CCNA Lab Advice Needed

arrond · 7 Nov 2007 at 12:35

Hi all,

Im currently studying for my CCNA and currently have the following:

2x Cisco 2501 Ethernet Dual Serial Router 16mb Flash / 16mb Dram / IP Plus 12.3 IOS

1x Cisco 2924-XL-EN 24 Port Fast Ethernet Switch with latest Ver 17 Enterprise IOS

Im need another router and a switch to do some more advanced lab work. Would the following router and switch models be sufficient:

Cisco 2610 Router
Another Cisco C2924-XL-EN Switch

Please keep in mind that I wish to keep expanding the lab to CCNP level over the next couple of years. Dont worry about budget as I want to make smart purchases rather than taking the cheaper route.

Also, where can I find a cheap racking solution to support current and future purchases? I been finding huge cabinets that are over £500 :eek:

Cheers. Arron.

arrond · 7 Nov 2007 at 15:17

sidethink said:
You already have more than enough to complete the CCNA.

To be honest I find the most difficult things to be simulating the WAN links without resorting to serious hardware.

Once you can configure a router to talk to a router and then a switch you're pretty much set for CCNA level exam questions.

Thanks for the reply. I know it is enough to pass the exam but I want to expand my knowledge also. I attended a CCNA bootcamp recently and the most advanced lab I did contained 3 routers and two switches so thats what I want.

arrond · 7 Nov 2007 at 17:46

#Chri5# said:
You can get wall mounted (which could be left on the floor) cabinets for sub £100. Probably get around a 9u or 12u new for that money.

Thanks for that, i will have a look around.

Any other opinions for the lab expansion?

arrond · 9 Nov 2007 at 15:01

kirkster said:
Guys,
Check out this software:
http://www.ipflow.utc.fr/index.php/Cisco_7200_Simulator

Its the dogs danglers and you can emulate a full blown Cisco CCIE lab on your PC. I have 15 routers running on my rig (in sig below) and use about 20% CPU. You can do ANYTHING that you could do on real routers. I am a CCIE and have extremly complex BGP/MPLS setups emulated.

Brilliant.

Please post me privately if you need help.

Steve

That sounds great, cheers Steve.