Cisco kit

What series router and switch do you guys recommend buying for CCNA and CCNP?

I was thinking 1720 Router & 2924 Switch but wasn't sure if this will mount to the CCNP.

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Comments

redgoblin

Although you'd be able to do most IOS commands on the router and switch, you'll find yourself a bit limited with just one of each (although its better than having nothing). The ability to build networks using routers and routing protocols is one of the key things and its just not possible to do with a single router/switch.

If possible I'd recommend 2 or 3 routers and 2 switches - this way you'd be able to do much much more.

As for the series of router and switch, 1700's are fine but getting WIC cards for different uses can be expensive. You should be able to get 2500's for a very cheap price on ebay.
The 2924 switch is fine for the CCNA although a 2950 would be better. The only advantage 2924's have over 2950's is the ability to ISL trunk and the price - but I'd suggest a 2950 if you can possibly afford it.

Noe84

Thanks for the reply, currently I'm looking at ciscokits.com and it was this kit that interest me http://www.ciscokits.com/cube/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=78

I want to get 2 routers and 2 switches, so if I were to get that kit, I would need 1 more switch and I might go on ebay and find the 2950.

redgoblin

I'm not sure what the other guys think, but that kit seems a bit expensive to me.

After doing a quick search on ebay (UK) I found the following lab for less money!!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cisco-Lab-2503-1601-router-C2912-1924-switch-CCNA-CCNP_W0QQitemZ150117275839QQihZ005QQcategoryZ176QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

As you can see, you get 4 routers, 3 switches for less money! (Granted 2 of the switches are 1900's) but I just wanted to demonstrate that if you shop around (especially on ebay) you can make your money go alot further.

Darthn3ss

i'd stay away from most of the ccna/ccnp "kits" on ebay.they look nice.. but honestly, i doubt 2 2501s and 1 1912 is gong to work for a CCNP lab.

Instead, buy things individually. a 26xx router will cost you $50-$150 depending on the model (usually). A couple 2924's, and a 2950 for switches. thats what i'm doing, seems to work fine so far.

I did buy a CCNA/P router kit type of deal, but it was a decent deal. for $300:

2 2501
2 2504
1 2520
8 DCE cables
a couple consoles
power cables
transceivers
and like 3-5 books, which was the main thing that caught my eye

redgoblin

I totally agree that 2500's and 1900's will not do for CCNP, but I got the impression that he had a bit of a budget.

However I don't agree about avoiding kits on ebay. I have a CCNA/CCNP kit (with extra stuff I bought as well) that featured mainly 2600's and 2950 switches for a very good price (well in the UK anyway, not sure about the states?)

Heres what the kit initially gave me:

2610
2612
2522 Frame Relay switch
2501
ISDN Simulator
2950
2924XL

I also added:

2509 Access Server
2503
2950

So I can easily use alot of this gear for the CCNP. I guess you really have to shop around. The problem with getting stuff individually is usually the extra shipping etc.

Darthn3ss

oh yeah nothing wrong with using 2500s, just the kits that sell for like $300 USD and come with a few 1900 switches and a few 2500 routers...

Noe84

Money right now is not a problem for me, it's the experience and hands-on that I'm desperate for and you can't get most of those experience with some of these simulators out there and some are really buggy too like the Boson simulator. I am willing to find a great deal also but what's really important to me is getting a full kit that will prepare me not only for my CCNA but for my CCNP as well so I won't have to buy more extra equipment in the future.

I'm also taking a look at this on ebay that interest me.
http://cgi.ebay.com/FULL-CCNP-CCNA-LAB-Kit-Cisco-TRAINING-LAB-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ130111027057QQihZ003QQcategoryZ73321QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Darthn3ss

thats not too bad, but you could pick up 3 2500 series routers for not much more than $120 usd shipped if your careful.

for CCNA, for the most of it that would work, but i'd avoid, personally. unless maybe the laptop was included :-d

that rack looks nice. maybe i should email hima bout getting just the rack.

357

Maybe by next month I'm going to bought this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170109191669. Then add one or two cisco switch 2950-24. After my ccna recert., I'm going to CCNP with this lab.