is 2x2501 good enough?

dgbarrdgbarr Member Posts: 22 ■□□□□□□□□□
in CCNA & CCENT
Well, I have been studying for the CCNA certificate and I was just wondering how much money should I dish out for some decent study labs. Should two 2501's be sufficient? Should I dip into BRI simulation? Did you?

At first I didn't really want to spend more than a $100 but it seems that if I really want to pass this exam I might need to get a little bit more hands on..

Basically for those who have written and passed the exam, what routers did you use for your lab?
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Comments

  • networker050184networker050184 Mod Posts: 11,962 Mod
    I would get at least three or four routers and at least three switches. Thats going to run you more than $100 unless you find some crazy deal. I wouldn't worry about the ISDN.
    An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made.
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  • BigToneBigTone Member Posts: 283
    i've read you really can get away with one router but you'll need 2 if you want to see how they talk to each other.


    Check out www.ciscokits.com they really explain it well, I don't think you need 4 routers or even a switch for CCNA, but I think you'll still end up putting up more than 100 bucks.
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  • mikej412mikej412 Member Posts: 10,086 ■■■■■■■■■■
    BigTone wrote:
    I don't think you need 4 routers or even a switch for CCNA
    The Boson NetSim will get you through the CCNA if you follow the labs -- but since the CCNA is a Routing AND Switching exam and tests on hands-on knowledge, using real equipment is better.

    Ideally you could get by with 5 routers and 3 switches.... but based on budgets, you can give up some hardware at the cost of some hands-on practice.

    There are hardware threads listed in the FAQ -- but researching the equipment and building the home lab is a large part of the learning process.
    :mike: Cisco Certifications -- Collect the Entire Set!
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  • Nik00117Nik00117 Member Posts: 21 ■□□□□□□□□□
    From what i've had suggested to me by a friend who passed the CNCA is

    3 2500ss
    2 switches (2950s perferabbly)

    But instead i'm getting
    3 2500s
    3 switches (1 2950 2x2900XLs)

    Your going have to spend a bit more then 100 dollars, i'd say you could get by with 200-250 if yo really shopped heard but i'd suggest at least 300-450.
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  • ConstantlyLearningConstantlyLearning Member Posts: 445
    My lab is probably gonna end up costing about 1000 euro.....
    "There are 3 types of people in this world, those who can count and those who can't"
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  • yukkyyukky Member Posts: 98 ■■□□□□□□□□
    ConstantlyLearning wrote:
    My lab is probably gonna end up costing about 1000 euro.....
    Think of it as an investment; plus if you decide you don't need it anymore, you can always sell it on eBay for a fair price.
    Buying hardware for a home lab is addicting-- (Need.. more.. toys...) **(need.. more.. money)
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  • blackninjablackninja Member Posts: 385
    Don't forget a Frame relay switch, I use a 2521 (4 serial ports).
    Currently studying:
    CCIE R&S - using INE workbooks & videos

    Currently reading:
    Everything. Twice ;)
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  • dgbarrdgbarr Member Posts: 22 ■□□□□□□□□□
    Things like this really goes over my head at times.
    But if I was really serious about going through with this I might as well get the equipment. I really have no application for it after but i think it must be done.

    Im really sorry for making a post.. I should've checked the faq on this forum before posting.
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