Download Cisco Image without any contract ! Studying Cisco

[Bruno D]

Hi, 

For studying and getting cisco certification, I'd like to download basic ios images of routers.
When I try to download an image, I get this message

"To Download this software, you must have a valid service contract associated to your Cisco.com profile.
If you do not have a service contract you can get one through:
Your Cisco Account Team if you have a direct purchase agreement with Cisco
Your Cisco Partner or Reseller
Once you have the service contract you must associate your service contract to your Cisco.com user ID with Profile Manager"

As you noticed, I'm not a professional involved in a cisco commercial program.

How can I do ? Thanks a lot for your help

[Leo Laohoo]

Find the exact filename of the firmware file and then use Google.  

[Martin L]

Unfortunately there are no student or trial version of images for routers and switches; Cisco does not have such program.  You must use simulators or emulators; For CCNA level use free Packet tracer from Cisco Net Academy;  it does not run on real IOS or virtual IOS; It is close to IOS but It does not really behave like real IOS would (some simply features do).  However, PT is excellent tool to learn and practice networking fundamentals and commands for CCNA exam. https://www.netacad.com/courses/packet-tracer
For some more advanced labbing, try CML, Cisco Modeling labs, for free via DevNet Sandbox; CML runs on virtual IOS and IOL which run in some of virtual routers like CSR1000v.  You can buy CML from CLN store but make sure you read Documentation before buying. 

Finally, GNS3 is emulator that runs on real IOS or IOL.  Here also comes your license problem; however I heard that You can get old router from ebay that image supported by GNS and move it to GNS3 on your PC. That is "grey" area in terms of legal issues. For more info about GNS3 visit their website and forum.

https://learningnetworkstore.cisco.com/

https://developer.cisco.com/site/sandbox/

Regards, ML
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[Bruno D]

Thanks a lot Martin for your great sharing !