what lab equipment

Mr.Robot255

Hi all

i didn't wanna hijack a similar thread as it could get confusing for everyone

i am starting CCNA and from what i have read and been told , packet tracer, gsn3 and boson is sufficient for passing the ccna

that being said i wouldn't mind just having some items i can test lab with, i like hands on and even if its just to see a blinking green light it sometimes helps me understand things easier than doing it virtually

so my question is what is the basic lab setup i would need, as i am new to cisco devices the model numbers etc are all foreign to me at the moment

from watching CBT nuggets one of the vids lists:
2 x 3550 switch
2 x 2621xm routers
(he states thats they're ones he is using for the vids and there are other options depending on budget )

cabling : console cable (one enough?)
crossover cables a few
straight though patch a few
serial cable (how many)

he says he can get all that for 1-200$ im in ireland and im guessing closer to the 200euro+ mark , what else do i need to make sure of as in ios 15 or 12.2 , i'd like to keep it as cost friendly as possible without sacrificing essential things.

im also trying to think ahead and if need be in the future if i need to add more i dont mind , and plus im sure i would be able to sell on when im done (unless i need to keep em)

thanks

clarson

Well, first of all I'd check to see how current those videos are.

The 3550's are layer 3 switches and layer 3 isn't tested for in the ccna. Your probably better off with 2950 switches. But, now days they are both so cheap, it doesn't really matter.

and, you most definitely want 3 routers. not sure what he says about serial wics. Frame relay used to be on ccna before the last update last summer. Back then you would need 4 serial ports and a couple of serial cables. I know frame relay isn't on the current ccna exam. But, pap and chap are. So, you might need 2 serial wics and a serial cable.
Maybe some current testers could elaborate on this.

console cable (one enough?)
first of all, most resellers sell with the equipment a console cable that has a db9 serial port connector. So, does your computer support a db9 serial connector. But, there are serial to usb adaptors. one is enough, but two is better. And, setup your equipment so you can ssh/telnet into it. make your password the same as the username. put the password into a text file. copy and paste. click, click, click, .... and you have logged onto them all.

the hardware is one thing, but the most important is the version and feature set of the ios that the hardware is running.
the ccna is writter for version 15 of the ios. That is the syntax your going to see on the exam. So, I recommend that you have at least one router that can run version 15 of the ios. And, you will need a router running version 15 of the ios for the ccna:security exam.

for the routers, the ipbase feature set is good enough. if you want to security, you will need the next higher feature set, advanced security. And, the next higher feature set is advipservices. which includes all the adv security features plus more things, like ipv6. And, the router will need enough ram and flash to run and install that version of the ios and feature set.

i passed the last version of the ccna exam with:
2x 2950's you need the latest ios, 12.1-14.ea22 or something like that
2x 2600xms with ram 128mb/32mb flash running 12.4-25d
and a 2800 router runing version 15 of the ios

2 crossover cables is enough.
and if the switches do automdix you don't need any. 3550s and 2950's don't do automdix.

Mr.Robot255

Hey Clarson

thanks for response

i will check ebay over the next few days/week and check some prices

so if i can i should get ios 15on as many devices as i can , and if not something like 12.2 but one router at least should have 15 yes?

clarson

well it all depends on you objective and time frame.

if your just getting the ccna, just one router that runs version 15 of the ios is good. And, you will need a router that runs version 15 of the ios for the ccna:security exam. So, getting the one is pretty much a no brainer. Now, for the ccnp having all your equipment running version 15 of the ios is desirable. So, getting more is about how long it takes you get those certs. Because in a year, the equipment that runs version 15 of the ios is going to be 30-50% cheaper.

So, I recommend getting the least that you need now. When you need better equipment, sell the old stuff and buy the better equipment at a lower price.

the 12.2 applies to switches. for routers you want at least 12.4

Mr.Robot255

ok makes sense

as you say no point buying what i don't need and just wait til i do need it.

thanks again


when im gonna buy i will probably post here with exact items ive picked out just to be sure

thanks again for help

Mr.Robot255

would this lab be ok

Cisco CCNA LAB STARTER KIT

2 X 2811 256/64 + 1 X WIC-1T Some scratches on casing (IOS 15)

1 X 2811 256/64 + 2 X WIC-1T Some scratches on casing (IOS 15)

2 X WS-C2950-24 Some scratches on casing

Also included in the sale is

5 X Power Cables (For UK Only)

4 X Patch Leads (Short)

1 X Console Cable

2 X DTE/DCE Cable

This the perfect way to start your CCNA lab and upgade by expanding it further.

