Newbie question: do I even need a switch if I just want to pass CCNA?

I read a blog. It looks like 2 old 2500 Cisco routers are enough for hands-on practice if you just want to get CCNA. Is it true?

Cisco Cert Zone: Building a CCNA lab, Part 1

Thanks in advance,

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Comments

cyberguypr

That article is quite old. Do a search here for lab setup threads with recommendations.

Here's one to get you started: http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/69658-lab-equip-help-welcome-here.html

rapyoke

It will probably be a lot easier if you drop ~$50-$60 on a 2600. If only for the fact that you will look like an idiot if you have a CCNA, but don't know what to do in real life when somebody hands you a piece of equipment and asks you to "set up X and Y".

alxx

The 2500's could probably cover about 70% of whats needed in the current ccna

Could keep them and get a couple of 1721's or 1751's and a few switches
or
use gsn3 for the other routers with up to date ios and buy 3 switches -1x 3550 and 2x 2950

What you need to look at is which ios version is needed to cover all the features in the exams.

Have a read of Wendell 's 2011 lab series of blog posts
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Series 2011: Overview
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab II: How Topologies Drive Device Choices
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab III: Sifting Through the Router Model Series
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab IV: Choosing the IOS Version and Feature Set
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Part V: Ruling Out (or In) 2500 and 2600 Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Series Part 6: The Best Router for CCNA, 2011 Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Part 7: Choosing the Right Switch Models Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Part 8: How Many Switches, and Which Ones?

CCNA Build Lists
[url=http://www.certskills.com/LabGear/CCNA/RouterIOSFeatures.aspx

C]Page Not Found[/url]an get the 1721's and 1751's for pretty cheap , I paid $20 with p&h.
1760's if you want rack mountable or 2600xm's.
Need to look at how much ram and flash is needed to run the ios version you want/need on that router.
Should look for 12.4T.

Newer routers are more expensive.