Post Your Lab (PICS)

Doyen

Here is a reworked and updated version of my lab. It is no longer "the leaning tower of Cisco". This is its "base state" before I go crazy with my lack of cable management.

Doyen wrote: »

This is my geeky network rack:



SWITCHES (11 Total):
1 x 3560-24-PS
7 x 2950-24
1 x 2950G-12
1 x 2950G-24
1 x 2950G-48

Routers (8 Total):
3 x 1760 (2 128MB/64 Flash)
1 x 2621XM Max Ram/Flash/VPN Module
1 x 2651XM Max Ram/Flash/VPN Module
1 x 2691 Max Ram/Flash/VPN Module
1 x 3725 Max Ram/Flash/VPN Module
1 x 3640

Access Console Server:
1 x Cyclades Afterpath Console Server-32

Storage:
2 x 6 unit drawers

Voice and Wireless Stuff:
2 x 7960G Cisco IP Phones
2 x Analog Telephones
2 x Cisco ATA 186
1 x Cisco ATA 188
2 x Cisco AP 1220B-A-K9
1 x Cisco AIR AP 1242G-A-K9

Rack:
7ft 2 Post Heavy Duty 19in Black Network Rack

Modules:
4 x Serial-4T
4 x WIC-2T
1 x WIC-1T
1 x Voice-2V


The room is still kinda messy from having to rearrange the room for my Cisco lab rack. I am still making rollover cords and straight cables. The only 3 things missing on the top were 3 power supplies that will probably be 8 or 11 AC slots. The primary purpose of this lab is to cover the routing/switching CCNA to CCIE, but unsure about the new "version 5" of CCIE. Since the security is similar to the routing/switching side, I may invest in getting an ASA firewall to play with. Ultimately, given the time, I do plan on getting CCNA in wireless and voice as well, at the very least, since that intrigues me as well. An opinions on how to improve it are greatly appreciated.

EDIT:
When I get around to it, I'll take a better photo. I didn't realize how fuzzy it was until I uploaded it

erron

My lab consists of:

4 x 1841 routers
4 x 3750 switches
1 x 5510 firewall

NetworkNewb

Like seeing everyone's labs!

Just starting out myself... Got my CCENT exam scheduled for March 6th.

Here is what I'm learning on right now:
3 x 1841 routers
2 x 2960 switches

siggnation

Great labs everyone--first rate! I will post my CCNA lab when I get home.

Nafe92014

Heres my current lab for my CCENT/CCNA:


1x 2509-RJ
2x 2811 ISR
2x 2960

I will be getting a proper rack soon.

Jollycork

Doyan: Here is a reworked and updated version of my lab. It is no longer "the leaning tower of Cisco". This is its "base state" before I go crazy with my lack of cable management.

Yeah that spaghetti certainly gets unruly when labbing... I don't bother to clean up mine because as soon as I do, it's a mess again.

got a picture here somewhere of it...


Lets see 2 1760s
2 2801s
3 2620xms
3550
2 2950Ts
2 supermicro servers [for Call Manager Suite]
3 7970s
4 7960s [I'm trying to get rid of them and get some 9971s]

and the really old, Air 1241 Access Point...Actually got a couple of them and was going to try the 2006 controller but... to pricy for old stuff....new stuff is more pricy but didn't go for wireless....

gorebrush

I need to pull mine apart as I'm selling it all off. Will have a new lab to post up soon though, will probably invest in some new equipment. But for now it looks like the lab will become a single ESX server and maybe a new Cisco L3 Gb switch to play with before I decide what else I need (if anything)

techfiend

Networknewb: Is your tabletop rack http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-19-Inch-Desktop-Frame-RK12OD/dp/B001U14MO8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1423950545&sr=8-5&keywords=computer+rack by chance? If so, do you think it would support a 2u server on the bottom with 4-5 1u routers/switches above it?

The reason I ask is there's very conflicting reviews on amazon about it, some say it houses a 4u server, while others say it wont even support a 1u server.

zaaa

Here's my lab

2x 2950
2x 1721
1x 3560
1x 2821

OfWolfAndMan

My home lab so far. Upgrades to come.

Everything with the exception of S1 through S4 is virtual. R1-R10 are CSR1000Vs (Based on INE CCIE topo). Additional features will be added onto windows server, but this is my project right now. All VMs run on ESXi. I also run an instance of mininet (For my virtual network topo for SDN labbing) and Fedora (For my SDN controller) on my Macbook Pro.
Switches: 3750, 3560-12PC-S, 2950, 3550

Unfortunately, I'm at capacity right now to only support 6 CSRs (I only have 16 GB RAM atm), but will be upgrading to 32 or 48 soon.

