Containerlab vs PNETLab
Containerlab
containerlab.devPNETLab
pnetlab.comSide by side
| Figure | Containerlab | PNETLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Network Simulation Software | 8.9 (#1) | 7.4 (#26) |
| Integrations | Containerlab can launch VM based routers through vrnetlab or boxen integration and can run containerlab style topologies on Kubernetes through Clabernetes. | The feature list includes Docker integration, Wireshark capture, Telnet, and an integrated NAT Cloud. |
| Support | The project directs users with questions, ideas, and bug reports to its Discord community. | The site lists [email protected] and a Telegram support group chat as contact options. |
Plans
In their own words
Containerlab
Containerlab is a command-line tool for orchestrating container-based networking labs. Users describe nodes, links and lab settings in topology files, then use lifecycle commands to deploy, destroy, save, inspect or graph a lab. Supported nodes include containerized and virtual-machine network operating systems from Nokia, Cisco, Juniper, Arista and other vendors and projects. The project lists platforms such as Nokia SR Linux and SR OS, Cisco XRd and Nexus 9000v, Juniper cRPD and vMX, Arista, SONiC, Cumulus VX, VyOS, FRR, VPP, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, OpenWRT, Linux containers and generic VMs. It can launch VM routers through vrnetlab or boxen, and Clabernetes can run Containerlab-style topologies on Kubernetes. Optional interfaces include a VS Code extension, desktop app and web app; desktop and web connect to a reachable clab-api-server on a Linux host. Its single binary and topology definitions can start labs in CI systems such as GitLab CI and GitHub Actions. Containerlab is free and open source. Documented prerequisites include a Linux server or VM, Docker and sudo privileges for some operations.