own lab / advice

[ssosw]

Hi,

I hope someone will take time to read this lengthy post give me good advice

I work as a network admin for a company.All that I do is fix some minor problems with the network and this is not getting me much experience.I would like to stay at this company for some more because the pay and benifits are good,but at the same time I need to do CCNA and CCNP certifications.

My problem is that I dont get a chance for hands on experience at all(even the normal NT stuff) in this company and I know that just learning the theory to pass the exams is not going to make me good at networking.Doing some courses is also useless. I have forgotten most of the NT stuff I had studied because I dont work actively with it .

So I want to know if I can setup my own lab by myself and what all I need to set it up.How expensive is it going to be.And how far is it going to help me.

Another thing is even if I take my certifications I will not be putting it to practice since my present company has no use for all that.It may be another two to three years before I think of leaving this company for better challenging jobs.I would like to know how long the certificate is going to be valid.I read at the site that it is valid for two years and then we have to upgrade ourselves.Please tell me if it is wise to take the certifications now even if I am not planning on changing jobs.


Thanks in advance

Shanavas

 

[wybnormal]

The CCNA is valid for 2 years .. then you need to re-certify. You might remember more then you think.. even more if you run a small lab and try to answer questions posted at places like Tek-Tips ( hint..hint) ;-) Answering the questions forces you to either remember or to lookup the correct answer. Great practice..

The lab is doable.. figure somewhere around 400 to 600 dollars for each router depending on model.. the 2600s for trunking and the like will run about 1200. A 1900 switch can be had for as low as 300 to a high of 500.. 2900s go for 500 to 700 each.

You need at least 3 routers for a fun lab.. some say 2 but I prefer to have one router as the frame switch with 2 serial ports. Memory should be 16 flash and 16 dram. This way you can play with all kinds of IOS code.

Another option is to rent virtual lab time on one of the rental sites. You get the "hands on" but at a much lower cost.

MikeS
Find me at

http://www.packetattack.com

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

 

[ssosw]

Hi,

Tanks for the reply. Something more I need to know.Do I need three routers and the 2600 and the 2900,or are the 2600s and 2900s different kind of routers. Can you give me a little more detailed idea of what I do with these things.I may get an idea when I start with CCNA but just wanted to know what I was getting into.

Thanks

Shanavas

 

[wybnormal]

The cheapest are the 1600s.. not to mention they take up the least amount of room. Does everything a 2500 can do.. just less power to do it all. No reason for a 2600 until you need 10/100 and trunking.. or you have money to burn.. the average cost is around 1300 bucks... The frame switch should a 2500 of some flavor with dual serial ports. You need a couple of back to back serial cables.. runs about 30 bucks a pop off eBay.

MikeS
Find me at

http://www.packetattack.com

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

 

[idesign]

I have a problem I have a Cisco ISDN Router 766 and I need to get it programmed, If this is in you range of experience then I am willing to pay (i'm cheep) to get it working.

If you are interested then contact me so we can talk. Or trade for my experience in Oracle.

http://www.TheJamesWay.com

idesign@email.com use subject "7XX programmer" for quicker response.

Sorry, if this is inappropriate, but I got my company start with small jobs for individuals then someone remembered me when they were looking for a contractor. I under bid fixed jobs and completed, a few job for minimum wage or under that is what is called hard experience. I work part time on contracting small jobs for the fun, and money. I am a full time state computer slave (Oracle DBA).

Good luck

Thanks
James Shumate