CCNA Lab

I know this is a popular question that gets asked but i was curious with the new test coming out if the cisco kits are still a good idea and will work for the exam? I was looking at this kit: Dual 2501 Router & 1912 Switch CCNA Kit

Link: http://www.ciscokits.com/cube/ccna-router-switch-kits/dual-2501-router-1912-switch-ccna-kit/prod_37.html

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shednik

zenlakin wrote:

I know this is a popular question that gets asked but i was curious with the new test coming out if the cisco kits are still a good idea and will work for the exam? I was looking at this kit: Dual 2501 Router & 1912 Switch CCNA Kit

Link: http://www.ciscokits.com/cube/ccna-router-switch-kits/dual-2501-router-1912-switch-ccna-kit/prod_37.html

They're still selling 1900 switches??? 1900's are nothing more then overprices paper weights now I'd look for a 2950 and up I bought a 2924 it did its job but i was stuck for cash. I wouldn't pay that price for 2 2500's and a 1900...I bought my lab a 2514, 2502, 2501, and a 2924 switch and I spent much less than that. I'd buy the lab in pieces on ebay ciscokits is over priced.

gojericho0

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/23715

zenlakin

Cool, that is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the response.

lildeezul

like stated above, it is cheaper to buy cisco stuff individually on ebay.

also cisco doesnt test on the 1900 switches any more, nor the 2900, but its ok to get a 2924, just get the right model.

but you should be getting 2950 switches, because thats what is on the test.

2 switches are good, but the the more the better. with three you can practice stp, and ect.
if your budge allows 3- 2950 are great, but you can get my with 2-2950 and 1-2924

zenlakin

Ok, so if I went with 3 2950's I would have what I need for the CCNA prep?

lildeezul

yeah, thats is if your budget allows it.
you can also get by with 2-2950 and 1-2924 xl en

i bought my 2950 for 95 bucks each. on ebay. thats a great deal.

on ebay theres a 2950-12 for 90 bukcs BUY IT NOW.

i would jump on that.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130213207955&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

hodgey87

yeh i agree ebay is very useful for buying kit to use for your lab

i have 2 2950 switches and 4 2501 routers which i find is enough for the ccna however i will have to upgrade when i go onto ccnp.

Cisco kits seeems to be very expensive compared to alot of places that sell equipment i would stay away from the 1900 switches if possible

cheers

tiersten

Ciscokits and the other package vendors aren't supposed to be the cheapest. You go with them because you want the convenience of getting everything together and with extra bits like cables. It should be tested and guaranteed as well.

You can get it cheaper from eBay but you've got to put the time into getting each part individually and checking that its got sufficient RAM/flash, a reasonable IOS version etc...

korszo

tiersten wrote:

You can get it cheaper from eBay but you've got to put the time into getting each part individually and checking that its got sufficient RAM/flash, a reasonable IOS version etc...

Which is a major part of the learning experience and fun IMHO.

FWIW ...

RK

Glynixx

One thing too is that the engineer @ my work suggested to buy 2505's because:

1. most people know about the 2501's so people are stalking them
2. just as good and come with 2 serial interfaces
3. something else but i can't remember lol

You can also buy a dte/dce cable for like 10 bucks and this way you can setup a quick lan connection with hdlc (and maybe ppp but haven't tried yet)

i went with the 2950's as well.

I did buy a 2610XM so that I could also do "ip (or router) on a stick" and also so that I can practce with the SDM utility which is on the test (can't do that with the 2505's).

hope this helps.

tiersten

Glynixx wrote:

One thing too is that the engineer @ my work suggested to buy 2505's because:

1. most people know about the 2501's so people are stalking them
2. just as good and come with 2 serial interfaces
3. something else but i can't remember lol

The 2505 has a built in 8 port ethernet hub so you don't need a transceiver.

peanutnoggin

I've begin to study for my CCNA recently. I have a decent background in networking and can perform some basic tasks with CISCO gear. I'm attempting to setup a lab with a moderate budget. What should I expect to spend? I currently have a 2501. It appears that my job will be tossing out some older gear (not sure of what) tomorrow, so I plan on scouring through the "junk" to gather more gear. I've ordered the Sybex CCNA book http://www.amazon.com/CCNA-Certified-Network-Associate-640-802/dp/0470110082/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208271324&sr=8-1 and I plan to use this as my study guide along with my home lab. Any other pointers I should be aware of?

tiersten

If your work are throwing it out and it runs IOS then snag it for now. If you find out its garbage then you can always throw it out later. Some of the models share parts like memory so that'd be something to look out for as well since newer versions of IOS will need more memory/flash.

Old switches will run CatOS which isn't useful. Try to get at least a 2950 switch. If you can manage it then get one with the enhanced image running on it. You'll need it later on for the CCNP and you can't upgrade standard image 2950s to enhanced image 2950s.

I got the Cisco Press books myself. Don't know if its still running or not but everytime I bought anything from the Cisco Press online store I got a single use 30% off coupon for my next order.

Netwurk

tiersten wrote:

get at least a 2950 switch. If you can manage it then get one with the enhanced image running on it. You'll need it later on for the CCNP and you can't upgrade standard image 2950s to enhanced image 2950s.

Probably not worth the extra money you'll spend on the enhanced image, as it only adds ACLs and some QoS. You'll need a 3550 or better if you're looking for a true layer 3 switch for CCNP.

peanutnoggin

I'm looking at purchasing a 2950 (24 port) with an enterprise IOS. Is that the same as the enhanced image or is that a "catchy" word for Standard Image?

~Peanut Head

Netwurk

For the 2950's, the IOS is either standard or enhanced. Odds are it is standard, which is fine for CCNA. The enhanced image isn't much of an upgrade, but if you do want it you need a 2950 that can run it. The enhanced IOS won't work on a standard 2950.

peanutnoggin

Thanks for the info!

~Peanut Head