CCENT/CCNA Beginner Lab Setup HELP!!!!

Good Morning All,
I have a question, I am looking to start my CCENT/CCNA studies in a few weeks and building a home lab at the same time. I have purchased some equipment but I am not sure if I am on the right track. Thus far I have 1-2501 router, 2-2610 router, and 1-2924 switch. Just looking for advice on something that will help with my CCENT/CCNA path to include interfaces and cabling and other non expense routers and switches. I would like to stay within a budget as well.

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CollegeBoi

alan2308 wrote: »

Look on the right side of the page. Under the screenshot, then under the Ordering box, there's a Support box, and within that box theres a link labeled "Download Software"

I was able to find V2.5 of SDM as a download through google searches. I think they may gave removed the software from the Cisco site as it is not listed when you click on the download software link.

hermeszdata

CollegeBoi wrote: »

I was able to find V2.5 of SDM as a download through google searches. I think they may gave removed the software from the Cisco site as it is not listed when you click on the download software link.

I saw something on another forum suggesting that Cisco is no longer supporting SDM and is migrating to CCP (Cisco Configuration Professional)!

This can be good news in some sense as it is rumored that they no longer test SDM for CCNA.

The bad news is ... like SDM, CCP is only supported on certain platforms, ie, 28**. CCP is not supported on the 17**, 26**, 26**XM, or the 2900/3500 series switches.

Given the recent news, looks like I will be doing a hardware upgrade (at least in part) after I re-test.

alan2308

hermeszdata wrote: »

I saw something on another forum suggesting that Cisco is no longer supporting SDM and is migrating to CCP (Cisco Configuration Professional)!

This can be good news in some sense as it is rumored that they no longer test SDM for CCNA.

The bad news is ... like SDM, CCP is only supported on certain platforms, ie, 28**. CCP is not supported on the 17**, 26**, 26**XM, or the 2900/3500 series switches.

Given the recent news, looks like I will be doing a hardware upgrade (at least in part) after I re-test.

I won't comment on that rumor, but instead ask if the rumor mill has anything to say in regards to SDM and the CCNA Security?

It also doesn't appear that CCP has a simulator like SDM does, so hopefully it works well in GNS3.

hermeszdata

alan2308 wrote: »

I won't comment on that rumor, QUOTE]

As the shepherds of old would say ...

"Baaaaaaaad!"

mickeycoronado

Sorry to bring this thread back up, I just didn't want to start another one and this one is very good. I took the advice of this thread and have compiled a list of stuff below. Just would like an opinion if the price seems acceptable. These are buy it now prices as I'm not huge into squatting and bidding all that much.

3 2950 switches
1 NM-4A/s
3 2610 routers (32MB-8MB)
1 1721 router (64/32)
2 wic-2A/s
1 network rack (12 devices)

It comes out to about $477. Is that about in the right range or should I duke it out for deals? Again sorry for bringing this back up.

Forgot to mention that includes shipping.

alan2308

Based on a quick head estimate, that price sounds pretty good for that gear. Have you considered skipping the 2600's and looking at the 2600XM's? They'll be more useful beyond the CCNA. And the 2600's that you're looking at are short on memory and flash which may cause you some headache down the line.

mickeycoronado

alan2308 wrote: »

Based on a quick head estimate, that price sounds pretty good for that gear. Have you considered skipping the 2600's and looking at the 2600XM's? They'll be more useful beyond the CCNA. And the 2600's that you're looking at are short on memory and flash which may cause you some headache down the line.

Blah I was afraid of that. I tried to skimp on the lower memory because I saw some advertised with the 12.3 at that amount and figured it would be sufficient. I looked a little at the 2600xm's but the average price seems to be about $50-$100 more a piece which at 3 would be a noticible difference in price. I can deal with upgrading memory no problem if I had to. I'm open to any adjustments to the list you may think would be beneficial. I could always drop the rack and maybe put $100 more into my budget, $600 is about the ceiling though (not including cables). I usually put my tax returns into a yearly upgrade or rebuild but my priorities have changed and I'd like to put half into a kit for school and half towards the principal on my student loans.