Please note that these units have had all passwords removed. However, you mighty need to reset the units to factory default.

Two of the 2811 router are fitted with 1 X WIC-1T serial card.

One of the 2811 router is fitterd with 2 X WIC-1T serial card

Please let me know if you require any of the Hyperterminal output prior to purchasing.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Cisco-CCNA-CCNP-LAB-STARTER-KIT-3-X-2811-IOS-15-2-X-WS-C2950-24-Cables-/361144224716?hash=item5415df8bcc:g:1AAAAOSwys5WWBO-

clarson

well, like I mentioned before you need to know the which version of the ios and what ios feature set you have.

to have the advipservices feature set for version 15 of the ios is 63mb in size. So, if your just getting a 64mb flash card, you cant do ipv6.
and of course you might just be getting ipbase feature. Which is good enough for the ccna exam. But, your going to need a better ios for any other cisco exam.

So, see what it takes to put the adventerprise feature set on the routers for you

Those switches need to be running one of the latest version of the ios. If it isn't you will be missing features that you'd like to have.

the hardware is ok. but harware without software is useless. get the right software and the hardware will be more useful to you.

Mr.Robot255

I messaged the seller his reply :


Hi

The routers have all been upgraded to IOS 15 . c2800nm-advsecurityk9-mz.151-1.T.bin. The 2950 varies as we do not upgrade the IOS on these. If there is a particular IOS that you need please let me know and if we have it ion our library I would be happy to upgrade the routers to. Hopethis helps. Thanks








I'm confused on the software issue of what is and isn't needed as I'm still only starting my way through the icdn1 course . The iOS needed isn't really mentioned except briefly (in various videos I'm watching) and wasn't specifically said that I must have "x & y" etc

Thanks again for helping

clarson

Well, they aren't going to mention it. Cisco has so many different routers and switches and each has several different ios version with many different feature sets. There are books written about how Cisco does software versioning. nobody is going to spend hours trying to teach you something that isn't on the test.

on the switches you like: c2950-i6k2l2q4-mz.121-22.EA14.bin

for the routers: c2800nm-advsecurityk9-mz.151-4.M10.bin
that version is a bit out of date. and you'd prefer advipservices or adventerprise feature sets.

and as i mentioned, your not getting adipservices feature set. So, you cant do ipv6. no routing protocols for ipv6, no dhcp that supports ipv6, etc. Maybe you can learn enough from your study materials because your not going to be able to lab it with that ios.

Yes, that ios is good enough for the ccna exam. And, you do have the advsecurity feature set for the ccna:security exam.
but, if you get a better ios, you will have a better to lab to learn from.

And, I don't know if I would purchase from these guys. There are two important parts to a lab. The hardware and the ios. And, they don't upgrade the software at all. 2950's can easily be 15 years old. just send it to the customer with the same 15 year old software on it. Good luck on passing the exam that was rewritten last year. You go to a repbutable kit builder here in the states and the ios will be upgraded. Just saying they like to cut corners.

ask if the compact flash ejectors are broken. They don't show them in the pictures.

Mr.Robot255

Hi Clarson

i managed to find these on a local buy/sell site near me for 60euro for the lot.


2 routers 1700
1 router 1600
2 switches 2950
3 com switch included.
All cables- 3 consoles (i got my own serial to usb adaptors for win10)
All cards and serial ports included.
1x cisco 3620 frame relay




router1
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) C1700 Software (C1700-SY7-M), Version 12.3(6a), RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc4)
Copyright (c) 1986-2004 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Fri 02-Apr-04 20:21 by kellythw
Image text-base: 0x80008120, data-base: 0x80DBEAE0


ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 12.2(4r)XL, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)


