Home Lab Assembly

I am wanting to peruse my CCIE certification from the ground up, starting at INCD1,and going forward. One thing I will definitely need is a lab for the necessary lab work. So I did a little homework and started looking. I found several "kits" all stating that it was "all I needed", but the cost was outrageous - who buys that ?

So first I determined what I though we be the best and most cost effective hardware. I decided to keep it simple and go with 3 Cisco Catalyst 3548 XL multi-layer switches, and 3 Cisco 2811 Multi-services routers. Not state of the art, but not ice age either.

Next was to purchase - I typically try and get the items as cheap as I can, but I also don't want to get tied up in any drama - I don't want to get stuck in a shipping war over defective products. So typically I purchase one at a time.

But I got lucky - I found a government liquidator, and I was able to purchase the 3 switches for $18.00 each, shipping included. got them in last night and tested them - all is well. Two of the switches have GBIC's Installed !!! all that is left is make sure they all have the same firmware and IOS.

Next the routers. I again went shopping. I found all three routers again at less than $20.00 each, shipping included. Again all I need to do is verify firmware and IOS and I am good to go.

So now I have my complete lab, just need a few odds and ends. Total cost ? right at $120.00 - think twice before you spend more.

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Comments

steele84

Wow, I would be interested in the site where you picked up the 2811's I was getting ready to pull the trigger for a cost of 40$ each. Nice snag on the layer 3 switches with GBIC's !!!!

clarson

the 3548 is a L2 only switch.

phantasm

clarson wrote: »

the 3548 is a L2 only switch.

Also the last version of code supported is 12.0.5-WC17. That device has been EOS since 2002. For the IE you need devices that are running the new 15.x code. Straight from Cisco's website:

Candidates who want to prepare using hardware based labs can use the following equipment and Cisco IOS Software
Releases:
• Cisco ISR 2900 Series routers running IOS version 15.3T Universal Software release
• Catalyst 3560X Series switches running IOS version 15.0SE Universal (IP Services) Software release

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/expert/ccie_rs/docs/ccieRS_examUpdates4-5.pdf

If you don't have your CCNP I recommend not worrying about the CCIE. It is a ways off for you. Just focus on what's in front of you for now and go from there.

Priston

2811 is a good choice for routers, but 3548 XL is ice age

koz24

Take a look at INE's recommended hardware for their labs. http://labs.ine.com/workbook/view/rs-v5-workbook/task/ines-ccie-r-s-v5-hardware-topology-MjU1NA%3D%3D

Your best bet is probably the 3560E which you can get for about $110 on ebay/Amazon.

steele84

koz24 wrote: »

Take a look at INE's recommended hardware for their labs. http://labs.ine.com/workbook/view/rs-v5-workbook/task/ines-ccie-r-s-v5-hardware-topology-MjU1NA%3D%3D

Your best bet is probably the 3560E which you can get for about $110 on ebay/Amazon.

I picked up 2 3560's and they are great. I'm gonna try and find some cheap GBIC's for them after I'm done with labs and use them in my home network.

theodoxa

The 3560-24TS and 3560-48TS will also take IOS 15.0SE (though this is not supported by Cisco). This only works with the TS models as they have 32 MB of flash.