GNS3 basic labs (30min lunch)

Jon_Cisco

I find that I usually have about 30 minutes at a computer during my lunch break and I would like to start playing with GNS3.

I hope to build a respectable home lab for learning and then back that up with GNS3 labs for building larger configurations.
So I figure other members must have tried this same idea out and I was looking for a little feedback on how successful it has been.

I am just getting started and have picked up two routers and two switches for a home lab. I am working on getting all of the proper cabling.
I have also configured GNS3 on a computer I have available at work and have installed a IOS image that appears to be working.

If anyone has any suggestions for sites with short simple GNS3 labs to get me started I would love the recommendations. There is so much content available so I'm just looking for recommendations on the basics right now.

Also if anyone has input/critiques on my setup I welcome all of the feedback. I hope to become an active member of the forums as they seem to be active and very accommodating.

Jon

Mrock4

You can do a LOT in GNS3 with just 3 routers. Practice configuring EIGRP, OSPF, etc- make mistakes, figure out WHY certain things appear as they do, etc. I used 3 routers for a LOT of my CCIE studies..once you bring in a bunch of devices it tends to take away from the actual focus, which should be learning the technology, and you don't need a lot of devices to learn the technology! My best recommendation would be to fire up 3 routers in GNS3, and just start configuring things. Use the context-sensitive help (ie: interface f0/0...."ip ospf ?") and learn what different commands do.

Another thing that got me started in my CCNA studies early on was taking the "show run" output from a production device, and learning what every line of the config does..you'd be amazed at how much you learn that way.

I think your idea is great, though- a little each day goes a long way!

Asif Dasl

Check out FreeCCNAWorkbook.com it's very useful for the GNS3 and the CCNA... you can get quad port NICs and link your virtual GNS3 to the physical switches but if you are just learning it's better to use physical gear at first to learn about password resets and upgrading the IOS etc. then use GNS3. Good luck with the studies!