The Lazy Networker

Installing EVE-NG on VMware Workstation involves several steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prerequisites

1. VMware Workstation Pro or VMware Workstation Player installed.
2. EVE-NG ISO or OVA downloaded from EVE-NG website.
3. Adequate System Requirements:
   • At least 4 CPU cores (8+ recommended).
   • 16GB RAM (More for large labs).
   • 100GB+ SSD storage.
   • Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI enabled in BIOS.
   • VMware installed with nested virtualization support enabled.

---

Method 1: Install EVE-NG using OVA (Recommended)

Step 1: Download the EVE-NG OVA File

• Download the EVE-NG Community OVA or EVE-NG Professional OVA from EVE-NG.net.

Step 2: Import the OVA in VMware

1. Open VMware Workstation.
2. Click File → Open.
3. Select the EVE-NG OVA file.
4. Click Import and wait for the process to complete.

Step 3: Adjust VM Settings

• Increase CPU Cores (Recommended: 4 or more).
• Increase RAM (Recommended: 8GB or more).
• Set Network Adapter to Bridged (for external access).
• Enable Nested Virtualization:
  • Go to Processors → Enable “Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI”.

Step 4: Start the VM & Configure EVE-NG

1. Power on the VM.
2. Login using default credentials:
   • Username: root
   • Password: eve
3. Change the root password when prompted.
4. Configure network settings using the CLI or DHCP.
5. Access the web GUI via **http://<EVE-NG-IP>/`.

---

Method 2: Install EVE-NG from ISO (Manual Installation)

Step 1: Create a New VM

1. Open VMware Workstation and click Create a New Virtual Machine.
2. Select “Custom (Advanced)” and click Next.
3. Choose “I will install the operating system later” and click Next.
4. Select Linux → Ubuntu 64-bit.
5. Name the VM (e.g., EVE-NG) and choose the storage location.

Step 2: Configure VM Settings

• CPU: At least 4 cores (More recommended).
• RAM: At least 8GB (More recommended).
• Hard Disk: 100GB or more.
• Network Adapter: Set to Bridged or NAT.
• Enable Virtualization: Go to Processors and enable VT-x/EPT.

Step 3: Mount & Install EVE-NG

1. Attach the EVE-NG ISO:
   • Go to CD/DVD (IDE) settings.
   • Select “Use ISO Image File” and browse for the EVE-NG ISO.
2. Power on the VM.
3. Follow the installation wizard:
   • Choose Install EVE-NG.
   • Select disk and proceed with the installation.
   • Set up a root password.
   • Configure network settings.
4. After installation, reboot the VM.

Step 4: Access EVE-NG

• Login via CLI using:makefileCopyEditUsername: root Password: (your password)
• Find the IP address of the VM (ifconfig or ip a).
• Open a web browser and go to http://<EVE-NG-IP>/.

---

Post-Installation Steps

1. Enable SSH & Web GUI Access

• Ensure EVE-NG is reachable from your network.
• Use a browser to access the Web GUI at http://<EVE-NG-IP>/.

2. Upload & Install Network Images

• Upload images (Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, etc.) to /opt/unetlab/addons/qemu/.
• Fix permissions using:bashCopyEdit/opt/unetlab/wrappers/unl_wrapper -a fixpermissions

3. Connect to the Lab

• Use SecureCRT, Putty, or the built-in console to connect to network devices.

---

Troubleshooting

1. Web GUI Not Accessible?
   • Check network settings and ensure Bridged Adapter is selected.
   • Try systemctl restart networking inside EVE-NG.
2. VM Won’t Boot?
   • Enable VT-x/EPT in BIOS.
   • Ensure Nested Virtualization is enabled in VMware.
3. Slow Performance?
   • Allocate more CPU cores and RAM.
   • Ensure SSD storage is used.