Lab for CCNA/CCNP

Hi there folks, I want to shore up my n/w skills significantly and pick up a cert or two along the way. I've passed a few advanced exams so I know what I'm in for. What I want to get out of the lab is the CCNP and I want a physical lab (though open to the GNS3 idea). From reading the various threads on here and on https://www.certificationkits.com/lab-suggestions/cisco-lab-suggestions/ , I gather I need the following:

3 x Cisco WS C3560 24TS S Switch IOS15 32MB Flash 6MTHWTY Ccna Like WS C3560 24TS E | eBay

3 x CISCO2801 Hsec K9 Router W AIM VPN SSL 2 IOS ADV IP Serv 64F 256D 6MTHWTYTAXINV | eBay

1 x Cisco 2509 Terminal Services Router Console Server CISCO2509 0746320009506 | eBay

- What do you think of these devices for the CCNA leading onto the CCNP?
- What cables would I need apart from your usual Ethernet ones?

I don't have a Cisco account to get the IOS from hence why I chose these devices. I hear I need IOS 15 for all the cool stuff.

Thank you.

P.S If anyone's curious - for timelines, I'm looking at 2 months for the CCNA and maybe 6 months for the Switch exam.

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advanex1

Hey Essendon,

Iris gave me some good info the other day, figured I'd copy it in here.

1) As far as routers, you can probably just invest in a decent server and virtualize those routers. I'd just use CSR1000vs in eval mode, VIRL and/or GNS3. For the switches, I'd probably pick up a couple 3750V2. I have a couple off ebay and they still serve me well
The 3750V2s have up to 15.0.2-SE9 as of 12/7:

And they go for $60-75 on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cisco-Cataly...MAAOSwSdZWgt95
or if you want to pay a little more and keep your physical footprint smaller, you can pay $150 and get a small 8-port 3560 which can run the same IOS version as above: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cisco-WS-C35...cAAOSwCQNWcCfz

2) ASA 5506-X. You can get one off Amazon for approx $420. This little ASA could easily fun Firepower services so you have some future proofing there. I wouldn't bother with getting a second one to set up HA since you can do those functions in VIRL or GNS3. Pretty much the advantage of real hardware in this case is the Firepower functionality which you can't easily virtualize without licensing

3) I liked my Skeletek rack. It was REALLY sturdy and probably the only thing I've bought off Certificationkits.com in my entire time here: Cables and Accessories - Rack Stands - CertificationKits

4) For the 3750, ebay it and look for someone with large amounts of good feedback.
For the ASA, I used this seller: Robot Check
Note: I know they have some negative feedback but it's stupid. The feedback is complaining about the design of ASAs not realize that the seller isn't actually Cisco.
GNS3 is free, VIRL is for purchase here: VIRL - Virtual Internet Routing Lab I would probably put in for the academic edition if I were you

If you want actual physical routers, I'd say go with 1841s or 2800 series, they are relatively cheap with IOS 15 loaded on most of them already so you don't have to do the grunt work.

clarson

for the ccna, 3 routers and 2 switches will be enough. for the ccnp, you are going to want 4 routers and 4 switches.
See if you can get the transceiver for the 2509. you are going to want to telnet to the 2509 and without a transceiver, you don't have a network connection.
Don't know what your going to use for serial wics. But, for the ccnp, you will need at least one router that has 4 serial interface ports. On the 2801, one slot is for voice wics only. Not sure, what would work in there for serial. But, you might be limited to having to purchase serial wics that have dual ports. which would be more expensive. Or maybe buy a 2811 that has 4 wic slots.

Essendon

Thanks for the replies.

1. So the switches have to be 3750s?
2. If I purchase VIRL - where do I get the IOS from? Do VIRL provide purchase options? Like I said I dont have a Cisco account and the devices I linked to in the opening post have IOS 15 on them.

clarson

The previous post mentioned 3750G switches. The "G" is because the switch has gigabit ports. Most 3750G switches can run version 15 of the ios. And, most versions of the 3750 can not. The switches you linked to are 3560 "ts" and the ts version do have enough flash memory to run version 15 of the ios. And, are probably a lot cheaper than 3750Gs. Not sure how the prices are over where you are, but those links are pretty spendy for the US.

advanex1

The 3750s that were linked were cheaper than the 3560s that I've seen. No, they don't have to be 3750s. 3750s were suggested as a cheaper option and they allow IOS 15. 3550s/2960s won't do the job you want on the CCNP level completely, you'd need 3750s/3560s.

With VIRL, you need no IOS. You can purchase the normal package or an academic package (which is the same just a cheaper price - I don't think you're running 30 nodes). VIRL does have a learning curve to it though. Just imagine it as a slightly more advanced GNS3 that's supported by cisco. You like doing virtual stuff, so you'd probably enjoy it. It's runs virtually (for me with an .ova) in fusion pro.

clarson

Don't know where I pulled that 3750G reference from, but my mistake. Mentioned was the 3750V2 which will also run ios version 15.
that link to the 3750v2, that seller is like 5 miles from me. I've bought from them before. Always been happy. Pretty good price on that switch too.

Essendon

Cheers guys, I'll take a serious look at VIRL.