Model Numbers for CCNA Labs Kit set up? 2

[sejiman]

Hi everyone,
I am just starting my self studies for CCNA and plan to use both the Sybex CCNA book and the Cisco two book 'Library'. My question is; Which models of Router and Switches are reccommended (secondhand!)and ideally how many of each?
Can the same units be used later for CCNP or would I be better to sell them off again and get different units.
(I have 3 or 4 computers of various specs to physically learn on).
Many thanks in advance.

 

[gwildfire]

This all depends on your budget.
I see you plan to go on to CCNP so I will get the swtich thing out of the way first of all
A lot of people fall into the trap of getting a 1900 series switch DONT this runs an old CAT OS and is NOT covered anymore on the exams.
If you have the money go for a 2950 or two if you can steatch if not 2900xl series also do the trick.
routers Wise to cover CCNA 3x 2501 routers do everything you need them too, make sure if you got for ebay to get one running MAX flash and DRAM as people sell of ones will next to none of either and they cant run any version 12 IOS.
The 2600 series has now got a lot cheaper and is also worth a look, for CCNP I used a combo of 2600 and 3600 series routers and found they did everything I need. Infact my 2500's did most things except PBR etc.

The Two book library you have is exactly what I used for CCNA The sybex is a great book thats easy to follow, then I used the Ciscopress to suppliment my knowledge.

SO in summary try to go for atleast 3 routers. Also consider a Simulator such as Boson, although not as good as the real thing provides a cheap alternative.

HTH



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[Cluebird]

The only switches I'd suggest are the 2950s (CCNA) or 3550s (CCNP). Two switches (3550) is a good goal for CCNP. However, they will cost more than the 2900XL. The IOS structure is different between the 2900XL with the biggest difference is you have to use vlan database to configure VTP and VLAN information. With the newer switches (2950s & 3550s) you configure from global configuration. Also, if you get a 3550 with enhanced image you have the ability of practicing up to CCIE level. I prefer modular routers especially for going beyond CCNA. 2610s and 2611s are getting very cheap, just make sure you have them maxed at 64 DRAM and 16 FLASH. Then you buy WICs to implement various technologies. I can teach all CCNA and all CCNP classes with 2610 routers and 2950/3550 switches plus cables, WICs, and ADTRAN 550. I also use a couple 3640s as core routers although that is not required.

Although 2500s are really cheap routers, I don't have the patience anymore to wait for them to reboot and I don't like the fixed interfaces. However, there are always exceptions. I'd take live equipment over a simulator product any day but simulators can be a good supplemental tool, especially for road warriors.

 

[gwildfire]

Cluebird just wondered why you say 3550 for CCNP? I passed the BCMSN with 2950's and they did everything I needed them to. 3550 are a hell of lot more money than 2950 although preffered not needed for 2950's. Also CCIE has replaced 3550 with 3560 and 3750's now. But thats only my opinion

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[KiscoKid]

It seems the 3550's are still in use in the CCIE R+S lab

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/ccie/rs/lab_equipment.html

 

[gwildfire]

My humble apologies Cluebird, I was under the belief they were changing them for 3560's.

 

[Cluebird]

Hi gwildfire,
KiscoKid gave the link for the CCIE R&S. There is a big issue with the 2950s that I've encountered: you can't upgrade the Standard image to the Enhanced Image without a hardware upgrade. This means you can't run access-lists (VACLs) with the standard image nor can you implement MST unless you have EMI. Even on e-bay the EMI are going for $800-1000 on up. By the time you've spent that kind of bucks why not go the rest of the way and get the 3550 EMI that shows up from $1250-2500 on E-Bay? And with the 3550 aging, the prices are coming down quite a lot. I really like the 3550. If it had modules (besides GBICs) and the capability to do serial interfaces I'd use that platform exclusively.

 

[gwildfire]

2950 EI that expensive? I managed to pick one up in the UK ebay cheap, items over here xseem cheaper about £250 (EI) with the 2XGB ports ($450) yet a 3550 over here costs £1000 ($1700)

Im told (I dont know cos I dont have any) that the 3550 can be upgraded from SMI to EMI via loading the flash? wheres 2950's are fixed?

All I was trying to say was for someone who not even started on CCNA 2950 may be more cost effective

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http://www.Cisco-Engineer.com

for free Cisco rack access.

 

[sejiman]

Many Thanks to you all for your input.
I am now able to start to build a 'mimimun spec needed' list and an 'Ideal if I come across at a good price' list.
As one of you pointed out, I am only just starting my CCNA so I am not worried about the same set up being suitable for CCIE, but I would like to get units suitable for CCNP if I can find them here in the U.K. in my very limited budget.
Also thanks for the tip on Flash & ram memory, I hadn't considered that in the 'cost' factor.
Am I right in assuming that I need to have software Ver 12.?
Once again thanks for your help.