Router uptime is 0 minutes
System returned to ROM by power-on
System restarted at 15:55:27 UTC Tue Apr 25 2006
System image file is "flash:c1700-sy7-mz.123-6a.bin"


cisco 1760 (MPC860P) processor (revision 0x200) with 49152K/16384K bytes of memo ry.
Processor board ID VMS061801BE (218059467), with hardware revision BB67
MPC860P processor: part number 5, mask 2
Bridging software.
X.25 software, Version 3.0.0.
1 FastEthernet/IEEE 802.3 interface(s)
1 Serial(sync/async) network interface(s)
32K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
32768K bytes of processor board System flash (Read/Write)


Configuration register is 0x2142










router2
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) C1700 Software (C1700-Y-M), Version 12.2(11)T1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
TAC Support: Support and Documentation
Copyright (c) 1986-2002 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Mon 30-Sep-02 02:52 by ccai
Image text-base: 0x80008124, data-base: 0x807E44CC


ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 12.2(4r)XL, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)


Router1 uptime is 6 minutes
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:c1700-y-mz.122-11.T1.bin"


cisco 1760 (MPC860P) processor (revision 0x200) with 29492K/3276K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FOC064508PZ (1624906629), with hardware revision BB67
MPC860P processor: part number 5, mask 2
Bridging software.
X.25 software, Version 3.0.0.
1 FastEthernet/IEEE 802.3 interface(s)
1 Serial(sync/async) network interface(s)
32K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
16384K bytes of processor board System flash (Read/Write)


Configuration register is 0x2102


















Switch>show ver


switch
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) C2950 Software (C2950-I6Q4L2-M), Version 12.1(22)EA4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-2005 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 23-Mar-05 15:33 by yenanh
Image text-base: 0x80010000, data-base: 0x80562000


ROM: Bootstrap program is C2950 boot loader


Switch uptime is 2 minutes
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:/c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-22.EA4.bin"


cisco WS-C2950-24 (RC32300) processor (revision R0) with 21039K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FCZ0935Y04L
Last reset from system-reset
Running Standard Image
24 FastEthernet/IEEE 802.3 interface(s)


32K bytes of flash-simulated non-volatile configuration memory.
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:15:2B:53:49:00
Motherboard assembly number: 73-5781-13
Power supply part number: 34-0965-01
Motherboard serial number: FOC093135E4
Power supply serial number: DAB09209VJU
Model revision number: R0
Motherboard revision number: A0
Model number: WS-C2950-24
System serial number: FCZ0935Y04L
Configuration register is 0xF
























switch2


switch2>show ver
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) C2950 Software (C2950-I6Q4L2-M), Version 12.1(22)EA4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-2005 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Wed 23-Mar-05 15:33 by yenanh
Image text-base: 0x80010000, data-base: 0x80562000


ROM: Bootstrap program is C2950 boot loader


switch2 uptime is 9 minutes
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:/c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-22.EA4.bin"


cisco WS-C2950-24 (RC32300) processor (revision R0) with 21039K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FCZ0926X16K
Last reset from system-reset
Running Standard Image
24 FastEthernet/IEEE 802.3 interface(s)


32K bytes of flash-simulated non-volatile configuration memory.
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:14:6A:DE:F4:00
Motherboard assembly number: 73-5781-13
Power supply part number: 34-0965-01
Motherboard serial number: FOC092246NQ
Power supply serial number: PHI09060CGZ
Model revision number: R0
Motherboard revision number: A0
Model number: WS-C2950-24
System serial number: FCZ0926X16K
Configuration register is 0xF

Mr.Robot255

i wiped all the existing passwords off them and from what i understand i reset them to factory settings. I am still playing around with them. and finding the best place to keep them in.

would u be able to tell from the show version outputs whether or not any them i can upgrade the IOS ?

any help appreciated

clarson

you are probably ok with the ios that is on the switches. And, you can upgrade the ios if you wanted.

the routers are a different story.
router1 has 64mb ram and 32mb flash
router2 has 32mb ram and 16mb flash.

I always put the ios version 12.4.25 or 12.4T of the adventerprise feature set. In general, to do that requires 128mb ram and 32mb of flash. So, you could install that on one router. but, you couldn't run it.

Now, less capable feature sets and older ios's require less memory. I don't know what the requirments are for other ios's.

