Home Lab

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of studying for my CCNA and would like to set up a home lab for hands on. I was looking into getting two 2610s with 64/16 along with one WIC-1T, one NM-4A/S, and
One ISDN Module. Would this be sufficient for the CCNA and possibly the CCNP when I decide to go further? Thanks!!!

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tech-airman

stevcha wrote:

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of studying for my CCNA and would like to set up a home lab for hands on. I was looking into getting two 2610s with 64/16 along with one WIC-1T, one NM-4A/S, and
One ISDN Module. Would this be sufficient for the CCNA and possibly the CCNP when I decide to go further? Thanks!!!

stevcha,

What books and/or courses do you have so far?

stevcha

I have the Sybex 640-802 Study Guide 6th Edition along with an Intro to Cisco Router Config Book.

Netstudent

No need for BRI ports, ISDN is gone from the curriculum. You will not need a 4 port serial module with only 2 routers. I would suggest getting the nm 4as and couple more routers. You will need 3 switches, 2 minimum. Try to get 2950's but if you are tight on money, get at least one 2950 and 2924 xl-en's.....In my opinion to get the full effect of all the topics, you need at least 4 routers and 3 switches. IF you want something scalable for NP, you might want to consider a 2610XM or something that can support at least 12.3 IOS and SDM.

stevcha

Netstudent wrote:

No need for BRI ports, ISDN is gone from the curriculum. You will not need a 4 port serial module with only 2 routers. I would suggest getting the nm 4as and couple more routers. You will need 3 switches, 2 minimum. Try to get 2950's but if you are tight on money, get at least one 2950 and 2924 xl-en's.....In my opinion to get the full effect of all the topics, you need at least 4 routers and 3 switches. IF you want something scalable for NP, you might want to consider a 2610XM or something that can support at least 12.3 IOS and SDM.

Thanks for the info. I have really limited budget of around $400 or so. So i"m looking to get by with what I definitely need for now with scalability for down the road.

stevcha

Netstudent wrote:

No need for BRI ports, ISDN is gone from the curriculum. You will not need a 4 port serial module with only 2 routers. I would suggest getting the nm 4as and couple more routers. You will need 3 switches, 2 minimum. Try to get 2950's but if you are tight on money, get at least one 2950 and 2924 xl-en's.....In my opinion to get the full effect of all the topics, you need at least 4 routers and 3 switches. IF you want something scalable for NP, you might want to consider a 2610XM or something that can support at least 12.3 IOS and SDM.

Netstudent,

After doing some reading I was thinking of going with the following:

3x cisco2501 16/16
1x cisco2610 64/16
1x cisco2611 64/16
1x ws-c2924m-xl-en enterprise edition
4x wic-1t
2x wic-1dsu-56k
2x nm-2e2w

Should I try to swap out one or two of the routers for a 12 port 2950? What are your thoughts?

bighornsheep

stevcha wrote:

After doing some reading I was thinking of going with the following:

3x cisco2501 16/16
1x cisco2610 64/16
1x cisco2611 64/16
1x ws-c2924m-xl-en enterprise edition
4x wic-1t
2x wic-1dsu-56k
2x nm-2e2w

Should I try to swap out one or two of the routers for a 12 port 2950? What are your thoughts?

I kinda see what you are trying to do, but unless what you are putting together is cheaper, the nm-2e2w and 4 wic-1t can be replaced with a nm-4a/s, then you will just need one more wic-1t for the 2610, if I were you, and those 2501 are cheaper, just go with 4x 2501 and forget the wic-1t

So with the following
4x 2501
1x 2611
1x nm-4a/s
1x 2924m-xl-en

you can pretty much achieve the same as what you are putting together in the above, the nm-4a/s installed in the 2611 can be your frame relay switch, the e0/0 port on the 2611 can do dot1q intervlan routing with the right IOS. Your four 2501 can be used fpr many labs in OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, and many other routing scenarios.

I would add a 2950 on top of that for some QoS, and simply a 2nd switch (2924-xl-A is quite cheap) will show you some STP, VTP, and you can also create extra vlan for DR/BDR election for OSPF.

Netwurk

If you get a 2600, you'll need an XM model so that you have fast ethernet ports. Another option is to go with a 2620 or 2621 which have the fast ports even if they are not XMs.

Netstudent

You Don;t absolutely need FA ports for NA....With the right IOS, you can create subinterfaces for intervlan routing on a 10Mb/s ethernet port, even on a 2610. Having a 2620 or any XM model is always helpful for future studies or for heavy duty IOS' with security feature sets.

stevcha

bighornsheep wrote:

stevcha wrote:

After doing some reading I was thinking of going with the following:

3x cisco2501 16/16
1x cisco2610 64/16
1x cisco2611 64/16
1x ws-c2924m-xl-en enterprise edition
4x wic-1t
2x wic-1dsu-56k
2x nm-2e2w

Should I try to swap out one or two of the routers for a 12 port 2950? What are your thoughts?

