CCNA R/S lab set-up help PLEEEAAAASSSSSEEEEEE

sferg410

Can someone please recommend the parts for a CCNA R/S lab please. I look on ebay but so many different model numbers and no one says what ios they have!! I am a total newbie when it comes to CCNA equipment but I want a lab, dont want to be a paper champion who has never used real equipment.
Not looking for bare bones minimum but something mid range to get me through CCNA R/S, maybe another CCNA like voice or security after that. I understand that is something like 3 x switches and 3 x routers?????
Please help, need to get stuff so I can get studying and labing....

gncsmith

This is what I was told when I asked this question --


If you don't plan on going past CCNA:


3 x 1841 ($90-105)
1 x 2811 ($25-45)
3 x Catalyst 2950 ($60-75)
6 x WIC-1DSU-T1-V2 (These will frequently come with routers on eBay, but can be bought separately for $6.50/each or less)


Total: $175 to $264


If You Plan on Doing CCNP:


3 x 1841 ($90-105) -- Add 1 more for CCNP
1 x 2811 ($25-45)
2 x Catalyst 3560 (Any 24/48 Port Model)($100-130)
1 x Catalyst 2960 (LAN Base NOT Lan Lite)($52-65) or 3560 (Any 24/48 Port Model)($50-65) -- Add 1 more for CCNP
8 x WIC-1DSU-T1-V2 (FREE to $52)


Total: $267 to $397


If You Plan on Doing CCIE:


NOTE: To do physical routers for CCIE, you would need 20 x ISR G2 Routers with Data and Security Licenses. Given that would cost $8,000 or more...most CCIE candidates opt for the CSR-1000V, which is a Virtual Router that runs on VMware ESXi (and some other Hypervisors). It does not support Serial WAN, but is otherwise a very good router. You would need a dedicated ESXi compatible server, but these can be had for under $300 if you don't mind it being really loud and producing a ton of heat (Dell PowerEdge 1950). I would suggest using physical routers for at least CCNA so that you learn how to connect to the Console Port, Perform Password Recovery, etc...


You will need 4 IOS 15 switches for the Layer 2 portion and a breakout switch to connect everything together. If CCIE is your ultimate goal, then you would be benefited by buying only 3560-24TS, 3560-48TS, or 3560G switches which have 32 MB of flash and support IOS 15. This would avoid having to replace switches down the road.


WARNING: The 3560E uses a Universal image, which is IP Base. Unlike earlier switches (3560 and 3560G), to upgrade to IP Services would require a license key. You can't just drop the IP Services IOS on it like older switches. When buying any switch (3560E, 3650*, 3850) or Router (1900, 2900, 3900 Series) that runs a Universal Image ensure that it has a Permanent (Not Time Limited) IP Services License (Switch) or Data and Security Licenses (Router).