Questions about lab suggestions

Bl8ckr0uter

Greetings All:

Well I am coming to the end of my CCNA journey and I plan to take the test July 15th. After that I want to go for the MCSA exams, Linux+, and then Finish the year with CCNA:SEC or the First NP test (still trying to decide).

At any rate what would be a good lab for CCNA:SEC and possible to start off for a CCNP ( I don't really plan to start doing those things until next year sometime). I was thinking 2 routers and 2 switches, Maybe 2 2500's and 2 cheap switches. I have read other post from people and havent really found anything that ansewers my question. What do you guys think?

mikej412

knwminus wrote: »

Maybe 2 2500's

You need 12.4(6)T or 12.4(9)T IOS (or greater) -- at least the Advanced Security or greater feature set -- for the zone firewalls. You also could use something that runs/supports SDM. The 2500s don't do either.

Bl8ckr0uter

mikej412 wrote: »

You need 12.4(6)T or 12.4(9)T IOS (or greater) -- at least the Advanced Security or greater feature set -- for the zone firewalls. You also could use something that runs/supports SDM. The 2500s don't do either.

Do you think 2 routers and a switch (assuming that the routers are 12.4 or higher or better ) would be enough for this test.

mikej412

knwminus wrote: »

Do you think 2 routers and a switch (assuming that the routers are 12.4 or higher or better ) would be enough for this test.

You need at least one switch to do the configurations.... but more switches let you actually see the results of your configurations. I think the 3 layer 2 switches I usually recommend for a CCNA home lab should be enough for the CCNA:Security.

You need at least 2 routers running those IOS version(s) (or higher) I mentioned -- they have to be the 12.4 T train. 2 routers would also be the minimum to work through the configurations you need to learn and know for the exam.... but a couple more routers might make your configurations "more realistic" and easier to observe and test.

There really is a trial version of Cisco Secure ACS that you can download (at least it was still on Cisco's website last year).... I just don't have the URL handy (or written down anywhere I can remember -- might have been the Cisco marketplace?? ). Having an ACS Server makes it possible to test the configurations you should be learning. Having a Radius server instead at least would let you test some of the AAA authentication configurations you'll be learning.

At some point you'd also be configuring your routers to use a syslog server -- so it could help to have one of those in your lab.

There have been a few threads about syslog servers all over different TechExam.Net forums -- including suggestions for free syslog servers. Ditto for Radius Servers (and free Radius Serviers).

captobvious

30 Day Trial for Kiwi Syslog Server

Too bad too, it used not to have the 30 day restriction!

wastedtime

It looks like they still have the free version. They just want to show you the full version with all the additional options.

Bl8ckr0uter

Interesting.



I am thinking about going for the CCNA:SEC then CCNP next year (3 test route). Would the lab mentioned before be enough for both?

mikej412

knwminus wrote: »

Would the lab mentioned before be enough for both?

For the CCNP you could use about 5 routers, of which 2 should support MPLS -- but Dynamips is also an option for BSCI and parts of the other exams.

Out of the 3 switches for the CCNP, at least one should be a Layer 3 switch (3550, 3560, or 3750).

Bl8ckr0uter

mikej412 wrote: »

For the CCNP you could use about 5 routers, of which 2 should support MPLS -- but Dynamips is also an option for BSCI and parts of the other exams.

Out of the 3 switches for the CCNP, at least one should be a Layer 3 switch (3550, 3560, or 3750).

ok. Cool. I am thinking about looking at CiscoKits and then just duplicating what the labs have in them. I don't want to spend more than 600 dollars (this maybe on the cheap end but I really don't have the money to spend ). Also I really want to be more than a paper CCNA/P ( you know what I mean ). I think I will look on ebay because even though CiscoKits looks convient, it does also look expensive$$$$.


Anyone have any tips. I want to start building my cisco lab soon because starting in November, I want to start studying for the CCNP. Also is the 4 test or 3 test route recommended?

Bl8ckr0uter

mikej412 wrote: »

For the CCNP you could use about 5 routers, of which 2 should support MPLS -- but Dynamips is also an option for BSCI and parts of the other exams.

Out of the 3 switches for the CCNP, at least one should be a Layer 3 switch (3550, 3560, or 3750).

I am thinking this:

Note My lab goals are as follows:
1: To further execute CCNA level knowledge as to help with the education processes

2: To help me with studies for the CCNP (3 exam or 4 exam route) with little to no upgrading of the equipment

3: To be under $750- 800 (just to get off the ground) and 1000 (with possible upgrades as requires.


Secondary goals:

1: To help with CCNA:SEC
2: To Help with CCDA


Ultimate goals for this year and next:
Within 1 year I would like to have CCNA, CCNP, and CCNA:SEC certifications if possible with CCNA and CCNP being my primary focus.


Possible Lab specs:

1 3550 Layer 3 Switch:
http://tiny.cc/N22Xz


2-3 2610 Routers:
Cisco 2600 Series 2610 Router CCNA CCNP 90 DAYS Waranty - eBay (item 150334550472 end time Jul-22-09 06:17:14 PDT)

1-2 2950 Switches
Cisco 2950 Switch WS-C2950-24 24 Ports For CCNA CCNP - eBay (item 150331731779 end time Aug-07-09 23:11:42 PDT)

And maybe a 2501
Cisco 2501 DC 2500 series router Ethernet Serial WAN - eBay (item 370100555241 end time Jul-17-09 10:08:14 PDT)

Would this be enough? Also I would be interested in using dynaps if needed.

Feedback on this from anyone would be greatly helpful.