SDM - is it important for CCNA?

in CCNA & CCENT
Todd Lammle says its important to know but the Cisco demo FTP is crap and I can't seem to get it running in GNS3, so I was wondering if you guys thought it's a important tool to play around with?
It seems like practicing for these Cisco certs require a lot of work arounds and such to get the proper practice in. In Microsoft, it seems like you just run the OS that a school can supply to you freely and you're ready to go (although I haven't taken a MS exam yet).
I think Linux has me even more spoiled since everything is open source, but I think my point here is Cisco doesn't seem to offer much support to people trying to certify in their products? They're more then happy to sell you a book on CiscoPress though
It seems like practicing for these Cisco certs require a lot of work arounds and such to get the proper practice in. In Microsoft, it seems like you just run the OS that a school can supply to you freely and you're ready to go (although I haven't taken a MS exam yet).
I think Linux has me even more spoiled since everything is open source, but I think my point here is Cisco doesn't seem to offer much support to people trying to certify in their products? They're more then happy to sell you a book on CiscoPress though

Comments
Using an actual cisco image in dynamips isn't using "real" software?
Having access to a Cisco IOS image requires a Cisco license agreement. So, technically, its considered gray space concerning the legitimacy. You own hardware or have paid for the license, then it doesn't matter, at least that's what I remember having read...
The one issue I have with using only dynamips/dns3 at the ccna level and no actual hardware is that you never have an hands on with the gear....ie cabling, setting things up, and things like that. I think having access to the gear when you're starting out is critical if you aren't already working in the networking field.
Have you looked at the CCNA Prep Center?
Ditto, similar to the argument of rocket scientist vs. astronauts.
A CCNP/SP walks into a data centre, points at the 7th blade of a 6509 and says
You can simulate all you want, but real-world experience that is practical and EVALUATED is what separates the men and the boys. It's sad that I've spoke to CCNA/DA who can't tell the different between SC & LC fibre, how can you assist network operation or network design if you can't even pick up the right cable?
If you don't have all the equipment at home, at least google some photos of how these things look like. Especially all the variety of modules...for newer products, Cisco IP/TV always has them on demo by a product manager.
It's never been argued that real world experience trumps anything else, but if you cannot get it..what are you supposed to do? It's pretty fair to say if all of us had $10k for a rack, we'd have one. But that's not always the case..at least not for me..
Absolutely, no doubt that these two points are valid. But I've think we've all seen our fair share of the posts
The point is, I would hate to see networking turn into "development work" like software/web development. They don't see the hardware, they rarely understand the server architecture, all they are concerned with is code.
But to the OP about SDM, I would recommend a 1721 or a 1710 for this. These routers are relatively cheap and actually a good alternative to your out-of-the-box home router. They also support SDM.
It's even easier in GNS3. What are you having problems with?
SDM is pretty cool, but make sure you can do the same things using CLI as well.
M.B.A. (Technology Management)