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.

sidethink · 7 Nov 2007 at 13:28

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.

oddjob62 · 7 Nov 2007 at 14:17

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

I've got a 2522 for my Frame Relay Cloud, and an ISDN simulator for the "backup" connection.

sidethink · 7 Nov 2007 at 14:26

You're luckier than most then....

oddjob62 · 7 Nov 2007 at 14:45

sidethink said:
You're luckier than most then....

Well i already started the CCNP sylabus before i'd even taken my CCNA

The 2522 and the ISDN sim weren't that expensive... the 3550... well that's another matter

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.

#Chri5# · 7 Nov 2007 at 17:02

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.

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?

Chief Wiggum · 7 Nov 2007 at 19:16

having started down the ccnp track, most of that kit will be redundant as there's no idsn and no frame relay in the new CCNP - it's all mpls and ipsec now.....
2600 series routers with crypto images etc...

For my ccna - a good couple of routers I used 3x1600's and a 2924xl switch - most of which is now in the loft!

Kev

Rich · 7 Nov 2007 at 22:09

Skeletek Racks

Rich · 7 Nov 2007 at 22:11

oddjob62 said:
Well i already started the CCNP sylabus before i'd even taken my CCNA The 2522 and the ISDN sim weren't that expensive... the 3550... well that's another matter

Tell me about it. CCSP = 1x ASA firewall (£2000), 1x IPS Sensor (£2000 again if you are lucky), 1x Concentrator (discontinued but expensive) and you still need the routers, switches etc. Add into that exposure to ACS etc and its looking very expensive.
Luckily, when I was doing my CCSP I was getting daily exposure to this stuff (still do obviously) which made it easy, and most importantly free

I also get access to the Partner Labs etc which are excellent.

Laser402 · 7 Nov 2007 at 22:29

Kit seems fine, im doing ma ccna, i find that packet tracer 4.1 can pritty much do anything tbh.

The actual hardware is the best, but I dont see the point of spending lots on a home lab, Just to play around with cables.
I guess for ccnp it would help you out alil but that would require more expensive hardware than the standard 2600 series routers ive been using at my lab.

Check It out if you havent heard about it, its on the cisco student netacad page.

I think its designed to replace a lab an academy cant afford so should cover ccna completely.

kirkster · 8 Nov 2007 at 21:47

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

Rich · 8 Nov 2007 at 22:54

No switching though

Other than that it is fairly awesome

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.