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What should I get to build home lab for CCNA that can also be used for CCIE?
ghost2q
Member Posts: 20 ■□□□□□□□□□
in CCNA & CCENT
Hi, I have not taken the CCNA yet and I have no experience but I am determined to go all the way through CCIE (routing and switching). Since I have no experience I want to build a home lab that can help me with my CCNA exam but also can be used for my CCIE lab test. I don't want to buy something for my CCNA and when I want to study for my CCIE I would have to get a whole new lab set. Can anyone tell me the exact models of routers and switches I should get? and anything else I may need?
Comments
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Optionsalxx Member Posts: 755All comes down to your budget.
I'd suggest having a read of a few other similar threads
like
http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/71154-assistance-purchasing-lab-equipment-ccna-2.html#post574692
also the last few pages of the lab pics thread (when looking through threads , make sure to check the date)
Then do a bit of research on what you need , what cisco recommends , draw up a list then posting it back here to get some feedback
To start with grab a copy of packet tracer, gsn3 as well.
One option is if you have a decent pc is run gsn3 to simulate the routers, and just buy a few switches.
Or switches and a couple of cheap routers. Then once you have passed ccna, look at buying or upgrading to a higher end lab.
Few links
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Series 2011: Overview
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab II: How Topologies Drive Device Choices
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab III: Sifting Through the Router Model Series
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab IV: Choosing the IOS Version and Feature Set
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Part V: Ruling Out (or In) 2500 and 2600
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Series Part 6: The Best Router for CCNA, 2011
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Part 7: Choosing the Right Switch Models
Cisco Cert Zone: CCNA Lab Part 8: How Many Switches, and Which Ones?
CCNA Router IOS Features
CCNA Switch IOS Features
CCNA Topologies
1700 Series Routers
2600 XM Series Routers
Switch: 2950 Series
http://www.certskills.com/LabGear/Switches/3550.aspx
freeccnaworkbook.comGoals CCNA by dec 2013, CCNP by end of 2014 -
Optionseffekted Member Posts: 166For CCNA grab 2-3 routers (1721 and 1760's work and can be found cheap) and a couple switches (Atleast 2950's, 3550's are becoming cheap and are PoE). CCNA to CCIE is going to be a long ways apart so I wouldn't really base what equipment to buy for CCNA that you can carry over into CCIE.
I am using a 1721 and 1760 for my routers and 2 3550 and 1 2950 switches to physically lab with and GNS3 to lab with 3+ routers. When looking at routers on eBay be sure to find ones with adequate ram and atleast a WIC card. If you purchase a 1721 be sure to buy one that includes the PSU, I made the mistake of overlooking that and ended up having to spend $15 more on the PSU (When I was looking on eBay for the PSU I saw a 1721 with 2 WIC cards and the PSU for $25 + shipping..). -
Optionscyberguypr Mod Posts: 6,928 ModEveryone has an opinion so my suggestion is read as much as you can before forming yours. Alxx provided a great starting point. Just keep in mind rule #1: stay away from eBay kits. If you do your homework and don't rush you'll be able to score great deals either here or on eBay. If you are not clear on something please stop by and ask away.
Almost forgot, welcome aboard! -
Optionsalxx Member Posts: 755+1 on avoiding prebuilt labs usually older equipment at a premium priceGoals CCNA by dec 2013, CCNP by end of 2014
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Optionsnerdydad Member Posts: 261I may be in the minority, but if you have not taken your CCNA yet, I would hold off spending too much money trying to build a CCIE lab. They can change what will be on the IE at any time, and then you may find yourself with some pricey equipment that is of no use. I believe it was Chris Bryant that talks about doing exactly that when he was building his lab.
With that said, determine who's system you are going to use, for instance INE (no affiliation) and try to match the lab they have, that makes it easier on yourself when working through their lab manuals. PacketPushers podcast had an episode a few months ago where they discussed some of the different CCIE training vendors and the benefits of different ones.