2520, 2503, Router for lab

hi
I bought 2 routers on the net, for my CCNA lab, a 2503 and a 2520, and I’m not sure if it’s the right and current one, I'm posting here the version information of both, can anybody please tell me if its good ones or I need to buy new ones, and if it’s not so good what’s missing on this ones and what model I should buy, and also if its good if I should upgrade the IOS Image?

2503

R1-2503>show version
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) 3000 Software (IGS-BPX-L), Version 10.0(7), RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Copyright (c) 1986-1994 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Fri 16-Dec-94 16:31 by dougs
Image text-base: 0x0301F898, data-base: 0x00001000
ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 5.2(8a), RELEASE SOFTWARE
ROM: 3000 Bootstrap Software (IGS-RXBOOT), Version 10.2(8a), RELEASE SOFTWARE (f
c1)
R1-2503 uptime is 2 minutes
System restarted by power-on
System image file is "flash:igs-bpx-l.100-7", booted via flash
cisco 2500 (68030) processor (revision L) with 6140K/2048K bytes of memory.
Processor board serial number 03057371
X.25 software, Version 2.0, NET2, BFE and GOSIP compliant.
ISDN software, Version 1.0.
Bridging software.
SuperLAT software (copyright 1990 by Meridian Technology Corp).
Authorized for Enterprise software set. (0x0)
1 Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 interface.
2 Serial network interfaces.
1 ISDN Basic Rate interface.
32K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
4096K bytes of processor board System flash partition 1 (Read ONLY)
4096K bytes of processor board System flash partition 2 (Read/Write)
Configuration register is 0x2102

2520

Router>sho ver [timed out]
Cisco Internetwork Operating System Software
IOS (tm) 2500 Software (C2500-IS-L), Version 11.3(11a)T1, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1
)
Copyright (c) 1986-1999 by cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Fri 24-Sep-99 00:12 by pwade
Image text-base: 0x0303B038, data-base: 0x00001000
ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 11.0(10c), SOFTWARE
BOOTFLASH: 3000 Bootstrap Software (IGS-BOOT-R), Version 11.0(10c), RELEASE SOFT
WARE (fc1)
Router uptime is 4 minutes
System restarted by reload
System image file is "flash:c2500-is-l.113-11a.T1.bin", booted via flash
cisco 2520 (68030) processor (revision N) with 6144K/2048K bytes of memory.
Processor board ID 18253985, with hardware revision 00000003
Bridging software.
X.25 software, Version 3.0.0.
Basic Rate ISDN software, Version 1.1.
1 Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 interface(s)
2 Serial network interface(s)
2 Low-speed serial(sync/async) network interface(s)
1 ISDN Basic Rate interface(s)
32K bytes of non-volatile configuration memory.
8192K bytes of processor board System flash (Read ONLY)
Configuration register is 0x2102

thanks a lot

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Comments

alan2308

The 2500 series routers aren't the latest greatest models, but they're more than adequate when you're studying for the CCNA. 2 routers will get you by, though if you can afford another router, a third will help. I would suggest getting a 2600XM series router if you're going to get a third.

You'll also need switches. As with the routers, 2 is good, 3 is better. You'll want at least 2950's. The 3550's are more expensive, but are a good investment if you're going to continue on past the CCNA. Sometimes you'll even find a real good deal.

And as far as the IOS on your routers, you'll definitely want to upgrade that. The 2500's can run up to version 12.3 assuming that you have sufficient memory and flash. 10.0 and 11.3 will be of little use.

mikej412

The 2501 routers are worth about $10 each -- maybe $15 if they come with the transceiver. They should come with 16Meg DRAM and 16Meg FLASH -- and either the last 12.2 Enterprise IOS (with crypto) or the 12.3 IP Plus. The 12.3 IP Plus loses some Enterprise features, but gives you some more IPv6 oomph which may be more useful in the long term (and the IP Plus should be enough for the CCNA).

But the memory upgrades aren't that expensive -- at least when compared to the learning experience. Heck -- even figuring out how to get rid of those 2 4 Meg partitions on that one 2500 you have probably makes it worth what ever price you paid (as long as it was under $40

-- at that point you should have just gotten a $50 1721 with power brick and max 32 Meg Flash).

