Trying to make a post that'll hopefully end up as a sticky so people don't keep rushing out and buying really old equipment or equipment that won't help them for ccna.
If everyone else can add to this so we end up with a decent thread
Options for labs/labbing
1. hardware
2-4 routers with wic's and cables
2-4 switches with at least one layer 3 switch (more if going on to ccnp etc)
2. software
packet tracer from cisco
gsn3 - network simulator
GNS3 | Graphical Network Simulatorhttp://www.cbtnuggets.com/standalone?video=/freevideo/csco_642_902_02.mp4
3. Mix
gsn3 on a decent pc to emulate the routers then buy a few switches (gsn3 can not emulate switches).
gsn3 can connect to real switches.
Don't forget to set the idle pc setting.
Routers
1721 ,1751 and 1760 and 2600xm
Other more expensive options include 3700's, 1841's , 1900's
wic1t , wic2t , for serial wan connections
Switches
2950 (2950 , 2950T and 2950G)
3550 (avoid the fx version)
hardware to avoid or be very cautious buying
avoid 2600 routers as they don't have enough ram for flash for recent ios versions
2500's are to old, they can be used for frame relay switches
and a couple of models as access servers but they can't run recent ios versions
DO not buy premade lab kits as a majority of the time they are older equipment at premium prices
Other software
wireshark - network protocol analyser
Wireshark · Go deep.https://www.wireshark.org/docs/ see the videos
teraterm - terminal emulator for windows (serial and ssh terminal)
Tera Term Open Source Project
screen - terminal window multiplexer/manager for linux , mac and other unix
also use it for serial terminal access
sudo screen /tty/USB0 9600n8
minicom - text based terminal program for modem and terminal control
sudo minicom -S to setup a connection
sudo minicom connection
flash card programs
(make your own flash cards as part of the learning process rather than use someone elses)
mnemosyne - cross platform (windows , linux , mac)
Welcome to the Mnemosyne Project | The Mnemosyne Project
anki - windows, mac ,linux, android and iphone (phone/mobile versions aren't free)
Anki - friendly, intelligent flashcards
mental case - mac and ios (not free)
Mental Case App: Flashcards for Mac, iPad and iPhone