I kinda see what you are trying to do, but unless what you are putting together is cheaper, the nm-2e2w and 4 wic-1t can be replaced with a nm-4a/s, then you will just need one more wic-1t for the 2610, if I were you, and those 2501 are cheaper, just go with 4x 2501 and forget the wic-1t

So with the following
4x 2501
1x 2611
1x nm-4a/s
1x 2924m-xl-en

you can pretty much achieve the same as what you are putting together in the above, the nm-4a/s installed in the 2611 can be your frame relay switch, the e0/0 port on the 2611 can do dot1q intervlan routing with the right IOS. Your four 2501 can be used fpr many labs in OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, and many other routing scenarios.

I would add a 2950 on top of that for some QoS, and simply a 2nd switch (2924-xl-A is quite cheap) will show you some STP, VTP, and you can also create extra vlan for DR/BDR election for OSPF.

Thanks a lot for your input!! Which switch would be better for the CCNA the 2924 or 2950? I have no problem getting more equipment down the road when I decide to go for my CCNP. Also, which IOS should I go with for 640-802?

Netstudent

They are going to be about the same functionality wise, within the scope of NA anyways. The test is based on the 2950 feature set though. Some of your outputs will look different like show spanning-tree. 2950 might have some different port level security features. Also the 2924's don't support the "range" command which is very handy..

stevcha

Ok guys, hate to keep bringing this up but I decided I want to get a complete lab package off of ebay. That way I can get everything all at once. I'm studying for my CCNA but I want to be able to scale the lab for my CCNP needs when I decide to pursue that route. So I found these kits on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=300173654684&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=020

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170169078625&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=007

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230192180717&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=013

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=300173258688&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=020

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150184979190&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005

Which would you suggest? Thanks again for everyone's help!!!

stevcha

Anyone?

bighornsheep

They're all pretty expensive, but if I were to choose, I think the 3rd item listed is "alright"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230192180717&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=013

I still think you should try and build your lab piece by piece. You can buy only what you want, and learn about the products in the meanwhile.

Netstudent

bighornsheep wrote:

They're all pretty expensive, but if I were to choose, I think the 3rd item listed is "alright"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230192180717&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=013

I still think you should try and build your lab piece by piece. You can buy only what you want, and learn about the products in the meanwhile.

I totally agree with bighorn. I learned a lot more by researching each piece of equipment and then making the purchase. Also i paid around 800 for my lab and for what I got, you would pay 1200 totally assembled from an ebay or ciscokit seller. All the IOS' and lab topologies and all that extra stuff they try to sell, you can get for free if your clever and make good with some people with resources.

stevcha

Thanks guys!!

mikej412

Netstudent wrote:

I totally agree with bighorn.

Agreed.

It would have been nice to get an NM-4A/S instead of one of the "2x nm-2e2w" -- but the "4x wic-1t" will let you setup one of the 2600s with 3 wic-1ts to do a hub and 2 spoke frame relay configuration.

Those guys are on my eBay Favoirte Seller's list. They charge you the "real shipping cost," so PM them for a "shipping quote" -- but I trust them now, so I usually don't bother anymore.

stevcha

mikej412 wrote:

Netstudent wrote:

I totally agree with bighorn.

Agreed.

It would have been nice to get an NM-4A/S instead of one of the "2x nm-2e2w" -- but the "4x wic-1t" will let you setup one of the 2600s with 3 wic-1ts to do a hub and 2 spoke frame relay configuration.

Those guys are on my eBay Favoirte Seller's list. They charge you the "real shipping cost," so PM them for a "shipping quote" -- but I trust them now, so I usually don't bother anymore.

Well, I decided to get the following from the seller from the third link:

4x 2501 16/16
1x 2611 64/16
1x nm-4a/s
1x 2924m-xl-en
2620 with 64/16
2950 12 port

Do you guys think I need any additional cards?

mwgood

stevcha wrote:

Well, I decided to get the following from the seller from the third link:

4x 2501 16/16
1x 2611 64/16
1x nm-4a/s
1x 2924m-xl-en
2620 with 64/16
2950 12 port

Do you guys think I need any additional cards?

You will probably need at least 1 Wic-1T for your 2620 or 2611, depending on where you use your nm-4a/s.

You will also probably want at least 4 of these back-to-back Serial Cables - http://www.ciscokits.com/cube/cables-and-accessories/back-to-back-cable/prod_25.html

And maybe 4 transceivers for your 2501s - http://www.ciscokits.com/cube/cables-and-accessories/transceiver/prod_26.html

Finally, once all is said and done - check out this link that will help you setup a frame-relay switch - http://www.techexams.net/techlabs/ccna/lab_fr.shtml

stevcha

mwgood wrote:

stevcha wrote:

Well, I decided to get the following from the seller from the third link:

4x 2501 16/16
1x 2611 64/16
1x nm-4a/s
1x 2924m-xl-en
2620 with 64/16
2950 12 port

Do you guys think I need any additional cards?

You will probably need at least 1 Wic-1T for your 2620 or 2611, depending on where you use your nm-4a/s.

