CCNP Lab

I'm trying to figure out what I need to add to my CCNA lab for my CCNP studies. I know several people say to use GNS3, but I prefer as much real equipment.

What I have:
AS2511-RJ access server
2514
2 x 2501
2650xm
2620xm
2610 (frame relay)
3640
3 x 2950

I know I need to get get 2 x 3550 switches. I might be able to get 2 x 3560 switches from work. That would get me 5 switches, which sould be plenty.

As for the rotuers, I know the 2500's are not very useful pass CCNA. I may sell them or just use them for basic frame relay stuff.

How many more routers should I get? I've been happy with the 3640 and heard many people use them for CCNP. I know the XM routers work well, and I've heard some peole use 2691 and 3725 routers. Is there any benefit of these other models? I want to to stick to rack mount routers as I plan get getting a rack soon.

As for WIC's I have several serial 1T serials, T1 CSU\DSU and 2 x 4a/s (I could put them both in the 3640 for be a frame relay for up to 8 routers).

Thanks for your input. I am taking the CCNA on Weds and after a 2 week break (jsut going to read the network warrior) I plan on getting on my CCNP studies.

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Comments

Zartanasaurus

Get the two 3560s from work. Sell all your other gear except the 2511. Use GNS3. Use the proceeds from the equipment sales to get a nice multiport NIC or more switches. Yes, I know you prefer "real" equipment. Any of those routers are fine for CCNP.

alxx

Could look at the 1700 series
1721, 1751 ,1760 and 1761

1760 , 1760v and 1761 are rack mountable
and can use them (with additional modules) for voice if your going to do that after ccnp.

Or if you have a higher budget an 1801 or 1841 (can get them for around $100 if you get lucky) - note not so useful if you want to do voice.

Make sure to look at the IOS requirements for the routers you get ,
make sure they have enough ram and flash to run the recommended version of IOS for CCNP - 12.4T ?

The 2600xm's you have should be fine if you max out the ram and flash.
Note may need to update the bootrom to do this.

Cisco Cert Zone: Index Page: CCNP Lab Series, 2010

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odysseyelite

Thanks for the reply. Seems like the new exam wants you to use 12.4T so the 3460 is becoming dated. Too bad because I just picked one up for 20 bucks.

My 2600xm's are maxed out. I did the upgrade when I purchased them. The link was informative, however dated on the prices as XM's can be had for 100 bucks or less.

Thanks for the tip on the 1760. Price seems right on them.

alxx

12.3t gives most features for the 3640 and it makes a useful multiple frame relay server or use as an access server with a nm16a or nm32a

I think Wendel states somewhere on his blog that he uses buy it now prices
so prices are higher than what you can buy for in most cases , plus its a year old for the CCNP lab series.

1721/1751 (around $20 with p&h) are also nice but need to sit on top of other equipment in the rack and can get 3 for the price of a 1760

odysseyelite

alxx wrote: »

12.3t gives most features for the 3640 and it makes a useful multiple frame relay server or use as an access server with a nm16a or nm32a

I think Wendel states somewhere on his blog that he uses buy it now prices
so prices are higher than what you can buy for in most cases , plus its a year old for the CCNP lab series.

1721/1751 (around $20 with p&h) are also nice but need to sit on top of other equipment in the rack and can get 3 for the price of a 1760

12.4 will run on the 3640, just not 12.4T.

alxx

I might need to look for a different 12.4 then.
The ones I tried didn't have ipv6.

(C3640-TELCO-M), Version 12.4(23), RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)