CCNA equipment

[jae]

What's a good place to buy some equipment to practice for the CCNA test? I was told I'll be better off buying individual equipment instead of kits, but don't know what's reputable place to buy it from and what exactly to get.

 

[VulgarDisplay]

Ebay

 

[shady_sawyer]

try boson netsim or GNS3. why buy equipment when you can simulate...

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Packet tracer is more than enough for the ccna. Get a copy of it and save yourself some hassle

 

[MysticRyuujin]

Packet Tracer or GNS3. Buying equipment for the CCNA is a total waste of money unless that is just how you like to learn. Anything that helps you to study is a good thing but it's NOT necessary at all.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Another vote for virtualization.

 

[Pandasaurus]

If you can learn it all just by reading and PacketTracer/GNS3, that's the better option. If you're more of a hands-on learner like me, eBay is your best bet. Depending on your budget, I found the 3825 (15.1 AdvEnt image) and 2970 switch to be the best options. I can give more info when I'm not on my phone.

 

[grendel19]

Agree with others' post. For CCNA, full fledge equipment is a waste. It tests you mostly on the technologies and basic commands. Use GNS3 for router simulation. For layer 2 switching, get a 3550 on Ebay. Those usually go for around $100 last I checked.

 

[Pandasaurus]

Just for the record, 3550 is a layer 3 switch, and not really needed for CCNA. (That didn't stop me from buying one, mind you)

 

[grendel19]

Correct sir. I should have worded better. A 3550 would great to practice layer 2, especially at that price point.

Then save it for studies for ccnp and ccie.

 

[alkemyst]

Packet tracer is more than enough for the ccna. Get a copy of it and save yourself some hassle

Also Cisco Press' Network Simulator is very good for the CCNA level.

OP, no one really uses real gear anymore for route/switch. Even the latest CCIE exam is all virtualized.

The gear to do the exams is getting very expensive whereas in the past you could snag capable gear for under $500 or so to do a decent CCNA/CCNP lab.

Wendel Odum used to have a list of recommended gear for CCNA/CCNP/etc. Not sure if he is still doing that.