Lab and ISO question

I am thinking to build a lab for the CCNA, but I am unsure about the IOS version.

I have read Roguetadhg's thread and he said IOS 12.4 is a must. Is a MUST is because the IOS is something that cannot be upgradable?

Thanks

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Comments

networker050184

Usually 12.4 is suggested because it contains the features the exam is based on. There are other versions that contain the features those as well so it is not your only option.

The IOS can be upgraded, but in order to download the software from Cisco you must have a valid support contract with Cisco for the device.

cw3k

is 12.4 recommended only for the router or all the equipment?

Thank you.

Dieg0M

I would recommend having at least one router running 15.x to familiarize yourself with the some of the new features.

theodoxa

cw3k wrote: »

is 12.4 recommended only for the router or all the equipment?

Thank you.

To support all the features, it is said that you need IOS 12.4T for Routers. You could probably have some routers running older IOSes as long as you had some running 12.4T. Of course, this is for the old CCNA. The new CCNA (starting October 1) has some material that requires IOS 15. One IOS 15 Router would be fine. In fact, you could probably get by w/o one.

12.4(15)T14 Advanced IP Services or Advanced Enterprise is the newest 12.4T that will support IPv6.

That said, I would buy at least one ISR (1841, 2801, or 2811). They're not usually that much more ($100) than the [overpriced] 2600XM Series ($75). Just checked eBay and for some reason they're running a little higher than usual right now. But, if you keep looking, you should be able to find one for around $100. I got a 2821 for $99 (saved on shipping because the seller was local), a 2801 for $85 (Won it by bidding), and a 2811 for $93 (also by bidding).

As for switches, the IOS isn't really that important. But, you can download IOS for Switches directly from Cisco w/o a Service Contract, with one notable exception: The EMI (IP Services) Image for the 3560 Layer 3 Switch. For some reason, I was able to download the EMI Image for my 3550s, but not for the the 3560. Only the SMI (IP Base) image was downloadable.

Highest IOS Supported --

1760 = 12.4(15)T14
2950 = 12.1(22)EA14
2960 = 15.0(2)SE1
3550 = 12.2(44)SE6
3560 = 12.2(55)SE8 (per Cisco), but I've read that 15.0(2)SE4 will work just fine even though Cisco claims it is only supported on the 3560v2. I downloaded both, but have only tried 12.2 so far.