Do I need a Layer 3 switch?

toasterboy1

So I got to the chapter about switches in the Todd Lammle book and there is reference to needing a Layer 3 switch in later chapters. Is it imperative that I have one in my home lab? I could not find anything in the exam objectives that listed routing related to configuring switches, only routers.

Current home lab:
1760
1841
2651XM
2 x 2950T
2950

v1ral

I'd say it's a necessity to have a L3 switch since every company uses one to cut down on internal routing overhead on the routers.

clarson

a layer 3 switch isn't necessary for the ccna level certifications, but they are required for certs beyond the ccna certs. the concepts of edge, distriburtion, core switches and their routing on on the ccnp.

toasterboy1

Thanks for the responses. I assumed it would be good to get one eventually. I mean if they make them people use them. Just hoped I was set for now.

volfkhat

No, you do Not need it for the ccent/part2 exams.

But if you still want a little "hands on"... Packet Tracer (6.1 - Student Edition) has functional 3560 switches that you can play on.

Save your $$$.

TWX

It also doesn't hurt that you don't have to do routing on it, so you don't have to use any L3 capabilities now if you just want to learn L2 stuff. It really just depends on what you can find used and for how much. A lot of entities are taking 3550 switches out of service, they would probably be available cheap.

Mooseboost

For the CCNA, it is not required. I would highly recommend one though, especially if you intend to move to higher certifications. For the CCNP, you will need L3 switches. TWX is absolutely right, you can pick up 3550 switches for a good value right now. Clarson usually has some - you may want to PM him and ask what he has.

toasterboy1

Got most of my stuff from him and also stuff to make what I already had usable. I just had not seen L3 switches listed as needed at the beginning of the "How to study" thread. I really just wanted cheap. The whole idea of a switch doing L3 stuff blows my mind! Will certainly look into getting something in the future but glad I am set for now.

Simrid

As the OP says, layer 3 switching is no covered in the CCNA, however it's always good fun to play about with new technologies. If you plan on going for the CCNP, layer 3 switching is a key part of the switch exam. If you can afford it, try and pick up a 3750 as it supports stacking, although the 3560 or even 3550 is still a good buy.

hannism

I passed my CCNA without any hardware. For your CCNP, it's definitely needed.

theodoxa

If I were just starting today, I would try to go with all Layer 3 switches as you will need them at the CCNP and CCIE level. When I did CCNA, Layer 3 switches were expensive, especially the 3560/3750.

CCNA: 0 x L3 Switches
CCNP: 2 x L3 Switches (3560/3750 or better)
CCIE: 4 x L3 Switches (3560-24TS, 3560-48TS, 3560G, 3560E, Some 3750G)

SGIT

theodoxa wrote: »

If I were just starting today, I would try to go with all Layer 3 switches as you will need them at the CCNP and CCIE level. When I did CCNA, Layer 3 switches were expensive, especially the 3560/3750.

CCNA: 0 x L3 Switches
CCNP: 2 x L3 Switches (3560/3750 or better)
CCIE: 4 x L3 Switches (3560-24TS, 3560-48TS, 3560G, 3560E, Some 3750G)

Cool, one of the switches I bought in August is a 3560 and it cost $69.00 from ebay.

Deathmage

theodoxa wrote: »

If I were just starting today, I would try to go with all Layer 3 switches as you will need them at the CCNP and CCIE level. When I did CCNA, Layer 3 switches were expensive, especially the 3560/3750.

CCNA: 0 x L3 Switches
CCNP: 2 x L3 Switches (3560/3750 or better)
CCIE: 4 x L3 Switches (3560-24TS, 3560-48TS, 3560G, 3560E, Some 3750G)

Well **** I guess I have enough hardware for 3 people at the CCIE level

3750G's are like $120 each on ebay now. I got (7) of them now, (4) 2960G's, (5) 2950's, (2) 3550's, (3) 2600's, (2) 2821's, (3) 2811's, and a partridge in a peach tree.

theodoxa

Deathmage wrote: »

Well **** I guess I have enough hardware for 3 people at the CCIE level

3750G's are like $120 each on ebay now. I got (7) of them now, (4) 2960G's, (5) 2950's, (2) 3550's, (3) 2600's, (2) 2821's, (3) 2811's, and a partridge in a peach tree.

I think I have a "problem"

Older Routers: (12) Cisco 1760, (3) Cisco 1751, (2) Cisco 1750, (1) Cisco 3745, (1) Cisco 1604-R
ISR G1: (5) Cisco 1841, (1) Cisco 1811W, (1) Cisco 2801, (1) Cisco 2821
ISR G2: (1) Cisco 1921 (ipbasek9, securityk9, datak9), (1) Cisco 881, (1) Cisco 881G, (1) Cisco 881W

Layer 2 Switches: (3) 2960-24TT-L, (2) 2950-24, (1) Dell PowerConnect Switch
Layer 3 Switches: (1) 3560E-48TD-E, (4) 3560-24TS, (1) 3560-24PS-E, (1) 3750G-12S, (1) 3750-24FS, (2) 3750-24TS, (2) 3550-24PWR, (2) 3550-48

Voice: (1) Cisco UC520W, (1) Cisco 1861, Various VICs/VWICs/PVDMs, (1) AIM-CUE
Wireless: (4) WAP-4410N
Security: (1) ASA 5505-BUN/K9, (1) ASA 5505-SEC-BUN/K9, (1) CVPN 3000 VPN Concentrator
Miscellaneous: (2) VMware ESXi 6.0 Servers (for Virtual Routers, Servers, PCs, etc...)

