Cisco Lab

[sgsecguy]

Looking at putting together a lab that will be usable for CCNP and CCIE in maybe another year. As a result, want to select routers that are likely to be upgradeable to current IOS for another year or two. I believe that 2610XM routers will be supported for at least that time.

Also looking at new 3560-8PC routers with EMI image to provide for layer 3 switch testing as this is becoming a part of CCNP testing and is definitely part of CCIE.

I would appreciate any comments and advice related to putting together a Cisco lab for certification training.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

sgsecguy ,

Welcome to the Cisco cert area

Read back a few posts - labs have been covered in GREAT detail over the past few weeks

If you got the bucks $$$ go for the 2610XMs etc. but with the 2600s you have the extra expense of WICs.

Bottom line do not wait for the perfect CCIE lab to do CCNA - get what you need for CCNA - get your CCNA and if you can not use it for CCNP SELL IT and upgrade. If you have the $$$$ then buy the best you can get but do not forget cables, WICs and Network modules for the 2600s!

The 2520,21,22 and 23 all make GREAT Frame Relay switches and having a few 2501s, 2503s or 2514s in the mix with your other stuff can not be beat for the price they are going for on eBay.

"Google" CCIE Lasb rental or search it in eBay and SEE what equipment they have in those labs and keep that in the back of your mind as you setup your CCNA lab.

Read the back posts and ask more questions - it all comes down to what you can afford and when


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

 

[sgsecguy]

Already have CCNA. Going for CCNP now and wanted to plan for CCIE. Understand on cost but hoped cost would be lower in the long run as can get 2610XM with WIC and extra ethernet for about 500-600 each. Layer 3 switch is big question the 3550 switches can be gotten for about the same as 3560-8PC with EMI image. Regardless, thanks for input.

 

[sgsecguy]

By the way, forgot to mention, already have 2-3620 routers, 2 2610 routers, 2-2924 switches and 1-1924 switch.

 

[Minue]

Hello
The way I see it,is that you are almost good for the CCNP labs.I think 5 routers will do just fine.So you will need another router.The 2600XM is OK,but it's about the same thing as the 2600 except for the fastethernet and extra memory.The CCNP doesn't ask for the lastest IOS.Just IOS's that support the ISIS routing.The best investment is the 1751V that will give you voice support for the ONT exam.
Regards

 

[CiscoGuy33]

sgsecguy,

You do look to be ok with what you have so far for CCNP - as you check the objectives for each exam and start to study you can always add a piece here and there.

Then as you get closer to CCIE - you can check to see what the latest objectives for that exam are and as I said just "Google" or search eBay for CCIE lab rentals and see what equipment they are using at that time.

Things do change often on Cisco exams - CCNA is changing again 8-1-07 and CCNP changed last Janurary. Does not mean you can't just pick up what you need when you need it

I have know several people who rather then take the plunge for all the $$$$ voice stuff - they did the lab rentals!

Good luck on your study


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