What IOS version on lab equipment?

I am about to buy a lab consisting of 3 x 2950 switch, 3 x 2610 router and 1 x 2520 frame relay.

I have been told the frame relay IOS is 11.2
The router IOS is 2 x 12.2 and 1 x 11.3

Is this all OK for a lab set-up to study for CCNA or do I need IOS 15 on everything?
Is there any way to get 15 and upgrade them?
Do I need a frame relay for CCNA R/S?
Thanks

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clarson

The newer the ios and the more feature sets the ios has requires more memory. The 2520 is very old. and even with maxed out memory can not run version 12.4 version of the ios. As for the 2610's if they are the non-xm version, cisco only supports them up to 12.3 also. But, with maxed out memory you can get some versions of the 12.4 ios with less features to run on them. if they are the xm version, with 128/32 of memory you can run the last version of 12.4.

Pretty much no one uses the 2500 or non-xm 2600 routers in labs anymore. They are only worth $5-$10 and you can get the 2600xm for $30 and 1841 for $40 (and runs version 15 of the ios with) 2800 for $50.

Better equipment that is more suited to the ccna doesn't cost that much more.

sferg410

Can someone please recommend the parts for a CCNA R/S lab please. I look on ebay but so many different model numbers and no one says what ios they have!! I am a total newbie when it comes to CCNA equipment but I want a lab, dont want to be a paper champion who has never used real equipment.
Not looking for bare bones minimum but something mid range to get me through CCNA R/S, maybe another CCNA like voice or security after that. I understand that is something like 3 x switches and 3 x routers?????
Please help, need to get stuff so I can get studying and labing....

Priston

routers: 2811 with WIC-2T
switches: 3560-ts (32mb flash)

sferg410

thanks, would i need 3 of each or could i get away with 2 of each...??? what is recommended?

clarson

here is a good start to get some good information:
https://www.certificationkits.com/lab-suggestions/cisco-lab-suggestions/

give that a look, and ask more questions if you have them.

GDaines

sferg410 wrote: »

I am about to buy a lab consisting of 3 x 2950 switch, 3 x 2610 router and 1 x 2520 frame relay.

All too old, don't touch it!

Priston wrote: »

routers: 2811 with WIC-2T
switches: 3560-ts (32mb flash)

Agreed, but to go a little further you'll find most 2811's have standard 256mb ram, 64mb flash and run IOS 12.something so you'll have to expand and upgrade them after CCNA R&S. There are so many devices for sale I recommend you look for devices that don't have broken eject buttons as while it's not that big of a deal why pay the same money for something that's broken. Ideally look for devices that include rack mounts in case you want to buy a rack at some point otherwise that's more money to spend, and better still if there are any cables or expansion cards included. But check back here in the forums to make sure the cards are useful, and check prices on eBay to make sure it's cheaper than buying everything separately. In an ideal world buy one that's already running IOS 15, but don't pay over the odds for it.

I found a 2811 with cables for £30.00, and one with 128mb flash running IOS 15.1 for £54.95 but I don't think the latter is worth the extra £25. Same here, £40.00 gets you a 2811 with WIC-1T and cables, but it's cheaper to buy the £30.00 unit and a £6.50 WIC-1T.

More on this can be found in your other thread.

OctalDump

Save your money. You seriously shouldn't spend more than $10 on the 2610s or 2520. The 2950 isn't normally that much cheaper than a 15.x capable 3560 or 2960.

For routers, the 1841s or 2811s or 2821/2851s are better options. I've seen the 1841s for under $30. They take standard PC-133 SO-DIMMs and Compact Flash, so are much cheaper to upgrade. The 28x1s also take standard RAM. If you really want something worthwhile, look for the 1921, 1941, 2911, 2941 etc. These run the current IOS, where the 18x1 and 28x1 top out at 15.1.

The 2950 is bottom option for switches. 3560, 2960, 3750 are better options, and generally can be had for under $50. You need to be careful about the specific models you get, as they are not upgradeable for RAM/Flash so not all can run 15.x

I suspect that the newer version of CCNA might push ios 15 more heavily. ios 12 is very old. Most of the basics are similar enough, but there are some new features and changes in syntax.

If you don't have lots of money to spend, then look at virtual options - PacketTracer, VIRL, IOL/IOU, GNS3. You can combine some virtual with some physical to cover all bases, too.