I've been collecting equipment since my CCNA studies. My CCIE Lab is all virtual for Routing -- CSR-1000V Virtual Routers, so I'm no even using any of the routers anymore.

TWX

*blink*

*blink*

And I thought I had a problem...

GDaines

Damn, I've got a long way to go.

I don't mean to hijack the thread but it is relevant so seems stupid to start another thread to ask the same question.

I'm thinking of adding another layer3 switch to my kit as apparently I can't upgrade my WS-C3560-24PS-S but what model should I buy? The gigabit models (3560G, 3560E) are out of my price range at £200+ ($300+ shipped to the UK) so should I just be trying to stretch myself to a 3560V2 or is a 3560 okay? And for upgradeability I've been told I should buy the "TS" instead of the PoE "PS" but do I want standard (S) or enhanced (E) image? And try to find 15.x IOS or will 12.x be enough?

And what about the 3750, isn't that the older range even though it was a higher model? Do I recall seeing that this supports stacking, but do I even care? Shouldn't I be more concerned about features such as IPv6, but then aren't features to some extent down to the level of IOS installed?

Currently working towards CCNA R&S but may well go on to CCNP. Might also look at doing CCNA Security and/or CCNA Collaboration so need to make sure any features I need for these paths are covered rather than me having to go out and buy more kit again.

clarson

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/105168-3560-3750-my-ccnp-home-lab.html

Deathmage

theodoxa wrote: »

I think I have a "problem"

Older Routers: (12) Cisco 1760, (3) Cisco 1751, (2) Cisco 1750, (1) Cisco 3745, (1) Cisco 1604-R
ISR G1: (5) Cisco 1841, (1) Cisco 1811W, (1) Cisco 2801, (1) Cisco 2821
ISR G2: (1) Cisco 1921 (ipbasek9, securityk9, datak9), (1) Cisco 881, (1) Cisco 881G, (1) Cisco 881W

Layer 2 Switches: (3) 2960-24TT-L, (2) 2950-24, (1) Dell PowerConnect Switch
Layer 3 Switches: (1) 3560E-48TD-E, (4) 3560-24TS, (1) 3560-24PS-E, (1) 3750G-12S, (1) 3750-24FS, (2) 3750-24TS, (2) 3550-24PWR, (2) 3550-48

Voice: (1) Cisco UC520W, (1) Cisco 1861, Various VICs/VWICs/PVDMs, (1) AIM-CUE
Wireless: (4) WAP-4410N
Security: (1) ASA 5505-BUN/K9, (1) ASA 5505-SEC-BUN/K9, (1) CVPN 3000 VPN Concentrator
Miscellaneous: (2) VMware ESXi 6.0 Servers (for Virtual Routers, Servers, PCs, etc...)

I've been collecting equipment since my CCNA studies. My CCIE Lab is all virtual for Routing -- CSR-1000V Virtual Routers, so I'm no even using any of the routers anymore.

Creeping up on you....

Just got a 1921.

GDaines

clarson wrote: »

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/105168-3560-3750-my-ccnp-home-lab.html

Useful link, saves me trying to work out which 3560 switches have 32mb onboard flash and so are upgradable to IOS 15, and which only have 16mb so are not. Unlike routers the flash is onboard rather than a card so cannot be upgraded.

theodoxa

GDaines wrote: »

The gigabit models (3560G, 3560E) are out of my price range at £200+ ($300+ shipped to the UK) so should I just be trying to stretch myself to a 3560V2 or is a 3560 okay? And for upgradeability I've been told I should buy the "TS" instead of the PoE "PS" but do I want standard (S) or enhanced (E) image? And try to find 15.x IOS or will 12.x be enough?

The 24TS and 48TS models have enough flash for IOS 15. Per INE, 15 is required to do 100% of their CCIE: R&S workbook labs. For CCNP, 12.2(55)SE should be fine.

As for the S vs. E, it doesn't matter. All that indicates is whether the switch ORIGINALLY shipped with the IP Base (S) or IP Services (E) IOS. I've seen plenty of (S) switches that came with IP Services. Plus, there is nothing (other than Cisco saying not to) keeping you from installing the IP Services IOS as long as you can obtain a copy of it. You will want IP Services for CCNP and above.

And what about the 3750, isn't that the older range even though it was a higher model? Do I recall seeing that this supports stacking, but do I even care? Shouldn't I be more concerned about features such as IPv6, but then aren't features to some extent down to the level of IOS installed?

Stackwise is a "Describe" topic on the SWITCH exam. Basically, that means you will be expected to know what it is, what it does, and how it operates, but you SHOULDN'T be expected to configure it.

Currently working towards CCNA R&S but may well go on to CCNP. Might also look at doing CCNA Security and/or CCNA Collaboration so need to make sure any features I need for these paths are covered rather than me having to go out and buy more kit again.

For Collaboration, PoE switches would be nice, but are probably not required. They save you having to connect a power brick to every single phone. Newer phones might use only 802.3af/802.3at PoE, while older phones might support either PoE or Cisco Inline Power. The 3550 uses Inline Power. The 3560 uses 802.3af PoE.

Inline Power, POE or POE+ -- which do you need? | Network World