Getting Started with the FS PicOS-V Virtual Operating System

PicOS-V is a virtual operating system designed for flexible, high-performance network simulation and testing. Whether you're a network engineer, IT administrator, or enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of downloading, installing, and setting up PicOS-V, ensuring a smooth experience with this advanced software operating system. You’ll also discover how PicOS-V helps validate configurations, prototype networks, and prepare for real-world deployments—without the need for physical switches.

Logging in and Downloading Installation Packages in a Flash

Step 1: Where to Download PicOS-V?

You have two simple ways to access the PicOS-V virtual operating system download page on the FS website (FS.com):

Method 1:

Go to the FS switch product details page and click the "Explore PicOS-V" button. Then select "Download Now" to enter the login page.

Method 2 (Faster):

Use the search bar on the FS site and type “PicOS-V”. Click Start Trial on the product page, then register or log in to proceed.

Step 2: Choose Your Installation Package

Once logged in, you’ll see installation packages available for three major virtualisation platforms:

VMware ESXi

– For enterprise-scale production networks.

GNS3

– For testing complex topologies.

VirtualBox

– For lightweight development or small-scale labs.

Also available:

PicOS-V Upgrade Edition

– Keep your virtual OS up to date.

User Guides

– For both general PicOS-V use and GNS3-specific environments.

Quick Start Steps to Set Up PicOS-V Virtual Operating System

How to Install and Deploy

To make the PicOS-V virtual operating system setup process easier to follow, FS provides a demonstration using GNS3, a widely adopted network simulation environment. This realistic environment allows you to explore and test all features of PicOS® at no cost.

Step-by-step Installation in GNS3:

Install GNS3

Begin by installing the GNS3 virtualisation platform on your system.

Open Preferences

Once installed, launch GNS3 and navigate to the top menu. Select

“Preferences”

to begin configuring your virtual environment.

Create a New QEMU Virtual Machine

In the Preferences window, find and select “Qemu VMs”, then click “New”.

Name your virtual machine (e.g. PICOS-V-4.4.0), then click “Next”.

From the list, choose the appropriate QEMU binary.

Allocate 2048 MB of RAM to ensure stable performance, and proceed to the next step.

Set the Console type to “telnet” to enable terminal access. Click “Next”.

Load the Disk Image

When prompted to select the disk image, click “New Image” and browse to locate the PicOS® file.

Once selected, click “Finish” to complete the VM creation process.

Set Symbol and Category

To improve identification within GNS3, assign a Symbol and Category to the VM.

Set both to “Switches” for consistency and ease of use.

Finally, click “OK” to save your configuration.

How to Test and Validate

After setup, use PicOS-V virtual operating system within GNS3 to test real-world network scenarios.

Create a New Project

Open GNS3 and select File > Open Project from the top menu. Enter a name for your new project.

Add Devices

From the

Devices menu

on the left, select the PicOS-V device and drag two instances into the project workspace. These will serve as your virtual switches.

Connect the Devices

Select the Connector tool from the Devices menu. Use it to connect the swp1 ports of the two switches, establishing a virtual link.

Start the Simulation

Click the Play button on the top menu to activate the connection. Once the devices are running, your topology is ready.

Access and Test the Switches

Right-click on a PicOS-V device and select Console to open the serial port login. Enter admin to log in.

You can now explore and validate features such as LLDP, VLAN, and view system information like PSU, Fan status, and Temperature.

Why Choose PicOS-V Virtual Operating System?

Instant Setup – No Hardware Wait Time:

PicOS-V lets you start network configuration and testing immediately, eliminating the need to wait for physical switch hardware. This accelerates deployment and boosts overall productivity.

Completely Free, No Licence Required:

PicOS-V is a free software operating system—ideal for small labs or large enterprises. No licence fees, no commitments.

Hands-on with PicOS® Software Switches:

Gain practical experience with PicOS® software switches in a virtual environment. This helps engineers and administrators become familiar with the system before moving to physical deployments.

Pre-deployment Configuration Validation:

Use PicOS-V virtual operating system to verify switch configurations in a controlled environment before applying them to production networks. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures smoother rollouts.

Prototype Network Designs Before Deployment:

PicOS-V enables you to simulate and refine network operations ahead of live implementation. This helps optimise design and performance, improving network reliability.

Risk-free Feature Testing:

Safely explore Layer 2/3 features, upgrades, and configurations without affecting your existing network. PicOS-V provides a secure space for testing and experimentation.

Support for Test Automation:

Automate network testing tasks using PicOS-V to improve accuracy and efficiency. It simplifies workflows and accelerates issue identification and resolution.

Flexible Hardware Simulation:

Simulate different switch models and serial numbers with ease. This allows configuration testing across various hardware scenarios without the need for physical devices, offering scalable network design and validation.

PicOS-V virtual operating system is a robust and versatile tool that empowers network professionals to design, test, and optimize network configurations with unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. Whether you are prototyping new network operations, validating switch configurations, or exploring new features, PicOS-V provides a risk-free and cost-effective environment to achieve your network goals.

From Virtual Operating System to Production Deployment

After exploring the flexibility and capabilities of the PicOS-V virtual operating system, you may wish to upgrade to a fully licensed PicOS® software switch for production environments. FS offers a range of PicOS® licenses and services are available to support different project needs:

A 1-year subscription, recommended for short-term evaluation or pilot projects.

A 3-year plan, offering a balanced solution for medium-scale deployments.

A 5-year service package, providing long-term stability and comprehensive support for critical infrastructure.

In Conclusion

With the above steps, you have successfully completed the installation of PicOS-V virtual operating system. With your virtual switch now up and running, you are well-equipped to explore its robust features and capabilities. Whether you're validating configurations, prototyping network operations, or automating tests, PicOS-V provides a versatile and risk-free environment to enhance your network management skills. We hope this guide has been helpful and informative.

Download PicOS-V for Free. Try Now!