Hardware for CCNA?

Tech_Monkey

Hello all,

I'm gearing up for my first shot at the CCNA. After having read both the Cisco Press INTRO and ICND exam prep, I've decided to take the two test method to be sure I understand the foundations before I tackle the advanced topics. While I'm not afraid to try the INTRO test without having extensive hands-on (I work at an ISP and do deal with routers. Just not much advanced configuration.) I'm thinking that setting up my own small lab will be of huge benefit to me for the ICND test. I'm looking into purchasing two 2950 12 port switches (two so I can play with trunking) and two 2611 routers. I'm also hoping these will be of solid use to me as I move on from the CCNA to the CCSP. Does this sound like a setup that should cover everything I need and beyond for the CCNA? If not, what hardware setup would you suggest?

Thanks!

mikej412

Tech_Monkey wrote:

I'm thinking that setting up my own small lab will be of huge benefit to me for the ICND test. I'm looking into purchasing two 2950 12 port switches (two so I can play with trunking) and two 2611 routers. I'm also hoping these will be of solid use to me as I move on from the CCNA to the CCSP. Does this sound like a setup that should cover everything I need and beyond for the CCNA? If not, what hardware setup would you suggest?

You're proposed setup is a great start....

If you got a 3rd switch, it should be cheap IOS based 29xx that supports ISL -- it would be nice to see ISL, and you could have a server, client, and transparent swtich for VTP. The 3rd switch is nice, but if you're buying on eBay -- don't overpay/overbid -- nice to have, but you can live without it if you're counting pennies.

Your 3rd router should be something to act as a frame relay switch... and you'd also have a 3rd router for when you do OSPF DR and BDR elections. A cheap 252x switch should do the trick. You can do a lot of routing with just 2 routers (when you know what you are doing, what to expect, and how to fake it) -- but 3 makes it easier when you are starting out. The 3rd router is worth selling a pint of blood to get -- if they still do that (pay for blood).

For the CCSP you can run the IOS firewall, IDS, and VPNs on the routers -- and it helps with the concepts -- but for some of the software interface stuff and different command line stuff, you'll either need the real equipment or some rental rack time (or a real good memory for memorizing commands and screen prints from books).

But even with just the 2 and 2 -- you're on your way!

Tech_Monkey

Thanks very much for the response. I decided to invest a little more to make sure the equipment I buy will carry me through the CCSP and part of the CCIE.

3 x 3640 Routers, 128/32 RAM, 12.4 Advanced Enterprise IOS w/1x NM-2E2W module (dual ethernet) and 1x NM-4A/S module each (4 port serial module)

2 X 2950 12 port catalyst switch

I may add that 3rd switch in the near future, but above seems like a good start for the time being (and my wallet).

I see you're from my neck of the woods! Hello from L.I.T.H/Algonquin!

mikej412

Tech_Monkey wrote:

3 x 3640 Routers, 128/32 RAM, 12.4 Advanced Enterprise IOS w/1x NM-2E2W module (dual ethernet) and 1x NM-4A/S module each (4 port serial module)

2 X 2950 12 port catalyst switch

I didn't go for the 3640s until recently..... but I'm keeping the herd of 25xxs

I got my 2950-12 for $153+shipping on eBay. I was trying to stay under $200.... but gave up on the 2nd one when I got the 2950-24 for under $200 (including the shipping). I did luck out and get a 2900 series for $22 + shipping, but people regularly bid those obsolete puppies up over $100.

For the NM-1FEs -- I got a bunch of the NM-1FE-TXs, but I also go for the NM-FE-1CT1s and NM-FE-1CT1-CSUs -- still fast ethernet and for some reason.... cheaper Sort of like the 2513s I got -- maxed out memory for $20 (including shipping) -- no one wants them because they are 2501s with a token ring port....?!? Hum.... if you don't have a 3920 TR switch.... then you can't use the TR ports.... and then they only work just like 2501s... The single 2501 I won on eBay was $25 (my 2501 limit) + shipping.

I think my "best buy" was 5 2521s -- sigh, TR & BRI -- $80 (including shipping) & 2 were already maxed out on memory.

I've got my lab now -- so I can give away some of my eBay tips...

Tech_Monkey wrote:

I see you're from my neck of the woods! Hello from L.I.T.H/Algonquin!

Hello from the land of Barringtons!

I always think Lake in the Hills is north/north-west.... but that's Island Lake... and then Grayslake is east.... and then there's lots of other "lakes."

Hey.... LITH -- do you know Nikki?

Tech_Monkey

Nikki... Doesn't ring a bell. I kinda think of LITH as west/north west burbs. Hrmm... Now that you've listed your setup, I'm a bit more tempted to bargain shop for the equipment. I got some good prices on some nice equipment (IOS thrown in but not the license for it), but that total sounds about three to four times higher than what you paid. Granted the equipment is newer and includes all the accessories, but now I'm wondering if i need to spend that much to get the equipment necessary to do CCNA and CCSP. I know the CCSP will require some horsepower for encryption, but I have to figure out how to get the best bang for the buck. Time to go do some more homework on the matter.

mikej412

Tech_Monkey wrote:

Now that you've listed your setup

I think I hinted at my setup, rather than listed it.... Think tip of the iceberg -- as seen in the dark...

I also had a Token Ring PCMCIA card left over from a contract... and an old laptop to use as a tftp server.... so when I noticed the price differences in the routers, I bit the bullet and went cheap -- which meant having to live with Token Ring. Oh, I paid $25 (plus shipping) for my NM-1E1R2Ws (1 ethernet, 1 token ring). I paid $60 for my NM-4A/Ss. There were some cheaper -- but I went for convience of a bulk purchase on these and saved on shipping.

The only thing I needed the 3640s for (so far) was the CCIP MPLS exam hands-on practice.... (exam scheduled for May 18th) which gave me an excuse to upgrade my home lab to a real CCIE level lab. Prior to that I figured the maxed out 25xxs could take me 80%-90% to the CCIE, with lab rental taking me the rest of the way......

I'll probably use some rental for the CCIE Security Lab -- I have the IDS 4210 (but I'm looking at the IPSs), VPN 3005, VPN 3002 Hardware client, and 2 PIX 520s (6.4, not 7 which I'll probably need for the CCIE Lab). The security stuff for a home lab could set you back $4K -- but I shopped and got bargins and lucked out ($1800 ).

The kits are nice for when you finally give up on bargin hunting (or wait until the last minute to look for something you need) -- and you do pay a premium for someone else to do the shopping for you. Some of them may include a CD of IOSs -- for "testing purposes only" -- illegal.... but even using the IOSs that ship on the old routers violates the Cisco Licensing agreement.... beware the dark side of certification study.

For the 3550s, CiscoKits was my "backup" if I didn't get them on eBay. I figured $1500 was my top price used on eBay for a 3550-24..... Just as I was getting desperate I won a 3550-48 for $1525 and a 3550-24-PWR for $1275

I'm happy with the convience of the home lab where I can try almost anything I want whenever I want while I'm studying -- rather than having to keep a list of things to try when my next rack slot is scheduled. But besides being (eventually) a BIG expense -- it can also be a distraction from really studying if you're not careful.