Cisco IOS is described as '(originally Internetwork Operating System) is a family of software used on most Cisco Systems routers and current Cisco network switches. (Earlier switches ran CatOS.) IOS is a package of routing, switching, internetworking and telecommunications functions integrated' and is a router custom firmware. There are five alternatives to Cisco IOS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, VMware Workstation Pro, GNS3 and VMware Workstation Player apps. The best Cisco IOS alternative is MikroTik RouterOS. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try ZEVENET or Quagga. Other great apps like Cisco IOS are VyOS and Junos OS.