Update: Should be receiving an additional 16 GB RAM tomorrow. Here are my to-be computer specs:
-Mobo: Sabertooth X79
-Memory: 32 GB RIPJAWS DDR3 1866 MHz, quad channel
-CPU: Intel i7 3820 Sandy Bridge Quad CPU (3.6 GHz)
-Storage: 128 GB SSD primary boot, 1 GB WD 7200 RPM (I also have additional storage but it's for W7 on my separate boot. Using GRUB4DOS to separate, mainly because it's also a gaming rig).
-Power: 750 Watts
-Case: Aluminum, Full tower
-2x Realtek NICs (Will be adding an additional dual 1 Gbps NIC soon)

siggnation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-UDeHZrqQcObnd4OGU3WWhIRzdORE5lSHd2dkMtay1PUFNV/view?usp=sharing



3x Catalyst 2950s
1x 2811
2x 2620s
2x 1720s

I have a 3560 switch on the way to get some L3 routing in, and may consider getting another. I want to have this thing CCNP ready, not sure what else I would need.

NetworkNewb

techfiend wrote: »

Networknewb: Is your tabletop rack Amazon.com: StarTech.com 12U 19-Inch Desktop Open Frame 2 Post Rack RK12OD (Black): Electronics by chance? If so, do you think it would support a 2u server on the bottom with 4-5 1u routers/switches above it?

The reason I ask is there's very conflicting reviews on amazon about it, some say it houses a 4u server, while others say it wont even support a 1u server.

My rack is even cheaper here is mine.

http://www.amazon.com/OnStage-RS7030-Rack-Stand/dp/B000CD1R84/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424288818&sr=8-1&keywords=rack+for+audio+equipment

Don't see why it wouldn't hold a 1u or 2u server...

Magmadragoon

NetworkNewb wrote: »

My rack is even cheaper here is mine.

http://www.amazon.com/OnStage-RS7030-Rack-Stand/dp/B000CD1R84/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424288818&sr=8-1&keywords=rack+for+audio+equipment

Don't see why it wouldn't hold a 1u or 2u server...

This rack will not hold a 1U server. The server is too heavy trust me on this one. For switches and routers it is a great rack.

techfiend

Thanks, I may just spend a little more to get a 6.5 foot 48u. It's a bit taller than I want, would like to keep it under 5.5 feet to avoid a hangar rack in the closet but those are much more expensive then a 48u from the same company, go figure!

MTciscoguy

NetworkNewb wrote: »

My rack is even cheaper here is mine.

http://www.amazon.com/OnStage-RS7030-Rack-Stand/dp/B000CD1R84/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424288818&sr=8-1&keywords=rack+for+audio+equipment

Don't see why it wouldn't hold a 1u or 2u server...

Ain't happening, my two Dell servers weigh close to a hundred pounds , they are like 48 pounds a piece, that rack would collapse with them in it. Switches and routers yes, severs nope no way no how.

JeanM

MTciscoguy wrote: »

Ain't happening, my two Dell servers weigh close to a hundred pounds , they are like 48 pounds a piece, that rack would collapse with them in it. Switches and routers yes, severs nope no way no how.

Correct. I had that rack for a while, it worked for basic 1,2 U routers/switches , but it becomes an issue for full depth devices. So works for short depth , but not for full blades.

Look into Skeletek racks

chantt

NetworkNewb wrote: »

Like seeing everyone's labs!

Just starting out myself... Got my CCENT exam scheduled for March 6th.

Here is what I'm learning on right now:
3 x 1841 routers
2 x 2960 switches

What rack is that? xx Nevermind I see your link:)

Nice little setup

iBrokeIT

MTciscoguy

iBrokeIT wrote: »

Where did you find that cabinet, I would really like to put my gear in something like that.

NetworkNewb

That is a pretty sweet looking cabinet ^^^^^ Just saw that it had fans in to?? That has to be custom made right? I want one!


