Best basic CCNP switching lab using what I have in stock?

in CCNP
Hi all. I just passed my CCNP routing exam, and I'm ramping up for the CCNP switching class. My boss is kind enough to let me use surplus equipment from our storeroom as my lab, as long as it all stays on-premises, so I'm trying to sort out what would be the best combination. Any input would be much appreciated. I have a decent quantity of 2960, some 2960+, some 2960S with stacking modules, some 16Mb 3560, a 2960X, a 3750 SFP, and some first-gen 3550-12T. I may be able to free up a 3560X, a 3560CX, a 3650, or maybe a 3850.
Also, what do I lose by not being able to upgrade the 3560 to 15.x?
TIA,
Yappi
Also, what do I lose by not being able to upgrade the 3560 to 15.x?
TIA,
Yappi
Comments
you could use the 2960's as access switches. and layer 3 switches with >16mb memory (need 16mb to run version 15 of the ios)
it would be nice to get at least 2 3750 switches with stacking cables to learn about stacking switches
the test is written for version 15 of the ios. version 15 is a little different. you don't need version 15 on every switch. I'd hate to never use version 15 of the ios and fail the exam by 10 points
yes those other switches will work just fine although the 3850 uses the ios-xe version. you will probably spend more time learning about using the switch than studying for the exam.
most cheap 3750's come with only 16mb of memory, cant be upgraded to version 15. probably not necessary for just learning stackwise. but, if your spending money, you might as well get as much use as you can you probably have to buy the stacking cable separately. so if they need to be shipped it would be cheaper to get them from the same place
and of course, read up on stackwise so the model,ios, etc are compatible in the stack
The CCNP switch topics state to only "Describe" StackWise, but don't mention FlexStack. It prob won't be a must to lab up stacking as long as you are good and familiar with StackWise and how it works, verification commands, etc. Though YMMV. And FWIW I'm going through the Global Knowledge course now for SWITCH and there's not even a StackWise lab in it.
For the HSRP and other layer 3 labs you can use real layer 3 switches (3550 and up I do believe) that you have, or routers in GNS3 or other virtual environments.
For the remaining layer 2 labs most any of those switches should serve you well. I'd use 3 or 4 of the newest switches you have if it were me, just for fun. They'd do all the labs without a prob, of course you may have to find some copper SFPs...
Those 3850's are nice, we have a couple SFP+ 10gig versions in a stack. Not much difference if any that I can tell from the IOS-XE version.
Just my personal preference but I have plenty of hands-on already so I try to do as much as possible in virtual environments and use real switches as a last resort.
In regards to labs for the SWITCH exam, my understanding is the only difference from IOS 12.x to 15.x, is a change in how things are licensed. 15.x has modular licensing as opposed to upgrading to different versions with different feature sets. There could be some feature differences but not that will affect your labs or studying for the exam.
[X] CCNA ICND2 200-105
[X] CCNP ROUTE 300-101
[X] CCNP SWITCH 300-115
[X] CCNP TSHOOT 300-135
[ ] CCDP ARCH 300-320
For using routers I was mostly referring to the HSRP/VRRP labs. There will be some labs requiring a L3 switch when it's related to InterVLAN routing or other labs that are specific to L3 switches. You can use a router on a stick for InterVLAN routing as you prob remember in ROUTE. But SWITCH is specific in learning InterVLAN routing on a L3 switch, so that's what you will need to lab it up and understand it. Router on a stick won't do you much good there lol...
What study materials/lab resources are you using?
[X] CCNA ICND2 200-105
[X] CCNP ROUTE 300-101
[X] CCNP SWITCH 300-115
[X] CCNP TSHOOT 300-135
[ ] CCDP ARCH 300-320
Not sure if I'd spend cash on it, but it's well worth the CLCs if you have them.
[X] CCNA ICND2 200-105
[X] CCNP ROUTE 300-101
[X] CCNP SWITCH 300-115
[X] CCNP TSHOOT 300-135
[ ] CCDP ARCH 300-320
Basically you just need at least two Catalyst 3000 series switches and at least two Catalyst 2960 series switches.
Of you can even go all Cat 3000 series.
CCNP TShoot - 3/7/2018
CCNP Route - 1/31/2018
CCNP Switch - 12/10/2015
CCNA R/S - 1/14/2015