Lab

royal

One of the guys is selling the following over in the off-topic forum:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300264974538
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300265180081&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

Was curious if these devices alone will be sufficient if I plan to go for my CCNP in addition to my CCNA? Thanks!

kryolla

here are some recommendation for CCNP lab

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/27576

Slowhand

They'll work well for a start. You might need some beefier (read "newer") routers that'll support version 12.4 of the IOS, like 3640s or even 1721s; dynamips will also do a lot to help you with the BSCI studies. The switches will serve you well, and the existing routers will go a long way as well. The rack is going to be your saving grace, in leau of having all those boxes sitting around on a table.

Looks like a good way to start up a lab at a reasonable price, to me.

(Does this mean you're coming to the dark side with the rest of us, royal?)

royal

I have no idea if I will have time really. I'm trying to learn scripting, then I want to work on my Windows lab more and learn more about the Quest Migration Tools, ADMT, etc... Then there's the entire Netapp University I still want to go through. Then there's the CCNA and CCNP I want to go through.

WHEN WILL THIS MADNESS END?

Maybe I'll just get this and if I am ever series about doing the CCNP (that is if I even do my CCNA), I'll just get a new lab. I'd probably be able to re-sell the CCNA lab and get my money back anyways.

JohnDouglas

that rack is good. it's twice the price in the uk.

royal

What do you guys think of this for only CCNA?

http://www.dantrak.net/item/58

I was checking out the racks and came across this lab.

royal

Just found this, seems like the better deal:
http://www.ciscokits.com/cisco-dual-2501-dual-1900-switch-ccna-kit/

dynamik

You're going to want 2950s (or better) for switches. I wouldn't go with either of those.

Slowhand

dynamik wrote:

You're going to want 2950s (or better) for switches. I wouldn't go with either of those.

Yup. 2950s are good for layer 2 stuff, 3550s are better since they can do both layer 2 and layer 3 switching. (Although, Cisco's pushing pretty hard to get everyone to start using 3560s for their labs.)

royal

Cool, I'll get the following then:

Two 2520 16/16 routers (unless you guys can recommend other better routers that don't cost too much more)
Two 2950s

Again, only for CCNA. If I ever decide to do CCNP, then I'll get more equipment.

Thanks

Slowhand

How much are you paying for the 2520s, royal?

royal

$90 each @ http://www.ciscokits.com/cisco-2520-router-ccna-kit/

dynamik

You only really need one 2520 for frame relay. You might want to pick up a couple 2501s or something instead of a second 2520. If you're looking towards NP studies, you might want to consider getting some of the 2600XMs. Unfortunately, I don't know enough to recommend any specific models, but I believe you'll run into some IOS limitations with the 2500s. You can add an NM-4a/s or and NM-8A/S for frame relay on the 2600s. Just something to keep in mind.