Is hardware essential to pass CCENT?

Hi,

studying for my CCENT and really enjoying it so far. I was wondering if you need to practice on hardware to pass it or do the simulators do just as good a job at accustoming you to the IOS? Also, if I did buy a switch, would it make sense to add it to my home network or just keep it as an isolated lab unit?

Thank you

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Comments

krjay

simulator or GNS3 are fine for CCENT.

CDRichards

Thank you krjay, about a 1/3 of the way through the book and was just wondering, maybe later on in my studies I'll invest in some lab kit but keep it simple for the CCENT

bbarrick

I agree I think I could pass it with a sim alone. However, I'd start planning for a lab now. Look at the hardware that's available, learn what's what and when you get close to test time maybe even start piecing a CCNA lab together. I jumped into mine, I'm not disappointed with what I bought but I definitely could have spent a little more time learning more about what I was buying.

NetworkVeteran

How much gear do you need to buy? Zip, zero, zilch. The same goes for CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE.

CDRichards wrote: »

I was wondering if you need to practice on hardware to pass it or do the simulators do just as good a job at accustoming you to the IOS?

Simulators do a 90% job as simulating the real IOS, which is good enough for the CCENT/CCNA level. Then there are router (only) emulators that run the real IOS on your PC and are suitable for CCNP or CCIE.

Buying real hardware at first seems ideal, until you realize it costs more, you typically have to learn about obsolete hardware to make intelligent purchasing decisions, you will face delaying in procuring it, you have to deal with break-downs, you may find it has missing/insufficient parts for your needs, and you have to spend time cabling/recabling to create different topologies. However, perhaps holding real gear in your hands acts as a motivator for you. And at least some of the above (like cabling/recabling) would be useful and enlightening for someone just starting out.

If you want more free-play than simulators allow, also consider rack rentals.

CDRichards

@bbarick - thank you for your comment. I think if I do decide to buy hardware I had better really look into it, so many models out there to look over!

@ NetworkVeteran - thank you for your comment. Is there an emulator/ simulator you could recommend? From what I have read so far I only need to understand a small amount of the basic commands but there's a big difference to reading and actually typing it for real.

NetworkVeteran

The typical recommendations for simulators are Boson NetSim ($100-$150) and Packet Tracer (for Network Academy students only, free), and for router emulators GNS3 (requires an IOS image, more setup time than other options).

dazl1212

I got by on simulators for the CCENT and will likely use them for the CCNA.

blueberries

Use the stimulator, and save a buck or two. Its basically as good as the real thing.

DoubleNNs

I heard that there are ways to do switching via GNS3.

Of course, I'm still on the CCENT level and have packet tracer, so I haven't actually looked into it.

But to answer the OP's question, def not. I used GNS3 and Packet Tracer, which was BEYOND sufficient enough for the exam.

bbarrick

The downside to sims, imo, is the lack of hands on. Getting familiar with the cables, the ports, etc...

Dhonzik

I think hardware is the way to go even if you start off small. Just make sure the routers you purchase support at least 12.4 and better yet 15.1 since the new CCNA test is leaning more toward that. Anyone just starting out on the quest to obtain your CCNA like myself should only consider taking the new test even if its harder like I have read. I agree that simulators can be used at first, but you don't really feel the passion unless you are actually moving cables and configuring on a real piece of equipment. That my 2 cents worth.

Danielm7

I took a CCNA course at a local school 10+ years ago, used all the equipment, etc, then haven't touched Cisco equipment since then. I just passed the CCENT today (for WGU) and didn't have access to any equipment. I thought it would make it a lot more difficult but using simulators and labs feels like the same thing so it worked well enough for me.

CDRichards

Thank you ALL for your comments. Seems like there is no 'right' way to do it. Think I will go with the simulators for now and then see how I feel. However, today my studying is not going well, head in the shed. Can see a LOT of study break going to happen.

Again, thank you all for your comments, all are appreciated and valued

rsgunter

Absolutely not necessary.

Grab GNS3.