I don't wannt to drag this thread out if you guys aren't open to it but I'm definitly open to suggestions.

Here are some of my remaining Network related classes if it helps form a better picture:

Advanced Networking Technology

Network Design & Documentation

Network Cabling

CISCO Networking

CISCO Routers

CISCO Switches

CISCO WAN

Windows Server

Windows Directory Server

Linux System Administration

Advanced Linux System Administration

Network+ Certification

Network Security

Telecommunications Services

alan2308

mickeycoronado wrote: »

Blah I was afraid of that. I tried to skimp on the lower memory because I saw some advertised with the 12.3 at that amount and figured it would be sufficient. I looked a little at the 2600xm's but the average price seems to be about $50-$100 more a piece which at 3 would be a noticible difference in price.

I completely understand about being on a budget, I have a few boat anchors laying around because it was all I could afford at the time. The gear you're looking at should be sufficient for the CCNA, but beyond that, the 2600's will be lacking, especially with the low memory.

And there's always GNS3 if you run into a topic or two that you can't do on the real gear.

mickeycoronado wrote: »

I don't wannt to drag this thread out if you guys aren't open to it but I'm definitly open to suggestions.

That's what we're here for.

mickeycoronado

alan2308 wrote: »

I completely understand about being on a budget, I have a few boat anchors laying around because it was all I could afford at the time. The gear you're looking at should be sufficient for the CCNA, but beyond that, the 2600's will be lacking, especially with the low memory.

And there's always GNS3 if you run into a topic or two that you can't do on the real gear.

That's what we're here for.

Ok wait a second, are these suitable? Cisco 2600XM Multiservice Platform Router, Model 2610XM

They advertise two WAN ports, could I drop the wics if that is the case?

Edit: Ok they advertise 2 WAN slots...I'm assuming that's for the additions?

CollegeBoi

mickeycoronado wrote: »

Ok wait a second, are these suitable? Cisco 2600XM Multiservice Platform Router, Model 2610XM

They advertise two WAN ports, could I drop the wics if that is the case?

Edit: Ok they advertise 2 WAN slots...I'm assuming that's for the additions?

Your right. I think you beat me to ordering the two 2600XM that CandK had left. LOL I think I can wait a bait just getting my feet wet with this CCENT stuff.

impz

CollegeBoi wrote: »

Your right. I think you beat me to ordering the two 2600XM that CandK had left. LOL I think I can wait a bait just getting my feet wet with this CCENT stuff.

There's a 2620xm on ebay with 96D/32F for $69 with free shipping

CISCO2620XM CISCO 2620XM Router 1 FE 96/32MB AC PS - eBay (item 170591962246 end time Jan-24-11 11:30:51 PST)

Alternatively,

2610xm 128D/32F [Buy it Now][$78-79]

CISCO 2610XM Router 128D/32F 2610 XM CISCO2610XM Qty - eBay (item 390278537428 end time Feb-06-11 07:51:45 PST)

CISCO2610XM Cisco 2610 XM Router 1 FE 128/32MB CCNA AC - eBay (item 170592320898 end time Jan-28-11 07:56:40 PST)

2620xm 128D/48F [Buy it Now][$77+$15]
Cisco 2620XM Router Call Manager Express CME 4.1 SDM - eBay (item 120671126700 end time Jan-22-11 11:47:10 PST)

2650xm 128D/48F [Buy it Now][$81+$15]
Cisco 2650XM Router Call Manager Express CME 4.1 SDM - eBay (item 120671127169 end time Jan-22-11 11:48:12 PST)

128MB ram sticks for those XMs cost around $8-10

mickeycoronado

CollegeBoi wrote: »

Your right. I think you beat me to ordering the two 2600XM that CandK had left. LOL I think I can wait a bait just getting my feet wet with this CCENT stuff.

