CCNA Lab: Will this equipment work?

[thecoffeeguy]

First, I have searched the threads, but wanted to get specific advice on equipment that I am looking to purchase on ebay for a home CCNA Lab. (also, still learning all the Cisco products, so bare with me)

Secondly, I do plan on taking the CCNA lab in late April or early May with aspirations to obtain further Cisco certifications, specifically CCDA, CCNP and CCSP.

Here is the equipment I have:

Cisco 2610 Router, with a CSU/DSU card installed.
Cisco 1720 Router, with a CSU/DSU card installed.

Now, I do want to get some switches into my environment so I can plan with VLAN's, VTP and other goodies. Here are some items I was watching on ebay and was hoping if someone could say ya or nay or whether they would work or not.

Routers:

2513 and 2503. Would this be a good addition to my current routers? Wasn't sure if they would help with Frame-Relay and sorts.

Switches, ones I am looking at. Looking to buy two.

WS-C2924-XL
WS-C2916M-XL-A
Thought about a 1900, but kind of old.

Really, the whole idea is to help prep for my CCNA and future tests.

Would it be worth while to buy those two routers?

What about the switches? I would like to buy two, mixing and matching would work as well.

Thanks everyone. Appreciate your suggestions.

 

[thecoffeeguy]

Was trying to edit my first post, but could not figure out how.

Anyhow, I have changed my mind on the Routers and have instead decided to go with (2) 2501. I figure that combined with my 2610 and 1720 should do well.

The only thing now is on switches.

One other thing:
How much RAM and FLASH should i be looking for on these devices?

Thanks.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

thecoffeeguy,

As far as the DRAM/FLASH on a 2500 max is 16/16 and you want to max both of those out! I would look for one that is already maxed with a newer IOS 12.2 or 12.3 if possible - worth a little more to have it all upgraded - and do not forget the transsivers for the Ethernet - would not need those on a 2600 but then you would have to buy a WIC for additional serial interfaces.

A 2520,2521.2522 or 2523 makes a GREAT Frame Relay switch because they have a bunch of serial interfaces - here it does not matter if you get a Token Ring router because you are getting it for the serial interfaces as a frame relay switch!

On the 2610 - 64 mgs DRAM and I think 32mgs FLASH will max it out - check what you have inside - should be 1 slot for FLASH - so you can not add to what you have and 2 slots for DRAM

You MIGHT want to look at a Cisco 2612 - it is faster then the 2500 - it has 1 Ethernet and 1 Token Ring (not that you will need the T/R) so it is same/faster then a 2501 - you do not need a transiver for Ethernet but you will need a WIC for serial connections!

If you need DRAM or FLASH, cables, transivers etc - check out

http://www.anthonypanda.com

- I have bought from him several times (he is in Hong Kong) and have never had any trouble. I got his name from some CCIEs at a Cisco convention several years ago - it is where they got all their lab stuff!

Hope this helps!


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

 

[thecoffeeguy]

Thanks CiscoGuy33.

I was thinking of having 4 or 5 routers, to setup, possibly setting up one as a cisco access server.

In your opinion, since I have a 1720 and 2610, both with CSU/DSU cards installed, what routers would you recommend?

Secondly, since it seems I will be working with cisco switches a lot more in my job, I wanted to pick up some switches, to configure items like VLANs, VTP, STP etc...would those switches I listed above do the trick?

Anything else you would recommend?

Thanks again!

J.Williams

 

[CiscoGuy33]

J.Williams,

I would get a 2520-2521,2522 or 2523 and set that up as my Frame Relay switch.
I would get the 2501s and/or a 2612 and connect those though the 2520 FR Switch, you could get a WIC for the 2610 and connect it to the FR and same for the 1720 or you could just connect the 2610 and then extend the "network" further by connecting the 2610 to the 1720 with the CSU/DSU that you have in them.

As far as switches - any of the 2900s that have the IOS on them would be good - 1900s with the CAT OS are no longer covered on the CCNA - you can get them cheap but they would only be helpful in therory - watch for what you can aford in the 2900s and 2950s

Hope this helps!


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