Re: Test Lab Best Practices

++ all that was said thus far. Physical equipment with console access is the best way to test software/firmware issues. As for virtualization, it's great for expanding your topology quickly. Use a virtual bridge in GNS3 or EVE-NG and you can make your smaller footprint physical lab into a larger topology with ease -- especially around cabling. It also allows you to do packet generation & link simulation (packet loss, jitter) much easier. You can even couple it with T-Rex. - Mark