simulated WAN link/lab

[XoverIP]

greetings to all-

I have been tasked with [helping] to build a test-bed...that will latter be converted into a full-blown lab. The purpose is so I will be able to test/troubleshoot used Cisco products [for integrity purposes] prior to being re-sold (nice job- er what!!!??)


My question to you is this:

How might it be possible to simulate a WAN link while interconnecting Cisco devices, w/out the connectivity? I will be using the equiptment to help study for both the CCNP/CCDP/CCIE exams as well. I would like to have some way to at least simulate traffic going across; ATM, frame-relay, serial, etc.

Any input on the shopping list would also be appreciated. So far...computers w/NIC's, AC/DC power supply, ocilloscope, signal generator, multi-meter, varitey of interface cards and misc. cables. Also, if anyone could provide me w/a list of 'must have' items for a Token Ring... that would be great.

thanks for any input-

sko0bz [sig][/sig]

 

[philipkoester]

I'm sure I don't have all the answers, but I can give a few suggestions to help. If money is no object and you want to simulate a WAN link, Adtran (

http://www.adtran.com)has

a few devices that can simulate Frame Relay, ISDN, or analog POTS. I assume you have at least two routers, you could just get special x-over cables made up, setup the routers put a LAN on either side with hubs (or switches) and put a computer on either side to talk across. Or get two CSU/DSUs and run a x-over cable between, connect the CSU/DSU to the router and do like before with a LAN on either side with two computers talking. Either way you'll simulate it.

On the token ring side, you'll need to have a token ring interface for the routers (I assume you do) some type of token ring MAU (multi-access unit of which I might be able to get tons of them out of schools i'm upgrading from token ring to ethernet), token ring nic cards (if you are planning on using computers across the routers). Other than that on token ring, I'm not sure the cables you'll need for cisco eq, I know what it is for Bay. Let me know if this helps or if I can help with the MAUs. Contact me at koester1@us.ibm.com

 

[wybnormal]

For back to back testing of routers, just make a cable with RJ45s.. 1 to 5 and 2 to 4 which allows to test everything including the CSU/DSU. You can buy a cable for testing routers without the CSU for 25-35 dollars depending on where you go. I have dealt with Pacific Cable and had good luck with a quality product.

ISDN simulators are expensive.. but useful. It might be cheaper to have two ISDNs pull into the lab since you can get them nowdays for 20-40 bucks a month. Thats alot of months with the simulator costing a couple of thousand.

Shop on eBay for the routers, dirt cheap

Mike S

 

[Framer]

Did you successfully configure you lab. I too will be setting up a lab in the near future, similiar to your with the same objectives.

I am just starting my research and would like to know how you faired.

 

[XoverIP]

minus the more obvious stuff....i have;

Telltone ILS1000....this is an ISDN simulator

this project is moving @ snails pace...but i have every [series of] cisco chassis and almost [every series] of Nortel chassis

Lorraine [Telco] DC power supply

CSU/DSU-----havnt got there yet

 

[opey]

If you are wanting to simulate frame-relay, that would be possible as well. All you really need is 2 routers, but if you have more you can actually simulate the "switching". Here's a way:

(This is to setup frame-relay using point-point sub interfaces)

On the DCE Router:

Router 1
dcerouter(config)#frame-relay switching
dcerouter(config)#interface serial 0 (or whatever)
dcerouter(config-if)#encapsulation frame-relay
dcerouter(config-if)#frame-relay intf-type DCE
dcerouter(config)#int s0.1 point-point
dcerouter(config)#ip address 10.0.1.1 255.255.255.0
dcerouter(config)#frame-relay interface-dlci 16

Router 2
dterouter(config)#int s0
dterouter(config-if)#encapsulation frame-relay
dterouter(config)#int s0.1 point-point
dterouter(config-if)#ip address 10.0.1.2 255.255.255.0
dterouter(config-if)#frame-relay interface-dlci 16


Also, if you wanting to perform actual switching, you could use the frame-relay route <dlci> <interface> command (sorry, can't remember the whole command, but if you do a frame-relay route on the DCE router and a ? you should be able to get it), assuming you have multiple serial interfaces.

Hope this is what you were looking for.. Sorry as well if any of these commands are not exact, but I am doing this from memory -- should give you the basic idea if anything.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at opey9213@hotmail.com.

 

[jeter]

For a cisco router to be setup as a frame relay switch
1)enable frame-relay switching in the global comand
2)encapsulation frame-relay
3)frame relay intf-typr dce
4)frame-relay route <input dlci>interface serial,interface#>
<output dlci>
5)optional configure the lmi type [ansi|cisco|q933a]put this on the interface involved in frame relay switching.
cisco is the default lmi





Jeter@LasVegas.com The best answer I could ever give is the one to maintain my Sanity

 

[Guest_imported]

I as well am building a test-lab to simulate a WAN link, which will later be used for continued testing by others(educational purposes).

I am curious if you have been able to sucesfully complete the building of your lab. If so, would you please give me some pionters or info on the equipment, and/or steps you took towards achieving this objective? Any help would really be appreciated.

thanks

 

[Guest_imported]

don't forget to give the dce side a 'clock rate xxxxx' command. see which side is a dce with 'sh contr s x' where x is the intf # and put the clock on that side.

ex: int s0/0
clock rate 128000