Add a 1721 or 2600XM router so that you can do the SDM labs and Router On A Stick. And maybe look for another cheap maxed out 2501 that has one of the "good" IOS versions so that you can upgrade your current 2500s.

You are searching for some $25-$50 deals on 2950 switches -- right?

solnsusie

alan2308 wrote: »

The 2500 series routers aren't the latest greatest models, but they're more than adequate when you're studying for the CCNA. 2 routers will get you by, though if you can afford another router, a third will help. I would suggest getting a 2600XM series router if you're going to get a third.

You'll also need switches. As with the routers, 2 is good, 3 is better. You'll want at least 2950's. The 3550's are more expensive, but are a good investment if you're going to continue on past the CCNA. Sometimes you'll even find a real good deal.

And as far as the IOS on your routers, you'll definitely want to upgrade that. The 2500's can run up to version 12.3 assuming that you have sufficient memory and flash. 10.0 and 11.3 will be of little use.

thanks for your reply, will the 2610 be good? if not please let me know which one from the 2600 series?
and about switches, i do have 2 2950's,
and about the IOS, how can i get this upgrades for this 2 routers i have,

solnsusie

mikej412 wrote: »

The 2501 routers are worth about $10 each -- maybe $15 if they come with the transceiver. They should come with 16Meg DRAM and 16Meg FLASH -- and either the last 12.2 Enterprise IOS (with crypto) or the 12.3 IP Plus. The 12.3 IP Plus loses some Enterprise features, but gives you some more IPv6 oomph which may be more useful in the long term (and the IP Plus should be enough for the CCNA).

But the memory upgrades aren't that expensive -- at least when compared to the learning experience. Heck -- even figuring out how to get rid of those 2 4 Meg partitions on that one 2500 you have probably makes it worth what ever price you paid (as long as it was under $40 -- at that point you should have just gotten a $50 1721 with power brick and max 32 Meg Flash).

Add a 1721 or 2600XM router so that you can do the SDM labs and Router On A Stick. And maybe look for another cheap maxed out 2501 that has one of the "good" IOS versions so that you can upgrade your current 2500s.

You are searching for some $25-$50 deals on 2950 switches -- right?

thanks for your reply,
how and where can i get this 12.3 IP PLUS upgrade? and what do you mean "so that you can do the SDM labs and Router On A Stick", what kind of STICK do you mean, like a memory flash drive stick? and about the switch, i do have 2 2950's,
will the 2610 router be good for my lab? or i need a more higher model,
thanks again

alan2308

solnsusie wrote: »

thanks for your reply, will the 2610 be good? if not please let me know which one from the 2600 series?
and about switches, i do have 2 2950's,
and about the IOS, how can i get this upgrades for this 2 routers i have,

you want the 2600XM series, not the 2600. The big difference between the models is the CPU speed and the number of Ethernet ports. The CPU doesn't matter in a lab environment, and a second Ethernet port helps, though it won't be the end of the world if you don't have it.

The real important thing to look for is the amount of RAM and flash in the router. If the router doesn't have enough, you won't be able to run the IOS you want to use.

solnsusie

alan2308 wrote: »

you want the 2600XM series, not the 2600. The big difference between the models is the CPU speed and the number of Ethernet ports. The CPU doesn't matter in a lab environment, and a second Ethernet port helps, though it won't be the end of the world if you don't have it.

The real important thing to look for is the amount of RAM and flash in the router. If the router doesn't have enough, you won't be able to run the IOS you want to use.

thanks a lot for this information, since i was looking allready on the 2610, so i will now do some research on the 2600XM,
thanks again

solnsusie

alan2308 wrote: »

you want the 2600XM series, not the 2600. The big difference between the models is the CPU speed and the number of Ethernet ports. The CPU doesn't matter in a lab environment, and a second Ethernet port helps, though it won't be the end of the world if you don't have it.

The real important thing to look for is the amount of RAM and flash in the router. If the router doesn't have enough, you won't be able to run the IOS you want to use.

for how much RAM should i look for?

alan2308

solnsusie wrote: »

for how much RAM should i look for?

Ideally, you want the maximum amount that the router supports, or at least close to that amount. Otherwise you'll be in for an upgrade later when you realize that you need more. On the 2600XM's, the max is 256MB RAM and 48MB flash. Definitely get at least 128MB.