CCNP Lab Hardware
I am currently finishing up my studying for my CCNA and wish to pursue my CCNP. I need advice on what it will take to build a good lab that does not cut many corners. I am looking at "bang for the buck".
My current lab consists of the following:
Routers
2651
2610XM
3640
Switches
2950T (2)
2960G
Firewall
Pix 506
I am planning on converting the 2651 in an access server using a NM-16A card.
Please tell me what else I should add and what should I sell? I have about $1000 I am able to spend. What about Frame-Relay and Layer 3 switching?
My current lab consists of the following:
Routers
2651
2610XM
3640
Switches
2950T (2)
2960G
Firewall
Pix 506
I am planning on converting the 2651 in an access server using a NM-16A card.
Please tell me what else I should add and what should I sell? I have about $1000 I am able to spend. What about Frame-Relay and Layer 3 switching?
Don Johnston
A multilayer switch should be all you need. Bigger (of course) is better but at the very bottom end, a 3550 (preferably EMI) should be doable under $1,000.
ASKER
How many Layer 3 swithces?
What did you use for your CCNP? Can you give me a more comprehensive list?
What did you use for your CCNP? Can you give me a more comprehensive list?
One should be enough. And that's only to cover any multilayer topics for the BCMSN exam. To be honest, I think you get by without it and just stick with what you already have.
I don't think my prep would help you that much. When I got my CCNP, it was a COMPLETELY different set of exams. :-)
I don't think my prep would help you that much. When I got my CCNP, it was a COMPLETELY different set of exams. :-)
ASKER
Thank you for the feedback.
I say you use 2 layer 3 switches so you can practice HSRP and VRSP.
Invest in your switches and get GNS3 for practicing routing exams.
http://www.gns3.net/
Invest in your switches and get GNS3 for practicing routing exams.
http://www.gns3.net/
ASKER
Can you give me *specific* details as it relates to switch models numbers and number of switches in the lab?
I am familiar with gn3 (I have it running on my PC)and several other simulators/emulators however I prefer to use the real thing!
So to reiterate I am looking for a concise list of how my current lab should be augmented with concrete details of specific models and numbers and types of interfaces cards.
I am familiar with gn3 (I have it running on my PC)and several other simulators/emulators however I prefer to use the real thing!
So to reiterate I am looking for a concise list of how my current lab should be augmented with concrete details of specific models and numbers and types of interfaces cards.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Check out this blog serires that goes into detail on what hardware and why for the CCNP
http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/27576.
Also check out http://ciscokits.com and their recommended lab setups. They are pretty good and fair priced on their equipment
http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/27576.
Also check out http://ciscokits.com and their recommended lab setups. They are pretty good and fair priced on their equipment
ASKER
I did indeed view the discussion with W. Odom but I have a few problems with it. It seems like he skimps on hardware and it does not detail what type of WAN (such as Frame Relay) hardware and also he leaves out wireless altogether.