How to configure IOU template preferences
IOU is a native Cisco IOS ELF binary (.iol) that runs directly on Linux. It does not need Dynamips hardware simulation. Its performance is much higher than Dynamips.
Create a Template
Click the "IOS on Unix" option to enter.
Click the + button at the top right to add a new template.
Follow the wizard steps. Click "Name".
In Name, enter the template name. Then click "Image".
In Image, choose "New Image". Set Type to "L2 Image" or "L3 Image". Then click "Browse" to upload a local image file.
If you already have an uploaded image, choose "Existing Image". Select the Type and image file. Click "Add Template" to finish.
After creation, you can see the new template in the list. Click the three-dot button on the right to choose Delete, Copy, or Edit.
Main Differences from Dynamips
| Comparison | IOU | Dynamips |
|---|---|---|
| How it runs | Native Linux process (ELF executable) | Simulates the whole router hardware |
| Performance | High (close to real machine) | Low (needs Idle-PC to lower CPU) |
| Template | Single IOUTemplate, no platform sub-types | 7 platform sub-types |
| Adapters | Simple ethernet_adapters + serial_adapters numbers | Slots (slot0~6) + WIC, detailed configuration |
| Image format | .iol ELF binary | .bin IOS super image |
| Default icon | multilayer_switch | router |
| Name format | IOU{0} | R{0} |
| Application ID | Needs application_id (1-1024) | None |
| License | Needs iourc + hostid check | None |
| Suspend | Not supported | Supported |
| Configuration complexity | Needs to understand Slot architecture and PA types | Simpler, just two numbers |
IOU Template Configuration Details
General Settings
| Field | Type | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Template name | Text | Name of the template, shown in the list |
| Default name format | Text | Auto-naming format for instances, e.g. {name}-{0} |
| Category | Dropdown | Device category, decides grouping in the topology panel |
| Symbol | Text + button | Icon shown on the topology |
| Tags | Chip input | Tags for sorting/filtering |
| IOU image path | Text + Browse | Path to the IOU image file. Supports .iol / .bin / .image |
For example, on Cisco IOU devices, you need to add a device_type tag so that AI Copilot can recognize the device type, for example device_type:cisco_ios_telnet. Without the correct tag, AI Copilot cannot work with this device.
Configuration Fields
| Field | Type | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Startup config | Text | Startup configuration file (file name only) |
| Private config | Text | Private configuration file (file name only) |
| Console type | Dropdown | Console type: telnet / ssh / none |
| Auto start console | Checkbox | Automatically opens the console window when enabled |
| Enable layer 1 keepalive messages (non-functional) | Checkbox | L1 keepalive messages. Does not work in the current version |
| Use default IOU values for memories | Checkbox | When checked, hides RAM/NVRAM. Managed by IOU internally |
| RAM size | Number (MB) | Shows when default values are unchecked. Allocates memory size |
| NVRAM size | Number (KB) | Shows when default values are unchecked. Allocates NVRAM size |
Network
| Field | Type | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet adapters | Number | Number of Ethernet adapters. Each adapter gives 4 interfaces |
| Serial adapters | Number | Number of serial adapters |
Default values and interface allocation:
| Field | Default | Number of adapters | Interfaces per adapter | Total interfaces | Interface naming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ethernet_adapters | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | Ethernet0/0-3, Ethernet1/0-3 |
| serial_adapters | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | Serial0/0-3, Serial1/0-3 |
