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Marionnet
LIPN, France
What it is
Marionnet is a virtual network laboratory for building and running computer networks without physical networking equipment. A single GNU/Linux host can simulate an Ethernet network containing computers, routers, hubs, switches, and cables. Users can reconfigure a network dynamically, follow its updated diagram, and connect it to the host network through a gateway device. Guest machines use User Mode Linux, while VDE links them and emulates network equipment and cables. The project says guests provide binary compatibility with user-level GNU/Linux software; they can also run graphical applications such as Wireshark through the host X server. Marionnet’s main purpose is teaching networking in university laboratories, though the project also mentions high schools and network testing or development. It is free desktop software under the GNU General Public License, with no warranty stated. A from-scratch installation requires GNU/Linux on x86 or x86_64, root access, and an internet connection; the project says 512 MB of RAM should be enough. Windows and macOS users can run the VirtualBox appliance, which requires VirtualBox and hardware virtualization enabled in the computer BIOS. Disk use depends on the chosen distribution, despite copy-on-write file systems.
For and against
For
- Simulates network equipment on one GNU/Linux host.
- Supports dynamic reconfiguration and an updated diagram.
- Can connect the virtual network to the host network.
- Guests can run graphical applications such as Wireshark.
- Free software under the GNU General Public License.
Against
- The project states that Marionnet has no warranty.
- From-scratch installation requires root access.
- Windows and macOS use requires VirtualBox and hardware virtualization.
- Disk use depends on the chosen distribution.
The verdict
Marionnet provides a way to configure and run virtual networks without physical equipment, with a focus on networking education. Check installation requirements and the stated lack of warranty before using it.
Who it suits
Marionnet is intended mainly for teaching computer networks in university laboratories, with high schools and network testing or development also listed as uses. Windows and macOS users can use its VirtualBox appliance if the required virtualization support is enabled.
Plans and prices
Free software
Share, modify and redistribute under GNU GPL · no warranty
Read 15 Oct 2026 · marionnet.org
Marionnet
Free software under the GNU General Public License · No warranty stated
Read 7 Oct 2026 · marionnet.org
On the record
- Architecture limitation
- The supplied kernel images are built for i386; amd64 users need i386 libc through multiarch.sources.debian.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Dependency limitation
- The Debian package does not include the UML kernels or filesystem images needed to operate Marionnet.sources.debian.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Developer language
- The independent project description identifies OCaml as Marionnet's implementation language.en.wikipedia.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Disk usage
- Copy-on-write file systems economize on disk space, although disk usage remains a concern and depends on the chosen distribution.marionnet.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Display requirement
- Running Wireshark inside virtual machines requires X-server TCP connections, which must not be disabled with -nolisten tcp.sources.debian.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Dynamic reconfiguration
- Devices can be created, removed or modified while the rest of the virtual network continues running.www-lipn.univ-paris13.fr · read 15 Oct 2026
- Educational use
- A university presentation describes Marionnet as enabling realistic, non-trivial network labs for distance learning without dedicated hardware.lipn.univ-paris13.fr · read 15 Oct 2026
- Fault injection
- Users can inject frame loss, duplication, bit flips and transmission delays independently on link directions while a network runs.www-lipn.univ-paris13.fr · read 15 Oct 2026
- Funding
- The technical paper says Marionnet was financed by Université Paris 13.www-lipn.univ-paris13.fr · read 15 Oct 2026
- Graphical applications
- Marionnet can use the host X server to run graphical applications such as Wireshark from virtual machines.marionnet.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Graphical interface
- The GTK-based graphical interface is designed to be usable by inexperienced users.www-lipn.univ-paris13.fr · read 15 Oct 2026
- Guest software
- The project says virtual machines provide full binary compatibility with user-level GNU/Linux software.marionnet.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Host and Internet access
- External sockets can connect virtual machines to the Internet or services on the host and can link virtual networks on different hosts.www-lipn.univ-paris13.fr · read 15 Oct 2026
- Installation method
- The from-scratch script downloads, compiles and installs Marionnet and its dependencies, normally under /usr/local.marionnet.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Its main goal is teaching computer networks in university laboratories; the project also mentions high schools and network testing or development.marionnet.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Licence
- Marionnet is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License.marionnet.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: physical realism
- The same presentation says virtualized hardware does not provide contact with real switches, routers and cabling, so physical practice is still needed.lipn.univ-paris13.fr · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: wireless networking
- The technical paper states that Marionnet supports only fully wired virtual networks and planned wireless support for a future version.www-lipn.univ-paris13.fr · read 15 Oct 2026
