Labbing resources for CCNP DC

Hey everyone, I'm wrapping up my CCNP R&S next week and looking to jump right into CCNP DC.
As far as labbing, my work has a 5k in our lab that I can use. I also have access to VIRL and of course the UCS emulator. I have some lab rentals for INE and IPExpert, but I'd like to stockpile them a bit for the CCIE DC, whenever I get to that point.
With all that being said, would I be able to use the resources I have without having to rent rack time? And does anyone have any recent experiences with VIRL for labbing CCNP DC? I'm curious to know how far along they've came.
As far as labbing, my work has a 5k in our lab that I can use. I also have access to VIRL and of course the UCS emulator. I have some lab rentals for INE and IPExpert, but I'd like to stockpile them a bit for the CCIE DC, whenever I get to that point.
With all that being said, would I be able to use the resources I have without having to rent rack time? And does anyone have any recent experiences with VIRL for labbing CCNP DC? I'm curious to know how far along they've came.
Comments
Unfortunately, no matter how you spin it you won't be able to avoid rack rentals for the DC discipline. Short of you creating your own rack at work for your "testing" platform, you will need to cough up the tokens mate.
Cisco SEAL, Cisco SWAT, Cisco DeltaForce, Cisco FBI, Cisco DoD, Cisco Army Rangers, Cisco SOCOM .ιlι..ιlι.
Thanks for the response, ninja!
Do you work for a partner? If so, you could use PEC labs.
No worries mate! I'm in the same boat as you. When I ask work for education funds, I get the glazed eye look from upper management.
Cisco SEAL, Cisco SWAT, Cisco DeltaForce, Cisco FBI, Cisco DoD, Cisco Army Rangers, Cisco SOCOM .ιlι..ιlι.
Everything else you need you can find on the books (DC virtualization fundamentals & NX OS switching) and at cisco documentation.
Really excited to get started - I find myself spending all my downtime looking up DC info, instead of focusing on wrapping up my CCNP RS
It looks like everyone recommends starting off with the DC Virtualization Fundamentals, even as a complete DC newbie. I'm guessing you agree with that since you recommended it yourself?
NX OS is a bit harder to digest. I am reading it for the third time I guess, and mixing it with reading Cisco docs and watching CCIE DC videos. Do that yourself, try to mix the videos with reading and don't forget to take notes. It really helps.
Looking forward to seeing your updates about your progress and wish you luck! Knock it out, man!
Thank you for the reminder, I might take a look in there by the afternoon,.