Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is GNS3?

GNS3 is an open source network software emulator that allows you to run real vendor devices in a virtual environment. It is widely used by network professionals and students to design, configure, and troubleshoot complex network topologies.

What is PacketGround's managed GNS3?

PacketGround's managed GNS3 is a cloud-based service that allows users to run GNS3 in a fully managed browser-based environment, no installs or hardware required. This means you can focus on building and simulating your network topologies without worrying about the underlying infrastructure or maintenance. It's ideal for users who want the power of GNS3 without the complexity of managing their own servers.

How can PacketGround's managed GNS3 help me learn networking?

With built-in practice labs, access to actual vendor appliances and a user-friendly interface, learners can experiment, troubleshoot, and gain practical experience in a safe and controlled setting.

Is PacketGround's managed GNS3 only for certification training?

Not at all. While it's perfect for CCNA, CCNP, and cybersecurity certification prep, it is also great for network engineers, teachers, lab developers, and teams who need a cloud-native testbed for demos, collaboration, or workflow testing.

How long does it take to get started?

You can launch your first lab in less than a minute — no installation or downloads required. Just sign up, choose a plan, and start simulating.

Pricing & Plans

How much does PacketGround's managed GNS3 cost?

PacketGround offers flexible pricing for learners, educators, and professionals. Plans start with an associate tier for personal labs, while advanced plans unlock more compute power, storage, and multi-user features. Visit our pricing page for detailed information.

Do you offer a free trial or demo?

Yes! We offer a free demo on our associate and professional plans. You'll get full access to all features, so you can explore lab creation, appliance imports, and multi-device simulation. Book a demo today!

Can I change my plan later?

Absolutely. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your plan anytime. Changes are applied immediately or at the start of the next billing cycle, depending on the direction. You're always in control.

Do you offer discounts for annual subscriptions?

Yes, we offer a 20% discount for users who choose annual billing. It's perfect for students, instructors, or professionals who want to save over time while getting uninterrupted lab access.

Features

What are the key features of PacketGround managed GNS3?

PacketGround's managed GNS3 offers a powerful set of tools for building and simulating network topologies in the cloud. Features include real device support (QEMU/Docker), built-in appliances, collaboration tools, and secure access through your browser — all without any installation. Check out our features page for detailed information.

Can I integrate PacketGround's managed GNS3 with other tools I'm already using?

Yes. Our platform supports custom appliance uploads, API-based automation. The platform is based on GNS3 and you can easily import your existing GNS3 projects and appliances. You can also use GNS3 desktop app with our servers. Check out our documentation for a complete breakdown.

Is PacketGround mobile-friendly?

Definitely. Our platform is fully responsive and works smoothly on desktops, laptops, and tablets. While lab editing is best done on larger screens, you can monitor and manage labs from your mobile device wherever you are.

Security & Privacy

How secure is my data with PacketGround?

Security is our top priority. PacketGround employs industry-leading security measures, including end-to-end encryption, regular security audits, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with international security standards.

Is PacketGround GDPR compliant?

Yes — PacketGround complies with GDPR and related data privacy standards. We process your data responsibly and provide Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) upon request to ensure lawful and transparent data handling practices.

Who owns the data I store in PacketGround?

You retain full ownership of all data you store in Packet Ground. ALL files, images, projects, and configurations you upload or create in PacketGround remain your property. We never sell, share, or access your data without explicit permission. You can export or delete your data at any time.

What happens to my data if I cancel my subscription?

After cancellation, you'll have 1 month to export your data. After that window, we permanently delete all remaining data. To avoid loss, export before canceling or save your work as a snapshot during the retention period. Need help? Contact support.

Support

What kind of support does PacketGround offer?

We offer multiple support channels to ensure you get the help you need when you need it. All plans include email support with a 24-hour response time. Professional and Deluxe plans also include live chat support during business hours.

Is there a community forum for PacketGround users?

No, currently we do not have an active community. However, we encourage users to reach out via email or our live chat for any questions or support needs.

How can I request a new feature?

Here at PacketGround we value your feedback! You can submit feature requests through email, or by contacting our support team. We regularly review and prioritize feature requests based on customer demand and strategic alignment.