Should I invest in another sw for STP ?

Hey all, I currently have 2 layer 3 3650s sw's for my lab at home, but I'm contemplating picking up a 3rd for STP labbin. I would actully be looking at a layer 3 that is smaller (possibly fanless) for using as my home device after I'm done with the main lab. If not just for STP is it worth picking up a 3rd sw for CCNA, and CCNP ? Thanks!

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Nans

After reading many suggestions from members, what they usually tell is have 2-3 layer 2 switches and one layer 3 switch which will help in Inter_vlan labbing. Since you already have 2 layer 3's i would say but layer 2 (look at the costs I don't know the costs)..

clarson

for ccnp you'd like to have 4x layer 3 switches. And, a 3560 running version 15 of the ios is rather inexpensive. "ts" model do run version 15 of the ios and the "ps" poe models cant.

steele84

Thanks, for the input. Id like to go with the L3 option because I can always remove the routing if needed for a true layer 2 device.

theodoxa

Nans wrote: »

Since you already have 2 layer 3's i would say but layer 2 (look at the costs I don't know the costs)..

A Layer 3 switch operates as a Layer 2 switch until you enter the "ip routing" command (and configure SVIs, etc...) Personally, unless one is on a really tight budget, I would suggest going with all Layer 3 switches since you'll need the Layer 3 abilities later on (CCNP, CCIE). Plus, they can be used in a pinch as a router for Layer 3 labs as they support most routing protocols, static routes, etc...

The 3560-24PS will suffice for CCNA and CCNP, but won't be enough for CCIE. OTOH, it is now cheaper than the 3560-24TS. A 3560-24TS, 3560G, or 3560E (with IP Services License) will take you all the way through CCIE - at least for now. I suspect that eventually (a couple revisions down the road), Classic IOS will be replaced with IOS XE (used on 4000 Series Routers and 3850 Series Switches) on Cisco exams.

Nans

A Layer 3 switch operates as a Layer 2 switch until you enter the "ip routing" command (and configure SVIs, etc...) Personally, unless one is on a really tight budget, I would suggest going with all Layer 3 switches since you'll need the Layer 3 abilities later on (CCNP, CCIE).

That is what my point was costs.. Come on I do know layer 3 will operate at layer 2

NOC-Ninja

If your end goal is CCIE then buy the hardware. If not, you have Gns3,iou, and virl.

theodoxa

Nans wrote: »

That is what my point was costs.. Come on I do know layer 3 will operate at layer 2

Cost isn't really the issue it used to be unless you are buying 2950 switches ($25). A 3560-24PS runs the same price as a 2960-24TT-L (L2 Switch) and only a few dollars more than a 3550 (Older L3 Switch). Gone are the days when a Layer 3 switch (3560/3550) cost substantially more than a Layer 2 switch (2960/2950) on eBay.

Current Lowest Price on eBay --

2950-24: $25
3550-24: $40
3560-24PS: $46
2960-24TT-L: $46
3560-48TS: $62
3560-24TS: $84

Nans

Thanks

never researched those

should help me when I am having my own lab..