New CCNP exams

Hey gang - I'm looking to start the CCNP sometime in 2007, but I'm trying to prepare (ie home lab) ahead of time and was wondering what will be needed for the new exams?

At work we're constantly getting rid of old equipment and I would hate to pass something up that would be useful.

So far my lab consists of:

(2) 2507
(2) 2621
(1) 2611

(2) 2950
(1) 3550

I think I can get some 1700's if they would even be helpful. But how does this look so far? I didn't know if I should be trying to pick up more routers or switches - and if so what models I should be trying for.

I did some searches on home labs for the CCNP, but I didn't know if the home lab requirements would change after the revamp.

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Comments

steve-o87

The lab looks alright for now but according to...

Chris Bryant

... there is going to be a lot of emphasis on voice in the new exams.
Cisco are going to step the exams up a "notch", so you might want to be looking at some voice equipment.

It can't hurt since you could then use it for a CCVP! :P

bmauro

steve - thanks for the advice!

I went over to his site - but I couldn't find anything on the new exams - just links to purchase his exam study materials. Am I looking in the wrong places?

CCVP is something I am completely interested in since at work I'm slowly getting into VoIP and CallManager and Unity - so to build a lab that will serve me for the CCNP and CCVP would be aswesome.

steve-o87

Here's the article, I should have said it wasn't on his site.

I'm pretty much thinking of going the VOiP route because we use it at work and it's picking up momentum. There's a thread that Mikej posted on the equipment for a VP lab.

Good luck
Cheers

Webmaster

I didn't know if I should be trying to pick up more routers or switches

Your current routers and switches would do very well for even a CCIE lab. A 2511 would be nice. There's so much you can do with your current lab that will keep you busy for a while. Until the new Cisco press guides for the new CCNP exams are released for example, and it becomes a little clearer for which new topics it's worth investing in more equipment. You probably can't go wrong with adding voice equipment though.

bmauro

Wow - I do need to find some more serious gear for the CCVP :P

Well better to get started earlier than later.

Thanks again!

thisisalex02

a 3550... nice

As long as you have a dedicated Fr switch in ur setup.. your set

bmauro

No kidding on the 3550 - I was lucky to snag that. Unfortunately I don't think it's PoE, but I'm not complaining.

Thanks for the idea about waiting for the new Cisco Press material - that should clue me in on what I'll be needing.

What really stinks is that I'm trying to finish my MCSA right now, but all I can think of is Cisco - how I want to finish my CCDA, then move on to CCNP - CCVP - CCSP - and eventually CCIE.

Wish I could just skip 70-290/291 - but I'm learning and thats why I'm doing this. Thanks again guys.

homerj742

bmauro wrote:

No kidding on the 3550 - I was lucky to snag that. Unfortunately I don't think it's PoE, but I'm not complaining.

Thanks for the idea about waiting for the new Cisco Press material - that should clue me in on what I'll be needing.

What really stinks is that I'm trying to finish my MCSA right now, but all I can think of is Cisco - how I want to finish my CCDA, then move on to CCNP - CCVP - CCSP - and eventually CCIE.

Wish I could just skip 70-290/291 - but I'm learning and thats why I'm doing this. Thanks again guys.

haha, i'm in the same boat as you. Patience