I didn't beat you to anything, I'm just looking right now. You can grab em' if you need them, you are farther than me anyways and could probably use them more:)

Thanks for those links impz, sometimes I guess it just takes a fresh pair of eyes...or some patience on my part

Edit: I put in an offer on three 2620xm's, we'll see what happens.

Ok, I got the best offer on the routers (2620xm's, 128d/32f) paid like $80 a piece for them with shipping. Got everythig else except the switches which I'm waiting for a reply on my best offer. Went about $20 over budget but was able to get the rack at least. Thanks for the extra help guys, although nobody will read this because I don't wanna be annoying and bump the thread again.

mickeycoronado

Ok, so I'm being annoying and bringing this back up. I've scoured around trying to decipher the amount of cabling to go with but I'm stuck I guess. I think I'm good on the straight through and crossover cables but it's the other cabling that is confusing me now. Should I just wait for the equipmment to arrive and try and figure it out?

seekrit

I suggest the 3 foot'erz..

HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more!

mickeycoronado

Cool, thanks seekrit.

badboyeee

Okay looks like everything here is settled. I waited bc I didn't want to thread jack. But total noob question here..

I would like to buy just one piece of cisco hardware, enough to aid me thru my CCENT studies. Should I buy a switch or router? What model?

If one piece of hardware would be worthless, then also let me know, so I should get one router and one switch?

I don't want anything overkill and don't want to spend alot..

I heard I could get by with just using sims like Packet Tracer. I also just started my Cisco Netacad class, but we would have to be in groups and share the hardware. Plus it doesnt seem like we will be doing anything hardcore with the actual hardware during the first part of the course.

bermovick

I would guess, if you're going to look at what single piece of hardware would serve the best, I'd say a 2950 switch. Simply because you can get by with using dynamips/gns3 to emulate your routers.

I wouldn't suggest it though. A 2nd 2950 switch lets you see STP in action (barely) which is covered in ICND2. A 3rd lets you really see how it works. (Of course if you're going beyond CCNA and have the budget, waiting to get a 3550 for your 3rd is another option).

On the router side, assuming you don't want to simulate/emulate everything, a 2610 or 2 is pretty cheap. Don't forget the WICs though. I've heard the T1's(?) are cheap, but I just got a pair of WIC-1T's for my WAN interfaces. If you're going beyond CCNA, at least one should be a 2610XM series.

My current setup is 3 2950's, 2 2610's and a 2610XM. I still use GNS3 most of the time though, as it's just easier/more convenient.

518

mickeycoronado wrote: »

Sorry to bring this thread back up, I just didn't want to start another one and this one is very good. I took the advice of this thread and have compiled a list of stuff below. Just would like an opinion if the price seems acceptable. These are buy it now prices as I'm not huge into squatting and bidding all that much.

3 2950 switches
1 NM-4A/s
3 2610 routers (32MB-8MB)
1 1721 router (64/32)
2 wic-2A/s
1 network rack (12 devices)

It comes out to about $477. Is that about in the right range or should I duke it out for deals? Again sorry for bringing this back up.

Forgot to mention that includes shipping.

Looking into building a home lab for CCENT preparation as well. Is it okay to plug those devices in 1 surge suppressor? Im afraid that I might cause a short in the house, lol.

Based on reading and suggestions from this forum, I plan on obtaining the following devices:

3 - 2950
2 - 2610 64/16
1 - 2610XM
1 - NM-4A/S
1 - WIC-2A/S
1 - Cisco DB60 to V.35 Cable, CAB-V35MT
1 - Cisco Smart Serial to V.35 Cable, CAB-SS-V35MT

Those cables were suggested during check-out, not sure if I need it. The last cisco items I configured (with the help of a cut-sheet) was on a TDC/ICAP where everything was included in the box. It looks like putting this home lab together will absolutely help me fully understand networking.

