2950 24 port Switch and question on IOS version

I'm about to buy two 2950 switches for about $170 each from different vendors.
Just wondering which IOS is needed. One switch is a ver 12.1(11r)
and the other is ver 12.1.22. What is the minimum version to build a CCNP lab?
And what is the minimum RAM and Flash requirements that will support all the
features needed to practice for the CCNP?

thanks,

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Comments

Netwurk

The 12.1(22) version is pretty much up to date. You can copy the IOS from the switch that has it to the switch that doesn't via TFTP.

Most of the 2950's are 8MB flash & 16 or 24MB RAM. Either way, you have enough memory. 16MB is plenty for a lab setup.

Good enough for a CCNP lab? Well I think a true CCNP lab should probably have a layer 3 switch, but those are pricey.

freetech

For the CCNP you'll need something that can do Rapid Spanning Tree, RSTP, not just Spanning-tree. I think you'll need a 2950T or 2960. But just like Netwurk said, you may be better off, long-term, investing in 3550's if you intend to study for the CCNP after the CCNA.

bighornsheep

freetech wrote:

For the CCNP you'll need something that can do Rapid Spanning Tree, RSTP, not just Spanning-tree. I think you'll need a 2950T or 2960.

Contrary to Cisco official documentation, all models in the 2950 series can support RSTP, MST, PVST+ and essentially all flavours of STP.

I can't remember the minimal version, but I use 12.1-22 EA 11 and I can implement all of the above.

kadshah

I think I remember reading somewhere in the cisco documentation that
2590 can support RSTP but I will double check. Yeah the 3550 is pricey
but I can always sell it later and get some of my money back

Thanks!

Netwurk

kadshah wrote:

I think I remember reading somewhere in the cisco documentation that
2590 can support RSTP but I will double check. Yeah the 3550 is pricey
but I can always sell it later and get some of my money back
Thanks!

yes a 2950 supports RSTP (and even MST) as bighornsheep said

it says in your profile you are going for CCNA - a 3550 would be overkill in that case

of course you did mention the CCNP earlier, so if your lab is meant for CCNP then go for it

kadshah

I'll be taking the CCNA exam in the next few days but I already have my
eye on the CCNP. I want to start upgrading my home lab now to prepare
for the BSCI exam.