Should I get an extra switch?

I have four Cisco 1721 routers and two Catalyst 2950 switches. I'm doing VLAN, VTP, STP chapters on switching from Cisco Netacademy, if you know what Cisco NetAcademy is. Now I see these chapters' hands-on labs require three switches. So I guess I need to get another switch. But to prevent being surprised again later, would three Cisco 2950 be enough for all CCNA material? Thanks.

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Comments

DCD

A 2950 will work but a 3550 (emi) version or 3560 would be better.

workfrom925

When I bought my three Cisco 1721 from Ebay, they didn't come with WIC-2T module. I ended buying extra.

I would like to get a 3550 for the possibility of CCNP after CCNA. Can you tell me what is emi for 3550? What should I make sure if I buy from Ebay. Such as, does 3550 require a proprietary power supply? Does 3560 offer more than 3550?

Thanks.

oli356

3550 will be fine.

http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccnp/57037-cisco-3550-smi-vs-emi.html

3 switches is enough for CCNA.

DCD

EMI (Enhanced Multilayer Software ) and SMI (Standard Multilayer Software ). EMI has support for routing protocols OSPF, EIGRP, ISIS & BGP - whereas the SMI only supports RIP & Static routes. The EMI image also supports Multicast routing, the SMI only support IGMP snooping so requires an external router to forward multicast.

workfrom925

DCD wrote: »

EMI (Enhanced Multilayer Software ) and SMI (Standard Multilayer Software ). EMI has support for routing protocols OSPF, EIGRP, ISIS & BGP - whereas the SMI only supports RIP & Static routes. The EMI image also supports Multicast routing, the SMI only support IGMP snooping so requires an external router to forward multicast.

I see. Then how do I make sure a switch is EMI? I don't seem to spot 'EMI' on most Ebay ads.

Ivanjam

Just load an EMI image on an SMI switch - works fine. Check out this guy on E-Bay - he always has 3550 switches on sale: Gilco

workfrom925

Ivanjam wrote: »

Just load an EMI image on an SMI switch - works fine. Check out this guy on E-Bay - he always has 3550 switches on sale: Gilco

And do I get this EMI image from Cisco? How much does it cost? Can you show me a link to the image?

Ivanjam

Cisco switch images (register with Cisco at top right of page): Download Software - Cisco Systems
Instructions on how to upgrade IOS image: Upgrading Software Images on Catalyst 3550 Series Switches Using the Command Line Interface [Cisco Catalyst 3550 Series Switches] - Cisco Systems