Equipment or Simulator

Hi all,

I am just about to start CCNA.

What is the difference between getting a couple or routers and switches and using Boson Netsim 5.25.
I would immagine it is best to use the real thing but I have Boson Netsim 5.25 if i purchase the hardware, will it make that much of a difference?

Any thoughts, idea welcome...

Thank you very much for you time.

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Comments

Ricka182

Personally, I have no experience with Boson Sims, but for when I study my CCNA(eventually), I am currently saving to buy the hardware. It will always come in handy to practice on. If you look, you can find a good deal somewhere.

goldorak

Thanks.

I would have thought that it doesn't really matter what hardware spec you have but more the version of ios. Correct?
Also, trying to look a bit further down the road, CCNP is not something that i would not consider so what do you reckon.

Ta.

Ricka182

I am trying to get at least two 26xx series routers, and 2 19xx switches. Plus all the assorted cables and such. You can find good deals on Ebay.

Webmaster

goldorak wrote:

Thanks.

I would have thought that it doesn't really matter what hardware spec you have but more the version of ios. Correct?

The hardware specs are at least as important, you will need routers with at least ethernet and serial connectors. Check out the following two links:

www.techexams.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3349

www.techexams.net/technotes/ccna/lab_hardware.shtml

goldorak

Thank you guys,

Since I might do CCNP next, i'm probably better off going for the real stuff. Could be quiet expensive though!

I'll have to see how CCNA and simulator goes first and see if I invest.

Thank you again

Webmaster

You'll see that there's a lot more fun in configuring and connecting actual routers and switches. If you go low budget (2x cisco 2501 + 1912 enterprise switch), it may cost $100 or $200 more than a gtood simulator (i.e. www.routersim.com) but you can easily sell your equipment/lab when you finished CCNA. But if you want to continue with CCNP, you will probably get a network job after that, which make the lab an almost essential thign to have at home.

If you see any equipment you want to buy, but you're not sure if it has the right specs, just let us know.

goldorak

Thanks very much body.

You reckon that CCNP might get me a job :P even without real networking experience

. All i have done is desktop support

but never telneted to a switch

.

Ta mate.

Ricka182

goldorak wrote:

You reckon that CCNP might get me a job :P even without real networking experience . All i have done is desktop support but never telneted to a switch .

.

Take it slow for now. It's better to get some basic knowledge, and an entry level job, than to stack up on certs with no hands-on experience. You don't want to become a paper-tech. See what's out there, you might be surprised.

goldorak

Yes ta,

An entry level: What does that mean for a ccna mcsa? I don't care what i earn: i can afford peanuts! (i ain't a monkey though!)

.
Do ya reckon i can get a job easy in london with that? (i am 37)

Thank you. (your forum rocks like hell)