Edit: Found it!! very cool looking. (Plexi glass version in this link) http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-SRW12US-Enclosure-Cabinet/dp/B001TGUYI2/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1425076980&sr=1-24&keywords=network+rack

iBrokeIT

NetworkNewb wrote: »

Amazon.com: Tripp Lite SRW12US 12U Wall Mount Rack Enclosure Server Cabinet Door/Sides, Hinged: Electronics

Yup that's the cage and here are the fans at the bottom pulling air up: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NJ4J6I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I replaced the screaming loud 1U case fans with x4 Noctua fans in all my servers and x2 in the Cisco SG300 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NQLT0M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I hear the HDDs in my NAS more than anything else

MTciscoguy

Boy, they are proud of that one, I guess I am going to have to see what I can build in the shop, didn't think it would cost quite that much.

JayFR

Hey guys, I have been lurking for a bit getting ideas for a lab (going for CCNA at this time and looking towards CCNP Sec. direction after). I apologize if this is not the correct place but figured it was less intrusive then cluttering up the forum with an entire thread to asking for advice...

The build I currently thinking is:

Cisco 2950 x3
Dell Poweredge III (for server hands on and VMware stuff in future)
Netgear NAS (I happen to have this already)
Digi 48 port

Any recommendation for Cisco routers? And a rack to fit it all that is not $350? I have checked out the lack rack concept and the guitar gear racks but the hollow legs/thin metals of these concern me on weight. Thank you guys!

Nafe92014

I would reccommend 2 2811 Routers along with a couple of serial cards (for DCE and DTE purposes)

MTciscoguy

I am a big fan of the 1841 routers, they are not to expensive, they have good upgrade capabilities and run IOS 15.xx, if you look around you can actually find them for less than $50 bucks a piece and they are not expensive to upgrade.

JeanM

JayFR wrote: »

Hey guys, I have been lurking for a bit getting ideas for a lab (going for CCNA at this time and looking towards CCNP Sec. direction after). I apologize if this is not the correct place but figured it was less intrusive then cluttering up the forum with an entire thread to asking for advice...

The build I currently thinking is:

Cisco 2950 x3
Dell Poweredge III (for server hands on and VMware stuff in future)
Netgear NAS (I happen to have this already)
Digi 48 port

Any recommendation for Cisco routers? And a rack to fit it all that is not $350? I have checked out the lack rack concept and the guitar gear racks but the hollow legs/thin metals of these concern me on weight. Thank you guys!

For CCNP you'll need to look into L3 switches , 3550, 3560 etc..
For routers you can't go wrong with 1841s or 28xx series, you can get by with 26xx XM models as well for 90% of the stuff.

Xenomeow

EDITED: Seems the original image is back now. Nice looking Lab

Doyen wrote: »

Here is a reworked and updated version of my lab. It is no longer "the leaning tower of Cisco". This is its "base state" before I go crazy with my lack of cable management.

OfWolfAndMan

JayFR wrote: »

Hey guys, I have been lurking for a bit getting ideas for a lab (going for CCNA at this time and looking towards CCNP Sec. direction after). I apologize if this is not the correct place but figured it was less intrusive then cluttering up the forum with an entire thread to asking for advice...

Having a couple of switches and routers for the CCNP Sec would be good, but that's not gonna cut it. You also have to have access to an ASA (Or image), access to the next gen firewall stuff, and a copy of Cisco ISE. Look into the CCNP Sec course objectives first and then go off of that.

As for CCNA, an 1841 is my recommendation.

HAMP

Since I added a few pieces to my rack/s, I believe its time to post some new pics of it. I first ordered a small package from certificationkits because I wasn't sure of what I needed. I knew I would be adding to it as time go by. I plan to get myself to minimum level of a CCNP, and from there I'm not sure.

My first package:
1841 256/64
2801 256/64
3550
2960

In the pics below, I now have and also added some memory:
1841 256/64
2801 256/64
2811 768/128
2821 1024/64
(4) 2950
(1) 2960
(2) 3550
(2) 3750

Digi CM-48 as my terminal server. I was using the Cisco 2509, which I still have and not sure what I'm going to do with it.

LinuxRacr

Latest updates on my lab are more logical than hardware-based.

I stumbled across Duo Security's solution to two-factor authentication while looking at a viable way to give my wife VPN access to the home network. As passwords are usually the weakest link in security, I wanted to have a way to mitigate this by using a password (something you know), and an existing mobile phone (something you have). I must say that I really like the way this works, and that they make security easy to deliver and use.

Here is a link to the many integrations possible. https://www.duosecurity.com/docs

I have a Cisco router that I configured to use RADIUS for login, and an Intel NUC Linux server that acts as my RADIUS server and DuoAuthProxy server. I've also tested integrations with RDP and LINUX logins (PAM and SSH), and I am pleased. Check it out.






The push method of authentication is the simplest, and slickest method to use.