SNPA 642-523 Hardware Requirements

Hi all,

I'm looking at studying for my Cisco Firewall Specialist cert (with intentions of going CCSP at a much later date)

I was wondering what is the minimum I can get by with purchasing. Id rather buy real hardware than run emu's or rent rack space.

I have no Cisco security devices.

I only have my CCNA equipment (2950, 2x2924, 2x2514, 1x2509, 1x3640 running 12.4-configured as my frame relay switch)

I was hoping I could get by with just buying the Cisco ASA 5505 device (no security)

If not is there anything else I need to purchase? For either the 523 or the 552 (SND).

I do not wish to spend a ton of money on this right now, as I'm saving up to take my CCNP (and need all spare change to buy a 3560 and other routers). But I will buy what is necessary.

Can I use this device and do all the VPN requirements, or should I go ahead and buy a 3k vpn model, and an IDS (is this even needed for the firewall exam)?

I plan on buying the 5505 for myself anyway, unless it would better to buy another model.

It would be great to hear from anyone who has passed the exam. If it is impossible to take and pass this exam with only this equipment, then I will not pursue the exam at this time, but will still be buying the 5505 less someone has a better suggestion (its currently under 400 new).

The only downside I see to the 5505 is no trunking.

I look forward to your responses. Recommended books would also be appreciated (for both exams).

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Comments

dtlokee

The ASA 5505 won't allow you to configure failover which is one of the exam topics. You could do most of this using PEMU if you wanted, it would be less expensive.

crazy_jay

The ASA 5505 supports failover, but it requires the Security Plus bundle. If you buy the license off of ebay, you could probably get it for $550. However, you would need two ASA which would bring your total to around $2000. I agree with dtlokee, it would be cheaper to run PEMU.

dtlokee

crazy_jay wrote:

The ASA 5505 supports failover, but it requires the Security Plus bundle. If you buy the license off of ebay, you could probably get it for $550. However, you would need two ASA which would bring your total to around $2000. I agree with dtlokee, it would be cheaper to run PEMU.

We run the 5510 for active/active failover, the 5505 only does active/standby. PEMU is the way to go when it comes to price

mistafreeze

Ok, thanks guys. I'll just use PEMU.