Cisco Virtual program

[ruster]

Hello Cisco friends,

Presently pursuing my CCNP certification. I have access to some switches, routers, etc, but primarily low end hardware. I know that there are some utilities out there that simulate a Cisco console, and allow you to configure a virtual cisco network. Anyone with any experience with a good product you could recommend would be appreciated.

Regards,

Da Ruster

 

[wybnormal]

There is SwitchSim 1.2 from the routersim folks ( which are also bringing out a remote access sim in May)

I have found that while the sims are ok.. it's better to rent time for one of the virtual labs like Mentor or two others I have found and that offer better equipment,

http://www.ie-lab.com

(geared to the CCIE)

http://www.voxcomm.com

(looks top notch but not tried it yet)

These start at offering the entire lab for something like 12 hours at 120ish dollars. which is a bargin compared to buying a Cat5000 and SupIII card. Of course, you do not get the geek bragging rights of HAVING the CAT5000 heating your home lab ;-)

Voxcomm also has mentoring and a structured "classroom"

I've used Mentorlabs and it's ok.. a bit pricy for what you get (or not get). The labs are that.. just labs without any "teaching" to go with it. So why am I paying 80.00 plus for 1.5 hours of time again? Honestly at that rate, you can buy the 1900 switch and resell it again when you are done.

Just my opinions for whatever they are worth ( or not!)

Mike S
"Diplomacy; the art of saying 'nice doggie' till you can find a rock" Wynn Catlin