Can we get a general consensus on lab equipment?

There are many post asking what home lab equipment people should buy. Each one has different answers. Can we get a consensus on:

1) Number of routers and what model(s)
2) Number of switches and what model(s)
3) What IOS versions
4) How much memory for each device
5) Anything else ?

What do you all think?

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Comments

keenon

my first lab was 2500s and 2900xls this was back when the exam was based on 12.2 or .3

As time goes you upgrade. Start getting what you need to do the exam with some room to grow (that being said don't stop because you can't get the latest and greatest). I have been horse trading for years to move up in hardware. 2500s still have there place as great frame switches, term servers and/or just edge routers.

mikej412

brad- wrote: »

Think of it as if it were table data. You can have accross the top CCENT | CCNA | CCNP. On the other axis, $, $$, $$$...or something to that effect.

CCENT

2 2911 Routers $3000
1 2960 Switch $500

CCNA

Add the following to the CCCET Lab
2 2911 Routers $3000
2 2960 Switches $1000

Note: If you are planning to go for the CCNP, you can substitute the 2 CCNP 3560s for the 2 2960s now and save $1000 by spending an extra $1800 right now.

CCNP

Add the following to the CCNA Lab
1 2911 Router $1500
2 3560 Switches $2800

CCIE R&S

Add the following to the CCNP Lab
2 3560 Switches $2800
4 2911 Routers $6000

Note: You may need to add additional interfaces depending on what labs you're doing.

Note: Cables not included in price estimates.

Note: You may be able to substitute cheaper obsolete equipment to save some money.

Jollycork

mikej412 wrote: »

CCENT
2 2911 Routers $3000
1 2960 Switch $500

CCNA
Add the following to the CCCET Lab
2 2911 Routers $3000
2 2960 Switches $1000

Note: If you are planning to go for the CCNP, you can substitute the 2 CCNP 3560s for the 2 2960s now and save $1000 by spending an extra $1800 right now.

CCNP
Add the following to the CCNA Lab
1 2911 Router $1500
2 3560 Switches $2800

CCIE R&S
Add the following to the CCNP Lab
2 3560 Switches $2800
4 2911 Routers $6000

Note: You may need to add additional interfaces depending on what labs you're doing.

Note: Cables not included in price estimates.

Note: You may be able to substitute cheaper obsolete equipment to save some money.

+20!!

Love it!

but you forget the SmartNet licensing [after the warranty expires]

quote QHalo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jollycork
Well Said! my thoughts exactly!!

anyone see that Best Buy commercial about smart phones? where the minute you buy something there's a new model out? Perfect example. Ebay is used "stuff". It's outdated or it wouldn't be on Ebay. But it's great stuff for a lab. Try buying brand new Cisco equipment with the latest and greatest IOS. Have to win the lottery jackpot, to afford it...

Sounds like you would benefit from just renting a rack to study on instead.

there's always that option for those who can't seem to make a decision.. and for them renting rack time probably is the best route....no fuss, no muss, no risk...

TheShadow

mikej412 wrote: »

CCENT
2 2911 Routers $3000
1 2960 Switch $500

CCNA
Add the following to the CCCET Lab
2 2911 Routers $3000
2 2960 Switches $1000

Note: If you are planning to go for the CCNP, you can substitute the 2 CCNP 3560s for the 2 2960s now and save $1000 by spending an extra $1800 right now.

CCNP
Add the following to the CCNA Lab
1 2911 Router $1500
2 3560 Switches $2800

CCIE R&S
Add the following to the CCNP Lab
2 3560 Switches $2800
4 2911 Routers $6000

Note: You may need to add additional interfaces depending on what labs you're doing.

Note: Cables not included in price estimates.

Note: You may be able to substitute cheaper obsolete equipment to save some money.

Got to love that mikej412 for giving them what they asked for but not maybe what they wanted. +infinity