Putting together a CCNA lab.

penberth

So I am working on getting some equipment to put together a CCNA lab. Currently I have:

2 x 2950C switches
1 x 2514 router with 2 serial and 2 AUI (With ethernet transceivers)
1 x 2621 with 2 fast ethernet ports

I am looking to get one more router. Any ideas on what I should get and what type of ports it should have?

I was looking at maybe a 3640...but most of the ones on ebay come with no modules. So if I go this route, what modules should I get? I found a Cisco NM-2E2W 2 Port Ethernet Module for $55.00 on ebay. So I could get this and put it into the 3640. Do I need more serial ports to handle the frame relay scenarios?

Any recommendations? Do I need T1 ports if I don't have any T1s in my house?

I have looked at the FAQs, and don't really see what type of ports I should be looking for on the routers.

phantasm

This topic has been covered so many times it's scary. Please read the FAQ: http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/6434-ccna-faq-please-read-before-posting.html

Also, here is a recent thread as well: http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/40809-home-lab-setup-ccna-questions.html

msethk

As stated above there is a lot of info on this topic if you look for it in the forums. I would probably get a 2600 Series XM router if I was you with atleast 128/32 of memory. That way you can practice with the SDM stuff. Major ports you need are serial ports so you can connect your routers. It all comes down to preference anyways. Everyones lab is different.

Kaminsky

A wic-1t for the 2621 to connect to the 2514 via serial x.21 cable - make sure you look at the connectors involved and get the right cable.

One good thing I got was a patch panel (i had a cab to screw it into). Then I ran straight-throughs from the console, FE ports, PC NICs and my ISP cable and snipped the other end and patched these lines down to the patch panel. Now I've done that, changing the physical lab topology or moving console to another device can be done simply by 1 foot patch leads on the front of the panel instead of having wires running all over the place. Was a great excercise and the panel only cost me £10 for a 48 port and about another £5 for tools which I use at work anyway.

Maybe some gig modules to link the switches and play with that, but your pretty much ready to go. Just start playing now.

It gets pretty difficult not to keep adding to your home lab I know but you have enough for now until ccna is over.... I forced myself to stop at 16u.

Just look out for bargains only now.

penberth

So I am looking at getting a 2620/2610XM router. Is it worth it to get one with CallManager (CME4.1)?

It looks like it is about $15 - 20 more....