lab vs sim

Hi folks. First time poster here. Can someone please tell me if a sim, like the one from boson enough to properly train for the exam OR is buying a couple of routers and a switch so much better, that it is the preferred method?

Thanks,

Mike Young

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View Boot Camps

Comments

forbesl

mikeyoung wrote:

Hi folks. First time poster here. Can someone please tell me if a sim, like the one from boson enough to properly train for the exam OR is buying a couple of routers and a switch so much better, that it is the preferred method?

Thanks,

Mike Young

If you can afford it, the preferred method is to buy a couple of routers and a switch. There's much more you can do that way.

jbetts

mikeyoung wrote:

Hi folks. First time poster here. Can someone please tell me if a sim, like the one from boson enough to properly train for the exam OR is buying a couple of routers and a switch so much better, that it is the preferred method?

Thanks,

Mike Young

I best thing to do is by far to purchase two routers. While simulators are increasing in realism, you cannot do things such as password recovery, and certain other commands. As for what routers to choose, I recommend 2507's - reason being is they have a built-in 16 port hub inside of them, and can be used to LAN parties, etc. - and not spend all of that money for only a lab. All you need is 2 routers (again, I recommend 2507's), no swtich is necessary - but if you would like, you could include one, Serial Cable or 2 AUI connectors, and a console cable with adapter. You can easily get all parts listed on something like eBay for about $125 including shipping.

mikeyoung

Thanks for the info. I can get my hands on a couple of 1600 series for free. Do y'all think those will work??

Thanks,

Mike Young

Webmaster

Depends on what type of 1600 those routers are. If you can get the ones with a serial and ethernet interface you can practice the important commands and scenarios for the exams. (plus they take up less space and look better then the 2500's

)