I know this has been asked before... (Lab Questions)

thealpha

Alright, I know some of these questions have been answered before, but I want some complete answers before I make the plunged......

1. What is the general consensus on a complete lab? From what I read it seems to be (2) 2500 series routers and (1) 2900 series switch. What I was looking at was 2 2507's here http://www.ciscokits.com/dualcisco2507.htm and a 2924 here http://www.ciscokits.com/Cisco2924.htm. Is this suffienct? I will only need this lab for the CCNA and my personal enjoyment.

2. Is it better to have actual computers hooked to each switch and router? I am able to get several PII/PIII machines for around $10 a piece. Will this enhance my lab "experience".

3. What are the recommended study materials for the exam. I would like to purchase 2 books, tesing software, and a router sim for use on my notebook when I am not home.

4. I plan to take the exam in April of 2006. I will be doing a independent study for the entire Spring semester. Please tell me the exam is not going to be updated any time soon.

I also don't think it would be a bad idea to get a 'sticky' going of the differences commonly used cisco equipment, and what is recommend for each exam.

QUIX0TIC

1. What is the general consensus on a complete lab? From what I read it seems to be (2) 2500 series routers and (1) 2900 series switch. What I was looking at was 2 2507's here http://www.ciscokits.com/dualcisco2507.htm and a 2924 here http://www.ciscokits.com/Cisco2924.htm. Is this suffienct? I will only need this lab for the CCNA and my personal enjoyment.
2507s are fine for starting routers and a 2924 is good as well. Lately, since a lot of people have been stating that they are receiving a lot more switching scenarios and questions, then i personally would recommend purchasing 2 2950 switches so you can support vlan and trunking on both of the switches. You will gain a huge amount of experience for having two switches. But it is a bit pricy. BTW, IMHO... I dont like the ciscokits.com deal... very expensive... I would rather buy them on ebay and upgrade them myself and I know I can save a buck or more. But, buying a kit will make sure you have everything the first time.

2. Is it better to have actual computers hooked to each switch and router? I am able to get several PII/PIII machines for around $10 a piece. Will this enhance my lab "experience".
If you have vmware or a eval version of MS virtual PC... you can stick two nics in your comp and isolate traffic from one vInstance to another.
3. What are the recommended study materials for the exam. I would like to purchase 2 books, tesing software, and a router sim for use on my notebook when I am not home.
The common books are Sybex 5th ed and Cisco Press Intro and ICND

4. I plan to take the exam in April of 2006. I will be doing a independent study for the entire Spring semester. Please tell me the exam is not going to be updated any time soon.
Take your own time to look at the updates on the cisco.com page for CCNA... this can change anytime