Hardware CCNA

goldorak

Hi all,

I know there has been zillions of posts about gear but i don't think there is anything wrong with discussing the same subject more than once. So here go:

I started studying for CCNA a couple of weeks ago and i am thinking lab practise and since hand on hardware experiance is better than sim...
I have spotted the following on the top shelf in the stock room at work. I might potentially be able to borrow it and was wondering if that might be any good for CCNA prep:

- 1 X 2600
- 1 X 3600
- 2 X 24 port switch cards (just the cards).
- 1 X Sun Microsystem Netro t1 105
- Loads of dram and sim for 2600
- A big empty green chassis that says 3600 at the front and has compartments inside when looking from behind: any idea what that might be?
- Few serial cables

I am certain the Sun box is no use but just thought i'd mention it in any case.

Any idea if i can use any of the above for ccna and if yes or no what else migh i need.

Thank you all and have fun in the sun...

Miek

It's a nice lab for practice

but what interfaces are on the 2600 and 3600 routers?
The only thing you need for CCNA are some ethernet interfaces and serial interfaces so that won't be a problem ...

It would be nice if you have a switch for some more practice but it isn't necessary ...

Good luck practicing

goldorak

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. As far as i can remember there are a few ethernet interfaces as well as a serial interface.
So that would be enough or do you think that i also need a simulator as well.
Do you know what the big box might be?
Do you know what i can do with the 2 ethernet switch cards.

Thank you.

Miek

When you buy a 3600 router you only buy a case with a "motherboard". I think that's the stuff you find ...

To use the router you have to buy some slots with interface (ethernet, serial, ...)

The switchcards are slots to use in a switch chassis but you can't put it in every switch. You have to know for what switch they are meant.

With 2 routers and maybe a switch ... I woundn't use a simulator. It's nice to try some things but it isn't that good as the 'real stuff'

goldorak

Well, thanks for you help. Much app.
If i was to buy a switch, what should it be? (Perhaps CCNP after)

Miek

For CCNP you need a 3550 switch (layer 3 switch) but a 29xx switch will do for CCNA and a part of CCNP.

The hardware requirements for CCNP are higher than for CCNA but I believe you need a 29xx switch for both.

You can find 29xx switches (with some luck) on ebay.


Greets

goldorak

Thank you dude...