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CCNA - IOS with SDM for 2501

I have a 2501 that I was wondering if I can upgrade the IOS to the current version (12.4 or whatever it is now), or at least a version that will allow it to utilize the SDM. I need to be able to practice with SDM for the CCNA. If it will not work, is there a list of routers that will work? If I need to buy a different router, what would be a recommendation for a cheap router that will work for the CCNA, as I will probably buy 3.

donmanrobb

I wasn't aware that CCNA curriculum featured SDM, except perhaps for the new CCNA:Security cert.

Here is a list of routers that SDM supports

Cisco Small-Business 101 Router, Cisco Small-Business 106 Router, Cisco Small-Business 107 Router:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3(8)YG
" Cisco 831 Ethernet Broadband Router, Cisco 836 ADSL over ISDN Broadband Router, and Cisco 837 ADSL Broadband Router:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.2(13)ZH or 12.3(2)T
" Cisco 851, 856, 871, 876, 877, and 878 Integrated Services Routers:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3(8)YI
" Cisco c815 router
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.4(6)XE
" Cisco 1701 ADSL Security Access Router; Cisco 1710, 1711, and 1712 Security Access Routers; and Cisco 1721, 1751, 1751-V, 1760, and 1760-V Modular Access Routers:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.2(13)ZH, 12.2(13)T3, or 12.3(1)M
" Cisco 1801, 1802, 1803, 1811, and 1812 Integrated Services Routers:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3(8)YI
" Cisco 1841 Integrated Services Router:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3(8)T4
" Cisco 2610XM, 2611XM, 2620XM, 2621XM, 2650XM, and 2651XM and Cisco 2691 Multiservice Platforms:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.2(15)ZJ3, 12.2(11)T6, or 12.3(1)M
" Cisco 2801, 2811, 2821, and 2851 Integrated Services Routers:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3(8)T4
" Cisco 3725 and 3745 Multiservice Access Routers:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.2(15)ZJ3, 12.2(11)T6, or 12.3(1)M
" Cisco 3825 and 3845 Integrated Services Routers:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3(11)T
" Cisco 7204VXR, 7206VXR, and 7301 routers:
" Cisco IOS Software Release 12.3(2)T or 12.3(3)M; no support for B, E, and S trains

If you want to buy 3 for the purpose I would go with the 800 series as they are usually a lot cheaper. Another option if you have an IOS image and SDM is to use GNS3 (www.gns3.net) to setup a virtual router that can use SDM, its also a fantastic tool because you can build the topologies as you need, I use it for testing network designs rather then have to recable a rack for example.

bleujaegel

ASKER

If found a Cisco 831 running 12.3(8)T8. What is the significance of the T8 at the end? Or for that matter, any other of the firwmare designations (YG, ZH, T, T6, etc). I'm guessing the 12.3(8)T8 came before the 12.3(8)YG that your list shows as the minimum requirement, and won't have the SDM. I'm running Verizon FIOS, so I'm guessing that since it's a broadband router it will work. Your thoughts?

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donmanrobb

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bleujaegel

ASKER

I just bought an 831 that claims to have the SDM installed. Thanks for your help.

barkolakis

Sorry to rain on your parade guys but a 2501 cannot be upgraded to 12.4...

Routers > Cisco 2501 Router > IOS Software
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These are the only software trains that run on it....