Can you tell me which is the best lab for CCNP?

[Giant99]

Both on Ebay.

1 x 2610XM Router IOS 12.4
1 x 2610 Router IOS 12.3
1 x 2523 Router (Frame Relay)
2 x 2924-XL-EN Switch
1 x Free 2501 Router
2 x WIC 1T
1 x WIC BS/T

FREE 2501 Router
FREE CABLES
2 x DTE-DCE crossover cable
1 x Console
3 x CAT5E (Straight through)

All fully tested and working Our Buy it Now £225.00
(VAT incl)

Accessories
6 x Power Cables - for UK buyer only
2 x DTE-DCE Cross over cables
3 x CAT 5E (Straight through)
1 x Console Cables


Or

£199

Routers
? Cisco 2610 Ethernet Serial Router 16F/64D Advanced Security 12.4 IOS
? Cisco 2501 Ethernet Dual Serial Router 16F/16D IP Plus 12.3 IOS
? Cisco 2501 Ethernet Dual Serial Router 16F/16D IP Plus 12.3 IOS
Switches
? Cisco 2900-XL Switch running Latest Enterprise IOS
? Cisco 2900-XL Switch running Latest Enterprise IOS
Accessories
? 2 x serial DB60-DB60 crossover cables
? 3 x cat 5E straight-through cables
? 3 x cat 5E crossover cables
? 1 x RJ45 / DB9 console cables
Additional
? Thoroughly tested before shipping
? Power cables for all devices
? Two cd-roms for CCNA CCNP CCIE CCSP CCDP etc
? Alternative or additional items available (ISDN simulation, extra switches, etc)
? This is only one of many possible Cisco labs that can be provided - enquire for details
? Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

 

[burtsbees]

First lab---you need 3 routers and three switches---one router needs to be an XM, and the switches need to be 2900 series, pref the 2950's, but 2924's will do.

Do the routers come with the WIC-1T cards as well???

Burt

 

[Giant99]

Hi,

They come with 2 x WIC 1T and 1 x WIC BS/T.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Giant99,

Just to be clear - are you building a lab for CCNA NOW, that will be good for CCNP LATER, or are you building a CCNP lab RIGHT NOW ????

If it is CCNA - look at this blog on setting up a CCNA lab; I have been listing it here for a while, it is by Wendell Odom, CCIE and Cisco author -

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/24916

He has 6 different pages on setting up a CCNA lab at different price points - much more then can be listed here - GREAT READ, it also has tons of feedback from other readers!!

If it is CCNP - NOW, take a look at Odom's blog on setting up a CCNP lab!!! It is also at

http://www.Networkworld.com

Just remember that the 2500 routers are fine for FRAME RELAY but they DO NOT do the latest, greatest IOS, so they have very limited use in the advanced CCNP/CCIE labs and will fall short on the new CCNA exam, for CCNA you should be fine as long as you have at least one router doing 12.4 IOS!!!

Hope this helps!!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[maczen]

Giant99,
Like Burt mentioned, you need three routers and three switches for most CCNP topologies. The idea is to cover as much material as possible for minimal cost. The switches will be your largest expense. I would recommend something like this:

3x 3640 (12.4 IOS)
1x 2621XM (any XM series 26xx will work fine)
1x NM-4A/S (Turns one of your 3640's into an FR switch)
2x NM-1E2W
2x WIC-1T
2x Serial Back-to-Back cables
3x 2950 switches

Later you can buy the better switches when you are ready and they have dropped in price.. IE. 3550 and 3560. Also, if you come across a good deal on an ISR such as the 18xx (1811) or the 28xx (2811) routers then grab one of those and sub it in the place of any of your routers! Hoe this helps!

ps. Many still recommend the 25xx series routers for FR (Frame Relay) and there is no reason not to use these except that they are becoming well aged and life expectancy is becoming increasingly shorter but they will work fine and you can grab a pair of them for under $30.

B Haines
CCNA R&S, ETA FOI

 

[lerdalt]

One thing I read recently, and can't remember where it was at now, is that if you are following a lab guide from a book somewhere, there is benefit in matching the equipment. When there is a problem, and you don't have matching interfaces specifically, it's not quite as simple to try and troubleshoot as it would be if the equipment matched the lab.

Also, for future work, I've heard that the 3550 switch with the newest IOS does not have all the IPv6 commands or does not do IPv6. Have not verified this, just something I heard through the grapevine.

 

[maczen]

Also, the 3550 does not support PVLAN (does support Edge but not actual PVLAN) which is why I have been considering a pair of 3550's and a pair of 3560's when the time comes!

B Haines
CCNA R&S, ETA FOI

 

[burtsbees]

Have you guys checked out the ME3400's?

Burt

 

[maczen]

Sweet Metro Ethernet switches! Here is a link to the release notes! Just follow the top!

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps6580/prod_release_notes_list.html

Only $1300 on eBay! LoL I may have to stick with the 2550 and 3560 for certification for now.. LoL

http://cgi.ebay.com/CISCO-ME-3400-2...mponents?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116#ht_416wt_704

B Haines
CCNA R&S, ETA FOI