Current lab for Cisco help

Magmadragoon

I currently have my cisco lab for studying for CCENT. I have 2-2950 switches and 2-2610 routers but while using the trainsignal video for CCENT I realize that the 2610 routers cannot support SSH. I was wondering would it be wiser to buy the 1841, 1811, or 2600xm routers since I can find them around the same price.

TechGuru80

Depends on what IOS version you want. I picked up some 1841's with 15.x, which will last me for a while since they are maxed out on memory. IPv6, zone-based firewalls, CCP all can be done (security certifications). If you simply want to do SSH, then you can just pick up an 2611xm but you will need 1841's or something similar later (CCNP/IE or security path).

RouteMyPacket

Try to buy your gear based on where you want to go. Want to go CCNP? Then piece your lab together to support you through NA to NP.

1841's are solid routers and I chose those as well.

ronzilla

GNS3 will be fine for the CCENT.

rowelld

I second what ronzilla said. Why not install GNS3, acquire some images, and then practice SSH there.

Magmadragoon

I tried GNS3 while used the cbt nuggets GNS3 videos and struggled with the ios images but rather have the real server to work with.

alxx

If on a tight budget gns3 + use the freely available labs

Small budget gsn3 + a few switches

The more recent series routers are best but can get 1700's (1721,1751 and 1760 avoid the 1720, 1750) for cheap.
Need a wic for two for each as well.Make sure to see what memory configuration they need to run the ios you have/need for certain features.
Can use cisco feature browser to check that out. Cisco Feature Navigator - Cisco Systems
Certain ios versions need more ram and flash . Some models can be upgraded with extra ram and flash some can't.

wic1 or wic2t + serial cables

1841/1861 are nice but not necessary for learning the basics.
Stick with the hardware you have and learn the things it can't do on the free online labs or using gsn3.

What ever you do don't buy premade kits on or off ebay (big rip offs).
Take your time and don't be in a hurry to purchase.

Good luck

Magmadragoon

How many Cisco 1721 should I get? I know someone local to me selling 3 of them for $45 should I invest in that instead of the Cisco 1841? I have a couple extra wic1 & wic2 cards that came with my 2610 routers.

zxbane

Do you guys think that working with GNS3 is enough to pass CCENT/CCNA or is buying hardware a necessity? Or buying Boson lab sim etc?

DCD

If you can get the images for GNS3 you can get then for your router. These are the commands for SSH

R1(config)#ip domain-name Magmadragoon.com
R1(config)#crypto key generate rsa general-keys modulus 1024
R1(config)#line vty 0 4
R1(config-line)#transport input ssh

Also which version of the IOS are you using?

The Exam requirement from Cisco

Network Device Security

• Configure and verify network device security features such as:
  • Device password security
  • Enable secret vs enable
  • Transport
  • Disable telnet
  • SSH
  • VTYs
  • Physical security
  • Service password
  • Describe external authentication methods