Gns3

Not sure on the specifics and capabilities of the new GNS3 release. May be worth a look for all studying for exams. Fingers crossed it may support Switching!! Enjoy.

www.gns3.com

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Danielh22185

I've toyed with it already. Switching is still quite a ways off. The only platform that works so far is a 3745 which is actually a router image I beleive and has many switching features disabled.

ITtech2010

Guess we still should stick to real hardware or use the Arista EOS images for switching.

DoubleNNs

I haven't heard anything about Arista EOS images. Could you elaborate more?

fredrikjj

Danielh22185 wrote: »

I've toyed with it already. Switching is still quite a ways off. The only platform that works so far is a 3745 which is actually a router image I beleive and has many switching features disabled.

(Cisco) switching in GNS3 1.0 has always been about L2 IOU. What else are they supposed to do? The router switch module that you are talking about has always been available since it runs on a platform that can be emulated.

Hondabuff

I tried it already and went back to version 0.8.7. I did my switch exam first and bought 2 3560's and 2 2960's off of eBay. The newer packet tracer allows you to do HSRP now and can even do DHCP snooping now. I did almost all my switch studies from packet tracer. I will do all my Route with GNS3

bharvey92

Good shout, I have been configuring some HSRP in P.T. Didn't realise you could config DHCP Snooping in Packet Tracer. I really need to lab some PVLAN's as I'm struggling more with that topic. Do you recommend 2960's for these (will 2950's be okay)?

Hondabuff

bharvey92 wrote: »

Good shout, I have been configuring some HSRP in P.T. Didn't realise you could config DHCP Snooping in Packet Tracer. I really need to lab some PVLAN's as I'm struggling more with that topic. Do you recommend 2960's for these (will 2950's be okay)?

I did all the PVLAN's on the 3560. For the exam, you just need to know the theory. I practiced all the LACP/STP and dot1x labs on PT also. You need to practice assigning Root switch for VLANS, Etherchannel and pruning to have any chance at the labs. If you look hard enough, Some Netcad students put together PT labs for CCNP Switch that you can practice the core topics. When I first saw them and tried them, I had to hit the books again cause I felt the labs were out of my league. It took about 3-4 weeks of constant lab work until I felt fluid doing them. Once I pass my route exam, I'm hoping I can retain at least half the knowledge. I look back at my switch notes and cant get over that I even got through it.

Legacy User

Hondabuff wrote: »

The newer packet tracer allows you to do HSRP now and can even do DHCP snooping now. I did almost all my switch studies from packet tracer.

I looked up packet tracer after reading your post and I all I have to say is wow! It sure came a long way from the version I used 3 years ago. I know when I used it when I was preparing for the CCNA it made life alot easier then powering on my physical rack. I may run some labs on it while working through the CCNP Switch and everything else I can't do I'll power on my 3750s which make my room a sauna

Thanks for the info!