First CCNA lab... T1 versus Serials...

ptlinva

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here and skimmed all of the pre-reading material before posting so I'm hoping I didn't miss anything. Forgive me if I did...

I'm trying to design my lab for future growth. From my research, most decent labs have a "frame relay switch" that has multiple serial ports and connectivity to multiple routers using the proper cables.

However, it seems that NONE of my routers have serial ports. Here's the routers I've aquired so far...

1x Cisco 3620 w/ 2x 1E2W (2 ethernet and 4 T1's)
1x Cisco 2801 w/ 2x 1DSU-T1 (2 fast ethernet and 2 T1's)
1x Cisco 1841 w/ 1x 1DSU-T1 (2 fast ethernet and 1 T1)

Can I use the T1 crossover cable to accomplish this "frame relay cloud" or should I look for serial ports for these routers and make sure that any new routers I purchase have them as well?

Any comments/suggestions you might have are GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration. I hope that you and yours have a wonderful new year in 2009!
-Paul

mikej412

Yes, you should be able to do it with T1s
help with frame relay switch using wic1 dsu t1

ptlinva

Thank you Mike.

Is this not recommended?

I mean, would I be missing out on anything by using the T1 crossover cables, as compared to using serial cables?

Thanks agian for your quick response!

Your friend,
Paul

mikej412

ptlinva wrote: »

I mean, would I be missing out on anything by using the T1 crossover cables, as compared to using serial cables?

No, you actually get a little extra T1 workout, but that's about it.

Configure and test the T1 back-to-back links as point-to-point connections first. Once you're sure the connections work, then configure frame-relay switching -- probably on your 3620.

For the CCNA, having 1 hub router and 2 spoke routers to connect to your frame relay "cloud" makes it easier to learn and understand frame relay.

ptlinva

Hi Mike,

Thank you for your time and consideration. I really do appreciate it!

BTW, I'm reading advice/replies that you've given others. I've gotten something from those as well... so thank you for all of your assistance that you give to all of us.

Your friend,
Paul L.