To understand what this file does, you have to break down the Cisco naming convention used in the binary:
Confirms the image is compiled to run on a Linux OS (IOL), rather than on specific proprietary router hardware. i86bilinuxl3adventerprisek9m21573may2018bin
It can be run via the GNS3 VM, allowing users to build massive topologies that would otherwise require thousands of dollars in physical gear. A Note on Licensing To understand what this file does, you have
There are three main ways to run Cisco IOS virtually, but IOL (and this specific 2018 build) is often preferred for several reasons: To understand what this file does
This is a Layer 3 image. It behaves like a router, supporting advanced routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP) and various WAN features.