few router/lab questions

mlucasone

Hi. I'm preparing for CCENT and CCNA certifications soon. I'm beginning to order pieces to create a lab. There are a few things about routers that I am confused with:

Is the Cisco IOS readily upgradeable using a T.FTP server and console cable?

Which IOS version is required for ICND1/2 exams?

What are the memory requirements for the various versions?

Is router memory upgradeable? How is it done?

I see XM routers are more desireable. What does XM mean?

What are the differences between 2500 and 2600 series routers?

I just ordered a 2610 for $9.99. I'll add a 2500 or 2600, and a 2900 switch. Does this sound like a decent lab?

Any help would be appreciated as I'm just beginning to get my feet wet. Thanks!

tiersten

mlucasone wrote: »

Is the Cisco IOS readily upgradeable using a T.FTP server and console cable?

Yes. You'd want a network cable as well.

mlucasone wrote: »

Which IOS version is required for ICND1/2 exams?

Ideally 12.4 but people have done it with 12.3.

mlucasone wrote: »

What are the memory requirements for the various versions?

Depends on what feature set but generally 64MB+.

mlucasone wrote: »

Is router memory upgradeable? How is it done?

Yes. Add a SIMM or two into the router. What type of SIMM depends on the router. Generally they're old types of PC memory and on eBay for inflated prices.

The Flash SIMMs are proprietory and must be purchased for the correct type of router. Again, eBay or specialist vendors for labs.

mlucasone wrote: »

I see XM routers are more desireable. What does XM mean? What are the differences between 2500 and 2600 series routers?

2600 is newer and is modular. 2600XM is an upgraded version of the 2600. The 2600 can run 12.3 officially. The 2600XM can run 12.4. 2600XM is faster, can handle more Flash and more memory.

mlucasone wrote: »

I just ordered a 2610 for $9.99. I'll add a 2500 or 2600, and a 2900 switch. Does this sound like a decent lab?

You want 2x2950 or better switches. Not 2900XL or 3500XL. But sounds like a good enough lab.

jjbrog

For the console cable you use xmodem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxTO5qxti-I

12.4T is recommended

memory requirements I think vary per router

I imagine upgrading it, would be no different than upgrading your PCs memory.

I had some lab questions myself

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/49530-2611xm.html

I ended up getting 2 2620xms 128/32 for about $60 a piece , and another $40 each for the nm-4a/s

I think something along those lines is pretty recommended as ideal

for switches, 2950s can be had on ebay for $50, I payed $40 for one and $50 for another. Theres a couple around that for buy it now right now actually.
Make sure ya shop around though, lots of rip offs via ebay, I've seen people trying to pass off 2500 and 2600 non xm for way more than their worth. Usually the ones that say CCNA,CCNA,CCIE LAB!!!! CHEAP!! are a total joke

tiersten

jjbrog wrote: »

12.4T is recommended

Not for CCENT/CCNA. Regular 12.4 is what is expected and as I previously said, 12.3 will do in a pinch. You need 12.4T with the larger feature sets for CCIE.

jjbrog

oh ok my bad

tiersten

jjbrog wrote: »

oh ok my bad

Assuming you can afford it then getting something that can run 12.4T is good for the future anyway if you expect to continue study and don't want to go the dynamips/dynagen/GNS3 route.

jjbrog

Yeah thats what I did, I played with GNS3, and also have PT (I'm in the cna) both have their purpose, PT is awesome, cause its easy to use, doesn't take up a lot of resources etc, GNS3 cause its using real IOS, but lacks switch emulation(maybe in the future?) and doesn't always wanna work, and can be a hog on system resources. But like all of us, wanted real stuff, current to the exam, and usefull for future exams(Security than NP for me). I was tempted to get a 3550, but being fulltime work and college, I probably won't get a chance to do CCNP for quite some time, and by then, if those switches are even used anymore for it(new exam next summer correct?)they will drop down. I am kinda concerned about new exams needing IOS 15 though. But like how the new NP format has been announced several months ahead of time, I'm not to worried about CCNA changing before I can get it.