And, 1760's came from the factory with 64mb ram and 32mb flash. So, looks like someone pulled some memory out in it's history.

so if want to up grade the ios. See what that ios's memory reqirements are. And, then your going to need to purchase some memory.

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccnp-voice/44802-cisco-1760-memory-upgrade.html

and you should change the configuration register on router 1 to 0x2102

Mr.Robot255

Thanks CLarson i will look into the memory upgrade , i purchased them items just cos they were going so cheap and even if i have to buy more i will


I have run into a problem tho

i was trying to upgrade the feature set on one of the 2950s (from what i was reading ) to enable SHH the filename .bin must have K2 somewhere in it.

I tried and it failed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!O!!!!!!!!!!!OO!!!!!!!!!OO!!! with an output like that in the latter stages of it


so i tried format flash to free up flash memory

which it successfully did but now when trying to reload the flash i am getting an error (this is trying to put the original file back on i saved it using same method tftp server)

Switch#copy flash tftp
Source filename [c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-22.EA4.bin]?
Address or name of remote host []? 192.168.0.100
Destination filename [c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-22.EA4.bin]?
%Error opening flash:c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-22.EA4.bin (No such file or directory)




i am using putty, solarwinds tftp and connected via console to my pc.

i can Ping my PC from router and can Ping switch from PC
PC 192.168.0.100
Switch 192.168.0.200


i have not yet turned off switch as from reading on some sites if i shut the switch off i will lose my session.

clarson

that is right don't shut the switch down. as you know, there is no ios on the switch. the format flash command erased it. if you turn it off, you will need to load the ios using xmodem.

but your problem is the "copy flash tftp" command. it copies from the flash to your tftp server. and there isn't an ios on flash. So, you get the "no such file" error message.

what you need to do is: copy tftp flash

i was trying to upgrade the feature set on one of the 2950s (from what i was reading ) to enable SHH the filename .bin must have K2 somewhere in it.

no it doesn't. i think all the later version of the ios support ssh. So, if it a try first, you might not need to do an upgrade. (at least not to have ssh)

I tried and it failed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!O!!!!!!!!!!!OO!!!!!!!!!OO!!! with an output like that in the latter stages of it

sometimes that is because there isn't enough space to load the ios. But, usually a 2950 can hold more than one ios. So, t here might have been other files.

Mr.Robot255

that worked perfectly thanks

copy flash tftp - should be -copy tftp flash for anyone else who needs this help



that worked perfectly thanks again Clarson you have been a major help to me lately much appreciated.


i changed the boot and it now loads the updated version i have from c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-22.EA4.bin


Switch>show ver
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) C2950 Software (C2950-I6Q4L2-M), Version 12.1(22)EA8a, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-2006 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Fri 28-Jul-06 15:16 by weiliu
Image text-base: 0x80010000, data-base: 0x8056A000


ROM: Bootstrap program is C2950 boot loader


Switch uptime is 0 minutes
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-22.ea8a.bin"


cisco WS-C2950-24 (RC32300) processor (revision R0) with 21004K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID FCZ0935Y04L
Last reset from system-reset
Running Standard Image
24 FastEthernet/IEEE 802.3 interface(s)


32K bytes of flash-simulated non-volatile configuration memory.
Base ethernet MAC Address: 00:15:2B:53:49:00
Motherboard assembly number: 73-5781-13
Power supply part number: 34-0965-01
Motherboard serial number: FOC093135E4
Power supply serial number: DAB09209VJU
Model revision number: R0
Motherboard revision number: A0
Model number: WS-C2950-24
System serial number: FCZ0935Y04L
Configuration register is 0xF




Switch#show boot
BOOT path-list: flash:c2950-i6q4l2-mz.121-22.ea8a.bin
Config file: flash:/config.text
Private Config file: flash:/private-config.text
Enable Break: no
Manual Boot: no
HELPER path-list:
NVRAM/Config file
buffer size: 32768






i should do that on both switches i take it and have them both running same file system. ?


thanks again

clarson

well the version are pretty close to being the same. So, probably wont make a difference for you.

But, the more times you do something, the better you will understand how it works and remember it.

TechGuru80

Personally I would see if you can also find an access server like a Cisco 2511 for cheap...it will eliminate the need to change the serial connection and if you get more equipment it will be necessary.