1. Get hold of a spare machine, in this case an Intel NUC i5 + 16GB ram.

2. Download and install the latest Ubuntu Server LTS.

3. Install GNS3 server side only.

4. Connect Laptop and NUC and give them IP adresses.

5. Run the GNS Server on the NUC

6. Run GNS3 on the laptop. Go to Edit→Preferences→Server.

7. Disable the local server and point GNS3 to the NUCs IP as its main remote server.

8. Create a topology. Drag devices into it. If the images don't exist on the remote server they are automaticaly transfered to it.

9. Sit back and enjoy geeky satifaction!