CCNP LAB

[maczen]

I am currently trying to piece together a CCNP lab and wanted to ask for some advice... This is the setup that I am looking at...

1x 2511 (Access Server)
2x Catalyst 2950's (Standard... Do I need Enhanced for CCNP?)
1x Catalyst 3550 (Layer 3 Switch)
2x 2610XM's (12.4 IOS)
1x 3640 (12.4 IOS)

I already own 1x 2610 (12.3 IOS.. Use for Frame Relay????)
1x Catalyst 5500 (Layer 3 module).. Can I use this for CCNP?? Got it from a friend for $100...

Also.. What modules/cables would I need for CCNP with this setup and are there any better router/switch choices? Do I need more? I saw a post that said 5 3640's... Seems like overkill...

Thanks in advance,

NOTE: I am familiar with the Dynamips/Dynagen/GNS3 software as well as Boson Labsim.. I am inclined to go this route for the actual hands on... (I just started and already know much more about the actual hardware than I ever would have picked up if I would have just stuck with the sim/em approach).. But for those who can't/don't want to spend the money or are just curious GNS3 is free from

http://www.gns3.net

... Video tutorials are available from

http://www.blindhog.net

... Thanks again...

 

[CiscoGuy33]

maczen,

From your prior posts - you know where the CCNA Prep Center is at Cisco - go to the CCNP Prep Center - they have a doc for the "PERFECT" CCNP lab but you can see what Cisco expects you to have .......

The CCNP Prep Center includes practice questions, e-learning modules, tips from CCNP professionals, expert advice, and other CCNP resources to help students preparing for CCNP certification exams.

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le37/le10/learning_certification_type_home.html

They had a complete doc discussing the lab setup with Cisco 2800 routers - this of course can be used as a guide of what is needed unless you have unlimited $$$$$$$$$ and can buy a lab like Cisco lists .

Hope this helps!


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

 

[maczen]

Thanks for the quick response... I have seen the list on the CCNP Prep Center.. ($$$).. I have also been reading Wendel Odom's Cisco lab

http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/3193/feed

I guess I could alter my questions somewhat... Is there anyone who is currently working on or has recently passed the CCNP and if so what does your lab look like? Were there any purchases you wish that you would not have made? Another direction that you would have taken (hindsight being 20/20)?

Basically if you have a lab then please share it's strengths and weaknesses (IE. What you like about it and the things that you can't do)..

Thanks again all,

 

[maczen]

One more thing... I am also curious where everyone buys their Cisco gear... I am familiar with

http://www.ciscokits.com

as well as

http://www.cablesandkits.com

... And of course sites like

http://www.eBay.com

http://www.amazon.com

and

http://www.craigslist.com

... But if you have had good luck (or bad) with a site then please share that as well...

Brief Synopsis:

What equipment is a MUST for CCNP (and why)..
And where to buy it from! LoL

Thanks all,