Thank you, all.

518

alan2308

518 wrote: »

Looking into building a home lab for CCENT preparation as well. Is it okay to plug those devices in 1 surge suppressor? Im afraid that I might cause a short in the house, lol.

Based on reading and suggestions from this forum, I plan on obtaining the following devices:

3 - 2950
2 - 2610 64/16
1 - 2610XM
1 - NM-4A/S
1 - WIC-2A/S
1 - Cisco DB60 to V.35 Cable, CAB-V35MT
1 - Cisco Smart Serial to V.35 Cable, CAB-SS-V35MT

Those cables were suggested during check-out, not sure if I need it. The last cisco items I configured (with the help of a cut-sheet) was on a TDC/ICAP where everything was included in the box. It looks like putting this home lab together will absolutely help me fully understand networking.

Thank you, all.

518

It shouldn't be a problem, I have two 6 plug strips, both fully populated and plugged into the same circuit.

First, you'll want a second WIC-2T (or a pair of WIC-1T's). The NM-4AS in one router, and a WIC-2T in each of the others. Each router should have serial ports. For cables, if you're using the WIC-2T's, you'll want a couple of these and one of these. Shop around though, you'll find better deals elsewhere. Monoprice has some cheap, but they don't carry everything.

If you go with the WIC-1T's, the cabling can be simpler, you can use these for everything. The WIC-2T unfortunately has different plugs than the NM-4AS, so you have to have a few different cables on hand.

518

alan2308 wrote: »

It shouldn't be a problem, I have two 6 plug strips, both fully populated and plugged into the same circuit.

First, you'll want a second WIC-2T (or a pair of WIC-1T's). The NM-4AS in one router, and a WIC-2T in each of the others. Each router should have serial ports. For cables, if you're using the WIC-2T's, you'll want a couple of these and one of these. Shop around though, you'll find better deals elsewhere. Monoprice has some cheap, but they don't carry everything.

If you go with the WIC-1T's, the cabling can be simpler, you can use these for everything. The WIC-2T unfortunately has different plugs than the NM-4AS, so you have to have a few different cables on hand.

Thank you, sir! I'll go ahead and use a pair of WIC-1T to keep it simple.

Also, as far as using a manual/guide connecting these devices, is that what we call CCNA lab manual?!

518

So, after careful consideration, it seems like the devices I listed above will cost me around $716 from CandK [including the 2509 access server that retails for $159].

BTW, the above price doesnt even include cables and accessories.

Then, I found this:

Advanced Cisco CCNA/Starter CCNP Lab Kit

Advanced CCNA/Starter CCNP Kit: $549
Cisco 2509 access server: $159
Octal cable: $25

All for $733 [this is what I call RTR if you are into RC cars, and HTIB for audioheads] lol

[I didnt want to start yet another thread for the same inquiry]

Thanks.
518

alan2308

518 wrote: »

So, after careful consideration, it seems like the devices I listed above will cost me around $716 from CandK [including the 2509 access server that retails for $159].

BTW, the above price doesnt even include cables and accessories.

Then, I found this:

Advanced Cisco CCNA/Starter CCNP Lab Kit

Advanced CCNA/Starter CCNP Kit: $549
Cisco 2509 access server: $159
Octal cable: $25

All for $733 [this is what I call RTR if you are into RC cars, and HTIB for audioheads] lol

[I didnt want to start yet another thread for the same inquiry]

Thanks.
518

We generally recommend you stay away from those prebuilt starter kits. They're over-priced and under-powered. I can find you an identical kit pieced together from ebay for about $250. Besides the cost savings, researching the different models, IOS versions, RAM and flash requirements, etc. is a big part of the learning process.

518

alan2308 wrote: »

We generally recommend you stay away from those prebuilt starter kits. They're over-priced and under-powered. I can find you an identical kit pieced together from ebay for about $250. Besides the cost savings, researching the different models, IOS versions, RAM and flash requirements, etc. is a big part of the learning process.

whoa! is that so? then I'm back to the drawing board...

thanks!

