What is the Basic Minimum Hardware for CCNP

Hi Guys,

I'm fresh from passing CCNA and would like to continue to CCNP. I am wondering what is the basic hardware requirement (routers/switches) do I need to practise for all the CCNP exams.

I managed to pass CCNA using dynamips alone, but I know I will have to get some practise hardware to pass CCNP.

Cheers.

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Comments

Paul Boz

dula wrote:

Hi Guys,
I managed to pass CCNA using dynamips alone, but I know I will have to get some practise hardware to pass CCNP.

I'm making pretty decent progress towards the BSCI and I haven't turned up a real router yet... Dynamips does pretty much everything for at least the BSCI. I can't really think of any test other than the BCMSN, which you'll probably want to pick up a few 29xx series switches for, that dynamips won't cover. I've spent significantly more money on books than equipment.

dula

I can't really think of any test other than the BCMSN, which you'll probably want to pick up a few 29xx series switches for, that dynamips won't cover. [/quote]

Will I need Layer 3 switches or layer 2 switches would be enough?

Paul Boz

dula wrote:

I can't really think of any test other than the BCMSN, which you'll probably want to pick up a few 29xx series switches for, that dynamips won't cover.

Will I need Layer 3 switches or layer 2 switches would be enough?[/quote]

It wouldn't hurt to have a layer 3 switch. I'll tell you when I start prepping for it

dtlokee

dula wrote:

Will I need Layer 3 switches or layer 2 switches would be enough?

I think a L2 switch like a 2950 with a 2620 can be enough to study the L3 topics as far as what a L3 switch is going to offer. Sure you can't create L3 interfaces on the 2950 like a 3550 but if you understand the idea of "no switchport" thn treat it like a router interface you should e ok, and if you unerstand the idea of rotuer on a stick and encapsulation of frames with 802.1q and ISL it's not a huge difference from using "interface vlan xx" on a L3 switch. Other than the pitfall of creating a vlan interface without creating the vlan in the vlan database, there's not too much to it.

The more difficult thing to simulate is going to be lightweight access points and a wireless LAN controller for the BCMSN exam. They are pretty expensive and there's no way to simulate them, but then again I guess that is why you don't need a 100% to pass the exam.