CCENT/CCNA home lab

Beerbaron

Beerbaron

Beerbaron

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Im looking to crack on with studying toward the CCENT and CCNA exams.

1. Is it worth building a small lab?

2. If so what would you recommend?



Thanks.
 
Answers in brief:

1 - IMO yes. There are some things you just can't simulate or emulate.

2 - Depending on budget either 2 x 2900XL or 2 x 2950 Switches. Pretty much any vaguely modern routers with FastEthernet interfaces. You'll want atleast 3 (1700 or 2600 series preferably but there are other options depending on budget).

Any more specific questions just ask - I have a fair few posts around the CCNA/CCNP on here so if you search some will come up that help

- GP
 
For the CCNA exams you can get by with just Packet tracer/GNS3 and some good books or preferably the CBT Nuggets videos.

There are some things you can't experience without a lab, such as knowing what cables actually look like, how to crimp connectors onto cables, and some commands, but at CCNA level you can do it without a lab if you don't want to but if you really want to learn the subject and get into networking then get a lab, as you could always build on it if you progress to CCNP or the specialized tracks or just sell it on after.
 
Yeah pretty much like that. I'd add another 2600 series at minimum for labbing but that's not bad. You may be able to get it cheaper separately if you look around. Also see what version of IOS they are running, aim for 12.4 upwards

- GP
 
If I sell it will be in the MM next couple of days hopefully. I have no room for things like this to be laying about really.

I also few accessories that go with this kit bits n bobs general cisco stuff.
Rollover Cables x4 / Serial Cables x2 / WIC Slot Covers x4 / DB9 Adaptors x2
 
Last edited:
The current exams are valid until Sept.

I have an 1811 router that i need to connect to an unmanaged switch to supply DHCP. What is the best way to do this. Should I:

1. Create a VLAN on the routers switch ports and connect the switch via one of these ports
2. Connect the switch to the spare FE 1 port on the router
3. Other



Thanks.
 
Seriously, don't bother with a lab, just use Dynamips.

I've done two CCIE's with Dynamips and it's fine.
 
I have used Packet Tracer quite a lot and people have recommended using GNS3 as well but i wanted to get more hands on with it.

Can you have site to site and remote user VPN working on the same router (1811)?
 
The thing you'll find is that you want to try things quickly, build new topologies, add new routers, run different protocols, GNS3/Dynamips makes this trivial.

By all means build a lab as well, but I don't think you'll beat Dynamips for actual learning. I had access to very big lab while doing my exams but still used Dynamips most of the time because it's so fast and flexible.
 
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