Recommended CCNA lab equipment?

Todd1225

Well, I'm looking to purchase some lab equipment to study for the CCNA, gotta do this the right way!

Which switch do I need?
I'm considering a Cisco 1912 with Enterprise Edition software with IOS version 9.00.06 installed, is this OK?

I'm guessing Enterprise is a must, given the need to configure Vlans, trunking, etc. I'm just unsure of what version (as in 9.00.06) to get?

The 1912's seem to be cheaper than the 1924's due to less ports, is there any other difference?

Webmaster

There's the
- 1912 with 12 10BaseT ports, 1 AUI, and 2 100BaseTX ports.
- 1912C with 12 10BaseT ports, 1 AUI, and 1 100BaseTX and 1 100BaseFX port.
- 1924 with 24 10BaseT ports, 1 AUI, and 2 100BaseTX ports.
- 1924C with 24 10BaseT ports, 1 AUI, and 1 100BaseTX and 1 100BaseFX port
- 1924F with 24 10BaseT ports, 1 AUI, and 2 100BaseFX ports.

besides these differences they are identical in every way.

A 1912 in a CCNA homelab would do fine.

I'm not sure about the IOS version though..., it's rather old but I don't know if it will have real influence...

Todd1225

Thanks Webmaster, just wanted to make sure I could do VLANs, trunking, etc. I'm guessing the IOS can be upgraded just like a router, can you also upgrade from Standard Edition to Enterprise?

Webmaster

Yes, if you can hold of a newer version, you can upgrade to whatever you like. (in reality it's more like replacing the IOS than upgrading it).

Yes, there's an Upgrade Kit for Standard Edition switches.