Cisco Lab Equipment

[VulgarDisplay]

With the upcoming changes to the CCNA exams what is the bare minimum lab equipment recommended to practice labs on?

I was considering 2620xm routers and 3550 switches, but am unsure how future proof they would be with the new test coming out.

I have access to an actual lab at the college I am taking the courses at, but I would love to get as much hands on experience as possible. Loving the classes so far and want to further immerse myself. Any suggestions?

 

[holden j caufield]

can't you virtualize most of that stuff now?

 

[guidedbyechoes]

packet tracer can help a lot.

 

[VulgarDisplay]

can't you virtualize most of that stuff now?

Doesn't replace the real thing.

 

[drebo]

For CCNA, two 1841s (or 2811s) and two 2940s.

For CCNP R&S, add another 1841 and a 3550 (or 3560 if you can find a good deal on one).

I'd stay away from the 2600s at this point. Even the XMs are extremely dated.

 

[Mushkins]

Doesn't replace the real thing.

Agreed, virtualization only goes so far. Knowing your way around a console cable and being able to use the blinking lights to see whats going on and help you troubleshoot are important stuff. I've seen too many "network" guys pick up a console cable and go "whats this goofy VGA to ethernet adapter for?" :/

 

[brshoemak]

I've seen too many "network" guys pick up a console cable and go "whats this goofy VGA to ethernet adapter for?" :/

I once saw a self-declared 'network expert' try to use a console cable, he did the following:

- searched endlessly for the port on his laptop (sorry guy, it newer than a Dell D620)
- attempted to plug serial end (DB9) into his VGA port (out of desperation I guess)
- plugged RJ45 end into his laptop and tried to find a serial port on the switch

I had a DB9->USB adapter in my bag but I let him sweat for a couple minutes. I'm apparently a sadist.

 

[xSauronx]

I once saw a self-declared 'network expert' try to use a console cable, he did the following:

- searched endlessly for the port on his laptop (sorry guy, it newer than a Dell D620)

so i have an elitebook some damn thing, no serial port. higher end model elitebook though

my gf has an elitebook...serial port included. i dont even...
/usb adapter

 

[VulgarDisplay]

Agreed, virtualization only goes so far. Knowing your way around a console cable and being able to use the blinking lights to see whats going on and help you troubleshoot are important stuff. I've seen too many "network" guys pick up a console cable and go "whats this goofy VGA to ethernet adapter for?" :/

You will also never have to contend with flaky connections and other gremlins from cables while virtualizing your labs.

Teacher last semester told me what some good stuff to buy would be and I wrote it down but forgot.

He seemed to think that Cisco's Updated test would make the 1841 no longer a good choice to learn on.

 

[alkemyst]

Doesn't replace the real thing.

Yes and no it does. Most real engineers aren't doing full hardware lab ups.

If you are working TAC and the like, then you'd do full hardware.

 

[alkemyst]

You will also never have to contend with flaky connections and other gremlins from cables while virtualizing your labs.

Teacher last semester told me what some good stuff to buy would be and I wrote it down but forgot.

He seemed to think that Cisco's Updated test would make the 1841 no longer a good choice to learn on.

Search out what Wendell Odum recommends. Usually a CCNA candidate can get by with out hardware. Cisco Press has an excellent Network Simulator product.

 

[alkemyst]

I once saw a self-declared 'network expert' try to use a console cable, he did the following:

- searched endlessly for the port on his laptop (sorry guy, it newer than a Dell D620)
- attempted to plug serial end (DB9) into his VGA port (out of desperation I guess)
- plugged RJ45 end into his laptop and tried to find a serial port on the switch

I had a DB9->USB adapter in my bag but I let him sweat for a couple minutes. I'm apparently a sadist.

nice you have the free time for that.