API methods. Additionally, we’ll explore advanced access options such as Telnet and SSH to connect to lab nodes, enabling efficient multitasking and management across different platforms.

CML2 Enhanced Operations

In this module, we will explore advanced features of Cisco Modeling Labs 2 (CML2) to enhance its capabilities. You’ll learn how to connect your CML2 lab to external networks, including the internet, creating realistic testing environments. Additionally, we’ll guide you through the process of importing and using VIRL 1.x images in your CML2 setup, expanding the range of possibilities for lab simulations.