You will also probably want at least 4 of these back-to-back Serial Cables - http://www.ciscokits.com/cube/cables-and-accessories/back-to-back-cable/prod_25.html

And maybe 4 transceivers for your 2501s - http://www.ciscokits.com/cube/cables-and-accessories/transceiver/prod_26.html

Finally, once all is said and done - check out this link that will help you setup a frame-relay switch - http://www.techexams.net/techlabs/ccna/lab_fr.shtml

Will definitely add those items to the list. Thanks for the help and link!!

arcanium

may i suggest monoprice.com for better cable pricing and shipping options.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10206&cs_id=1020601&p_id=97&seq=1&format=2

as well as cablesandkits.com for transceivers

http://www.cablesandkits.com/ethernet-transceivers/genericmiscellaneous-ethernet-transceiver-p-623.html

I only mention these because as far as i know ciscokits only offers one type of shipping and it can take forever for delivery depending on where you live. Ive bought from ciscokits and was happy with the products, but the higher (slightly) price and long delivery time (for me) made me look elsewhere for the smaller things like cables and the such.

stevcha

arcanium wrote:

may i suggest monoprice.com for better cable pricing and shipping options.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10206&cs_id=1020601&p_id=97&seq=1&format=2

as well as cablesandkits.com for transceivers

http://www.cablesandkits.com/ethernet-transceivers/genericmiscellaneous-ethernet-transceiver-p-623.html

I only mention these because as far as i know ciscokits only offers one type of shipping and it can take forever for delivery depending on where you live. Ive bought from ciscokits and was happy with the products, but the higher (slightly) price and long delivery time (for me) made me look elsewhere for the smaller things like cables and the such.

Thanks for the links!!

mwgood

I'm glad to know that I can get the back-to-back serial cables for much cheaper!

I bought some stuff from Cisco Kits recently, and was surprised how high their shipping costs were.

Thanks!

stevcha

Another question I have is what IOS should I have them load on my 2500 and 2600 routers for the CCNA track?

arcanium

im not exactly sure which one to load, but mine from ciscokits came with 11 series on it, but the cd they sent had some 12.3 series and i went ahead and upped that on them.

freetech

The new CCNA tests for 12.4, which will not fit on a non-XM 26xx; and RSTP, which will not work on a regular 2950. However, I agree that getting a home lab within your budget is better than not gettting the perfect home lab that you can't afford.
Most of the objectives will work fine on what you've got.

rebelrat

What do you all think about this setup

I bought

1 2610XM 48/128 12.3 IOS 1 FE 1 WIC1T 1 WIC BRI S/T
1 2611XM 32/128 12.3 IOS 2 FE 1 WIC1T 1 WIC DSUT1
1 2611XM 32/128 12.3 IOS 2 FE 1 WIC DSUT1 1 WIC BRI S/T
Vconsole 2 S/T or U ISDN simulator
1 AIM VPN/EP for 2610XM

This gives me 3 different types of WAN connections - T1 (with RJ48C Crossover cable), Frame-Relay (DTE/DCE V.35 cable) + ISDN (RJ45 Straight cable plus Simulator). I know ISDN is no longer a big exam topic, but I would like to have experience with it nevertheless. Plus for Voice it might come handy. The AIM VPN module allows for IPSec and tunneling configurations.

Would like to add two more 2600 series routers with WIC 1T for Frame Relay and maybe
a 2500 series router as Frame-Relay switch.

For switching I am considering 1 3550 24PWR Multilayer switch, plus 2 2950 switches.

Further down the road a PIX or ASA device, plus a Cisco Air device for wireless.

As I also intend to pursue CCVP, so a router with CME plus 2 IP Phones would be added if I make it that far. What I really liked was the research I did regarding the hardware before I actually bought anything. I learned a whole lot about the devices and also the Cisco terminology for interfaces. Plus it saved me from overpaying for one of the many "CCNA, CCNP, CCIE" labs with mostly older eqipment (no XM routers) and way overpriced.

stevcha

Well, I finally ordered my lab today. Here's the equipment I went with:

4x 2501 16/16
1x 2611 64/16
1x 2610xm 128/32
1x nm-4a/s
1x wic 1T
1x 2924m-xl-en
1x 2620 64/16
1x 2950 12port
1x Skeletek 16u rack

and all cables/tranceivers

Thanks for all your help guys!!

famosbrown

stevcha wrote:

Well, I finally ordered my lab today. Here's the equipment I went with:

4x 2501 16/16
1x 2611 64/16
1x 2610xm 128/32
1x nm-4a/s
1x wic 1T
1x 2924m-xl-en
1x 2620 64/16
1x 2950 12port
1x Skeletek 16u rack

and all cables/tranceivers

Thanks for all your help guys!!

What's an average figure for buying all of this equipment?

Netstudent

I'm going to guess somewhere over a $1200. Thats a solid rack that will take you most of the the way through NP. Add a couple more good switches and thats definitely a NP rack. Add a couple good switches a couple 3640's and it might even get you though IE written.

stevcha

Netstudent wrote:

I'm going to guess somewhere over a $1200. Thats a solid rack that will take you most of the the way through NP. Add a couple more good switches and thats definitely a NP rack. Add a couple good switches a couple 3640's and it might even get you though IE written.

Actually a little lower. The routers, switches, and cables with shipping cost $850. The rack was $122 shipped. Can't wait to get all this stuff hooked up.