Starting to prepare for CCNA:Security

Evening guys,
Im looking to start preparing for this exam in the next couple of weeks or so. I just purchased the "CCNA Security Official Exam Certification Guide" and looking into what else i can get.
Im trying to keep the costs down at the minute so i know there is a new packet tracer out 5.2 i think anyone tried using this for this exam??? Also Ive been using dynamips for my CCNA studies anyone used this for security and just installed sdm.
I really appreciate you getting back to me.
Thanks
Im looking to start preparing for this exam in the next couple of weeks or so. I just purchased the "CCNA Security Official Exam Certification Guide" and looking into what else i can get.
Im trying to keep the costs down at the minute so i know there is a new packet tracer out 5.2 i think anyone tried using this for this exam??? Also Ive been using dynamips for my CCNA studies anyone used this for security and just installed sdm.
I really appreciate you getting back to me.
Thanks
Comments
I am using a 3550 but you should be able to do all the configs on a 2950.
1 router that can do a basic site to site vpn. I have a 2610.
1 router that can support at least 12.4(6)T (although 12.4(11) is recommended) and use sdm 2.5 on. I am using a 1841 for that. although I believe you can use a low end 2600XM.
Im on quite a tight budget at the minute for this exam. Ive got a couple of 2950 switches I was thinking about just integrating them into dynamips and going that way for the time being until I can afford some real kit.
Would you say that would be good enough??
Thanks
Ill look into purchasing some routers off ebay when some come up cheap ill make sure sdm is supported before i buy though.
I am looking to go the security route so ill check this book out, thanks for the recommendation.
What is you experience with cisco over all? I have been studying off and on for a few months and I don't feel a need for a switch since I can run a 16ESW on some of the larger routers to test the L2 functions. So in theory I think you can do it fully with a virtual lab. I'll check tonight to make sure all the functions needed are available.
I havent really done that much security wise so thats why im planning on doing the CCNA:Security . Ive got the 16ESW running on a 3640 in one of my dynamips labs. I dont have the book as of yet so im not sure about configurations and stuff at the minute.