518

back for more with the following items in mind:

2950 switch, $63 (3) [eBay]
2620xm router $89 [eBay]
NM-4A/S $33 [eBay]
2610 router w/ WIC-1T (2) $140 for both [eBay]
2509 AS w/ octal cable $189 [cablesandkits]

Came out as $640 with 90-day warranty and free shipping. I just realized that certificationkits charge $110 for shipping and only 30-day warranty.

I would have been within my $500 budget, but the access server killed it

okplaya

518 wrote: »

back for more with the following items in mind:

2950 switch, $63 (3) [eBay]
2620xm router $89 [eBay]
NM-4A/S $33 [eBay]
2610 router w/ WIC-1T (2) $140 for both [eBay]
2509 AS w/ octal cable $189 [cablesandkits]

Came out as $640 with 90-day warranty and free shipping. I just realized that certificationkits charge $110 for shipping and only 30-day warranty.

I would have been within my $500 budget, but the access server killed it

Don't forget serial cables! Honestly, I would go without the AS for now and get a rack. For your CCENT you won't really be doing any labbing with multiple toplogies. Once you get to ICND2 then maybe I would go for it. Plus you'll probably have some extra cash by then.

That's a pretty good lab in my opinion, although I would probably try to get another XM router and just 1 2610. One of my favorite sellers on ebay is "tnetusa". Free shipping on everything and you can make offers. Check it out.

alan2308

518 wrote: »

back for more with the following items in mind:

2950 switch, $63 (3) [eBay]
2620xm router $89 [eBay]
NM-4A/S $33 [eBay]
2610 router w/ WIC-1T (2) $140 for both [eBay]
2509 AS w/ octal cable $189 [cablesandkits]

Came out as $640 with 90-day warranty and free shipping. I just realized that certificationkits charge $110 for shipping and only 30-day warranty.

I would have been within my $500 budget, but the access server killed it

You'll need one of those 2610's to host that NM-4A/S, but you can consider a pair of 1760's or 1721's rather than the 2620XM and the second 2610. You'll save a few bucks if you go that direction, and overall have a better setup.

And keep shopping. If you're patient, you'll be able to find better prices on eBay.

518

okplaya, thanks for headsup on that eBay seller. I'll keep an eye on the items it sell. I'm actually looking at the eBay seller fati_zee.

I'm trying to setup a lab that I can use for up to CCNP, just in case. If I dont ever persue CCNP, the cost of this lab and knowledge gained from it is still worth than my modded Tippmann X7 Phenom marker. [I just now realized that the money I spent for my X7 and my gear is a complete waste vs my cisco home lab]

1760 Router (2) $96
2620xm router $89
2950 switch (3)$189
2509 AS and cable $189
NM-4A/S card $33
WIC-1T card (2) $40
TOTAL: $636

For $4 less [1760 in liue of 2950s], is this really a better setup than above? For some reason, I'm under the impression that the higher the model #, the better it might be. Yes, I'm a complete no0b.

I must have the 2509 so I can access my lab outside my home.

I'm assuming I can still use one type of cable for this setup? [DCE/DTE DB60 Crossover Cable - 3FT as suggested by Alan]

I also stopped playing Call of Duty: Black Ops since Monday. My laptop is connected to the LCD that I use for gaming. In it, I started watching Chris Bryant's CCNA boot-camp and it's hooked up to my X-Rocker chair.

Wendell Odom and Todd Lammle books have arrived today, too.

This CCNA is long overdue for my career.

ICND1 scheduled for June 21st.

Much appreciation to all of you.

518

alan2308 wrote: »

If you go with the WIC-1T's, the cabling can be simpler, you can use these for everything.

when you said I can use that cable for everything, does that include the physical connection during frame relay lab? because for some reason, I cannot make this frame-relay lab to work. I followed both Chris Bryant's video and the freeccnaworkbook.com, but no luck. During PPP lab, R1 and R2 can communicate. Once I changed both to encap frame-relay, line protocol went down.

