Lab Equipment Comparison

I havn't really posted on this site before, but you all seem to be very informative in terms of lab equipment. I have my ICND2 exam scheduled for this upcoming Monday, and I've already started building a CCNP lab. I have some old equipment now, which includes 2 2950 switches, two 2620 routers and a 2501 router. I know I need to upgrade the routers to something with a 12.4 IOS. It seems like 3640 routers are the most mentioned routers for studying but are between $150 and $200 dollars a piece. Something like a 2620XM seem to go for around $130 with 128MB DRAM and 32MB flash just like the 3640s. They also seem to support 12.4 IOS and a good amount of modularity. If I plan on getting three to four routers, would you reccommend I stick to only 1 2600XM model and 2 to 3 3640s or can I get the same functionality with just one 3640 router? Is there anything that one model supports over another? I'm still a novice in the Cisco world, especially when it comes to equipment. I would prefer to avoid a poor investment. Thanks

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Comments

kalebksp

The biggest differences I'm aware of is that the 2600XMs support SDM and the 3640s support MPLS. Two 3640s and a 2600XM would be a pretty good setup.

Slowhand

In my CCNP lab-thread, which Mike was nice enough to include in the CCNP FAQ, there have been some discussions about which routers to look at. We've also gone into what can be had on eBay for a decent price.

The basic breakdown is as follows:
* 3640 series routers are quite good, usually pretty cheap too.
* 2600XM series routers are excellent for CCNP studies, generally cheaper than the 3640s.
* 1721 series routers are some of the best buys around, I got four for $20 apiece. Not as beefy as the 2600XMs or 3640s, but can still run IOS 12.4 Advanced Enterprise Services.

Don't forget, you'll want to check the Cisco Feature Navigator to see how much main and flash (M/F) memory each router will need to run the latest version of the IOS. To really figure out what you need, in terms of comparable equipment and software, check out Cisco's cert-pages. You'll also have to figure out what expansion cards you'll need, and what fits each router. I used the CCIE R&S lab equipment outline to put together my lab, as well as the recommendations from the individual exam equipment recommendations.

As for the switches, the 2950s will serve you through the CCNP, and even into CCIE territory. You may want to look at getting a 3550 (or two) as well, to help you with layer 3 switching topics.

dac52991

Thanks for the responses guys. I just passed ICND2 today so now I can really start to focus on CCNP. Does something like this seem to be suitable for some of the more advanced lab scenarios and does the price seem good?
Cisco 3640 Router 128D/32F + NM-1E2W +NM-4A/S CISCO3640 - eBay (item 390038697770 end time Apr-19-09 07:52:13 PDT)

Netwurk

dac52991 wrote: »

Thanks for the responses guys. I just passed ICND2 today so now I can really start to focus on CCNP. Does something like this seem to be suitable for some of the more advanced lab scenarios and does the price seem good?
Cisco 3640 Router 128D/32F + NM-1E2W +NM-4A/S CISCO3640 - eBay (item 390038697770 end time Apr-19-09 07:52:13 PDT)

Not a good deal IMO. Pretty sure that card is the one with a single ethernet 10Mbps interface, the extra port gives you the option to use an AUI connection.

I would say look for one with at least a fast ethernet port or buy an affordable empty one with maxed out memory (and then buy the cards you need seperately).

miller811

Netwurk wrote: »

Not a good deal IMO. Pretty sure that card is the one with a single ethernet 10Mbps interface, the extra port gives you the option to use an AUI connection.

I would say look for one with at least a fast ethernet port or buy an affordable empty one with maxed out memory (and then buy the cards you need seperately).

That is a decent deal on a 3640. I sold one just like on e-bay for the same price. The unit is maxed at 128/32 unless you use a flash card. The unit does have 1 ethernet port, but can hold 2 wic cards, and already has 4 serial ports. I used mine as a frame relay switch.

Netwurk

miller811 wrote: »

That is a decent deal on a 3640. I sold one just like on e-bay for the same price. The unit is maxed at 128/32 unless you use a flash card. The unit does have 1 ethernet port, but can hold 2 wic cards, and already has 4 serial ports. I used mine as a frame relay switch.

If it had 4 serial ports I would agree - but looking at the photos it doesn't

Hoping I'm wrong if our friend winds up buying it

Fish!

A 2600xm router with max memory can do a LOT - SDM, zone firewall, IPS, CUCME. If you go for the ones with a single ethernet (2610xm, 2620xm, 2650xm) you can get one under $100. I picked up two 2650xm's SHIPPED for $150 about a month back. A quick and cheap max memory and flash upgrade (256/48 - if needed) and you can run 12.4(15)T8. Modules are generally cheap and also mostly compatible with the 36xx.

I do not have a 36xx in my lab yet. Depending on how hard up I get over practicing MPLS, I may or may not end up with one. They are pretty popular though, so to each their own. If you get your heart set on one, go for it. Either way, you will be glad to have some more modern hardware that isn't so limited like the 2500 or non-XM 2600 routers you have worked on to this point. For learing the basics your routers are fantastic, but a small investment will get you a feature rich box to learn more advanced stuff.

miller811

Netwurk wrote: »

If it had 4 serial ports I would agree - but looking at the photos it doesn't

Hoping I'm wrong if our friend winds up buying it

The title say is does......

Cisco 3640 Router 128D/32F + NM-1E2W +NM-4A/S CISCO3640 - eBay (item 390038697770 end time Apr-19-09 07:52:13 PDT)

Netwurk

miller811 wrote: »

The title say is does......

Cisco 3640 Router 128D/32F + NM-1E2W +NM-4A/S CISCO3640 - eBay (item 390038697770 end time Apr-19-09 07:52:13 PDT)

Yeah I agree with you there - if it has a NM-4A/S it is a good deal

But ebay isn't what it once was

A guy with 2 posts might be spamming the forum to make a sale

Hopefully I'm wrong

tim100

dac52991 wrote: »

Thanks for the responses guys. I just passed ICND2 today so now I can really start to focus on CCNP. Does something like this seem to be suitable for some of the more advanced lab scenarios and does the price seem good?
Cisco 3640 Router 128D/32F + NM-1E2W +NM-4A/S CISCO3640 - eBay (item 390038697770 end time Apr-19-09 07:52:13 PDT)

If you are going to focus on the CCNP I would go with 2611XM series routers with 128D/32F. 3640s are ok but I would use these for the CCIP/CCIE SP track.