Lab equipment recommendations for 2012

alxx

Trying to make a post that'll hopefully end up as a sticky so people don't keep rushing out and buying really old equipment or equipment that won't help them for ccna.

If everyone else can add to this so we end up with a decent thread

Options for labs/labbing

1. hardware

2-4 routers with wic's and cables

2-4 switches with at least one layer 3 switch (more if going on to ccnp etc)

2. software

packet tracer from cisco

gsn3 - network simulator GNS3 | Graphical Network Simulator

http://www.cbtnuggets.com/standalone?video=/freevideo/csco_642_902_02.mp4

3. Mix

gsn3 on a decent pc to emulate the routers then buy a few switches (gsn3 can not emulate switches).

gsn3 can connect to real switches.

Don't forget to set the idle pc setting.


Routers

1721 ,1751 and 1760 and 2600xm
Other more expensive options include 3700's, 1841's , 1900's


wic1t , wic2t , for serial wan connections


Switches

2950 (2950 , 2950T and 2950G)

3550 (avoid the fx version)


hardware to avoid or be very cautious buying

avoid 2600 routers as they don't have enough ram for flash for recent ios versions

2500's are to old, they can be used for frame relay switches
and a couple of models as access servers but they can't run recent ios versions

DO not buy premade lab kits as a majority of the time they are older equipment at premium prices



Other software


wireshark - network protocol analyser Wireshark · Go deep.

https://www.wireshark.org/docs/ see the videos

teraterm - terminal emulator for windows (serial and ssh terminal) Tera Term Open Source Project


screen - terminal window multiplexer/manager for linux , mac and other unix
also use it for serial terminal access
sudo screen /tty/USB0 9600n8

minicom - text based terminal program for modem and terminal control
sudo minicom -S to setup a connection
sudo minicom connection

flash card programs
(make your own flash cards as part of the learning process rather than use someone elses)

mnemosyne - cross platform (windows , linux , mac)
Welcome to the Mnemosyne Project | The Mnemosyne Project

anki - windows, mac ,linux, android and iphone (phone/mobile versions aren't free)
Anki - friendly, intelligent flashcards

mental case - mac and ios (not free)
Mental Case App: Flashcards for Mac, iPad and iPhone

alan2308

Which WICs?


There's also free lab access at http://packetlife.net/

Corndork2

Not bad. All good info! Thanks for making the post!

I think we should also add that 2924 or anything lower than a 2950 will not do for the current CCNA command set

alan2308

Corndork2 wrote: »

Not bad. All good info! Thanks for making the post!

I think we should also add that 2924 or anything lower than a 2950 will not do for the current CCNA command set

Here's a doc from Cisco that compares the features of the 2900, 2950SI, and 2950EI. The 2900 doesn't have as many no's as I expected.

Catalyst 2950 Series Software Feature Comparison--SI and EI* [Cisco Catalyst 2950 Series Switches] - Cisco Systems

CbrandonB

It wouldn't hurt at all to mention Console Access Servers. 2511s, 2509s, and TS3000s come to mind.

Brandon

MAC_Addy

I have a lantronix SCS1620 that I picked up off eBay for $25. It was noted on there that it wasn't ever tested. I just had to re-load the flash card and it worked fine. I've asked a lot of questions and put a lot of effort getting it up and running. I now have the knowledge or being able to answer any questions if anyone gets one.

CbrandonB

Nice, MAC_Addy... my TS3000 will be here tomorrow.

Brandon

alxx

forgot to add the ram for the 2600xm's is the same as the ram for the 1700's
only thing is the 1721's and 1751's can't take 128MB and quite a few 2600xm's need a bootrom update to be able use 256MB ram

avoid the 1720 and 1750's as they don't have enough flash for recent ios versions.

And don't buy premade kits as usually they are premium prices for older equipment.

craigaaron

if you are to use an access server and want to connect it to your network you will need a aui converter which are cheap of ebay