Here's the freeccnaworkbook steps/results that I followed:

R1
interface Serial0/0
ip address 10.10.21.1 255.255.255.252
encapsulation frame-relay
clock rate 56000
no dce-terminal-timing-enable
frame-relay interface-dlci 122

R2
interface Serial0/0
ip address 10.10.21.2 255.255.255.252
encapsulation frame-relay
no fair-queue
frame-relay interface-dlci 221

sh frame-relay pvc 122 and sh frame-relay 221 yields a blank result

R1 s0/0 is connected physically to R2 s0/0 using CISCO HD60 DTE/DCE Cables

Am I suppose to use a different cable and make another physical connection somewhere??

Chris Bryant's hub and spoke, just exactly how many physical connections are there? I was watching his CCNA boot-camp on-demand video, but he never mentioned any physical connections.

Thanks.

518

R1

sh int s0/0

Serial0/0 is up, line protocol is down
Hardware is CD2430 in sync mode
Internet address is 10.10.21.1/30
MTU 1500 bytes, BW 128 Kbit, DLY 20000 usec,
reliability 255/255, txload 1/255, rxload 1/255
Encapsulation FRAME-RELAY, loopback not set
Keepalive set (10 sec)
LMI enq sent 190, LMI stat recvd 0, LMI upd recvd 0, DTE LMI down
LMI enq recvd 214, LMI stat sent 0, LMI upd sent 0
LMI DLCI 1023 LMI type is CISCO frame relay DTE
FR SVC disabled, LAPF state down
Broadcast queue 0/64, broadcasts sent/dropped 0/0, interface broadcasts 0
Last input 00:00:01, output 00:00:09, output hang never
Last clearing of "show interface" counters 00:33:06
Input queue: 0/75/0/0 (size/max/drops/flushes); Total output drops: 0
Queueing strategy: weighted fair
Output queue: 0/1000/64/0 (size/max total/threshold/drops)
Conversations 0/1/32 (active/max active/max total)
Reserved Conversations 0/0 (allocated/max allocated)
Available Bandwidth 96 kilobits/sec
5 minute input rate 0 bits/sec, 0 packets/sec
5 minute output rate 0 bits/sec, 0 packets/sec
250 packets input, 4560 bytes, 0 no buffer

R2

sh int s0/0
Serial0/0 is up, line protocol is down
Hardware is PowerQUICC Serial
Internet address is 10.10.21.2/30
MTU 1500 bytes, BW 1544 Kbit, DLY 20000 usec,
reliability 255/255, txload 1/255, rxload 1/255
Encapsulation FRAME-RELAY, loopback not set
Keepalive set (10 sec)
LMI enq sent 168, LMI stat recvd 0, LMI upd recvd 0, DTE LMI down
LMI enq recvd 225, LMI stat sent 0, LMI upd sent 0
LMI DLCI 1023 LMI type is CISCO frame relay DTE
FR SVC disabled, LAPF state down
Broadcast queue 0/64, broadcasts sent/dropped 0/0, interface broadcasts 0
Last input 00:00:06, output 00:00:08, output hang never
Last clearing of "show interface" counters 00:28:08
Input queue: 0/75/0/0 (size/max/drops/flushes); Total output drops: 0
Queueing strategy: fifo
Output queue: 0/40 (size/max)
5 minute input rate 0 bits/sec, 0 packets/sec
5 minute output rate 0 bits/sec, 0 packets/sec
225 packets input, 2953 bytes, 0 no buffer
Received 0 broadcasts, 0 runts, 0 giants, 0 throttles
10 input errors, 0 CRC, 10 frame, 0 overrun, 0 ignored, 0 abort
225 packets output, 2953 bytes, 0 underruns

alan2308

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