CCNA Lab

spongeym

Hey guys,

I've finally got myself into the mindset to get my CCNA under my belt. I've actually gone and brought the in60days books and signed up as a member of the site as I'm 100% committed to passing my CCNA now, I've put all excuses in the cupboard until I pass this cert!

I've spent most of the afternoon looking at kit, and have found a supplier who are willing to give me a discount should I buy a few items.

Wondering if anyone can give me an honest opinion/answer as to what kit I should go for based on the below:
Routers
2 x Cisco 1721 or 2611

Switches
1 x 2950T or 3550 PWR/SMI

Basically not really sure if the older kit is still up to scratch for the cert, or if I should just go for 2 x 2611's & 1 3550.

Thanks in advance!

Roguetadhg

See my signature.

If you want to go emulation per GNS3 to save router costs, you'll want to invest in switches.

2 Switches will allow you to test:
Etherchannel and basic STP.

3 Switches:
VTP, STP (Seeing how switches react while not neighbors.).

I'll warn you ahead of time: Switching is what sank me in ICND2. Switching. Talk about a kick in the balls, I grossly underestimated the importance.

veritas_libertas

If you want to understand blocking, designated ports, etc. than get three switches. Switching is what made me fail the last ICND2 exam.

spongeym

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm glad that I asked the question now, as I was looking at getting 2 routers and 1 switch. But from your recommendations more switches are needed.

I'll look at getting 2 x 2950's & 1 x 2611, then get a 3550 when going for the 2nd exam

veritas_libertas

You are going to want at least two routers, maybe three if you want to practice more advanced Frame-Relay/Routing topics.

spongeym

ok, finally made my mind up, ordering 2 x 2611's and 2 x 2950's. Would go for another router, but limited on space!