Should I set up a cisco lab?

[Ctrackstar126]

I have two router sims including bosom and another one that is a beta a cisco guy gave me. They work there purpose but I was wondering if I should set up a home lab with the actual routers?
I dont mind spending the money for a physical enviroment if it will help me greatly. I can get my hands on 4 2501s and a 2610 on occasions through my school lab but thats also limited.
So should i set up a lab if so what would be first a very good lab(perhaps 2-4 2610 with 2-4 switches) or should i stick with a minium lab(1-2 2501 and a switch) or any other routers.
My purpose is to not only pass my CCNA but to SMASH the info down. I dont want to go to the test with the thought of hmm I HOPE I pass it, I want to be able to not sleep for 3 days, drink with Toby Keith and fight Russel Crowe and go to the test with no doubt.

Thanks fellas and perhaps gals

 

[jlazzaro]

it cant hurt, but i dont see why you shouldnt be able to nail the test with just a sim + limited router time. Hands on is great, especially if you can get more access to the routers at school. They cant setup thier own little seperate network, or even a single switch for you to play around with?

How far do you plan on going in the cisco certification? CCNP, maybe even CCIE? If so, it cant hurt to buy some of the equipment your going to need now. You can always rent rack time, but a lot buy all the necessary components and then sell it off for a small loss.

Just for the CCNA? Sims + some router access should be more than enough. Before I took mine, I had unlimited access to a 6509, 7507, 3660, ect...so it definately helped. However, I would have felt comfortable regardless.

 

[Ctrackstar126]

Yea i feel comfortable with the sims as far as passing the CCNA but I want breathe out the stuff when I sleep. My goal is the CCNA by the time school starts in august. I mean I was wondering if it will help me THAT much more if i actually have the routers instead of using the sims well it would be a mix of both.
Im def not going to stop at a CCNA nor a CCNP. I know there are a lot of threads about this and I was going to pick up a router alone just didnt know if having two plus a switch plus whatever labs come with something like the ciscokits would benifit me greatly

 

[Ctrackstar126]

Or a good question would be do any of you guys have Cisco routers sitting around that you used for a lab or just have ?

 

[Joony]

I have a 2514, 2650, and a 2611 myself for my CCNA lab

Go for the 2600 series if you plan to go beyond CCNA!

I also use the Sybex CCNA book to learn from, great book!

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Ctrackstar126
Or a good question would be do any of you guys have Cisco routers sitting around that you used for a lab or just have ?

I h-ve l-rge, production networks th-t present ch-llenges/underst-nding of wh-t is going on. Plus full fledge l-b to test.

-t home there be tons of stuff for CCIE. I don't touch it.

home l-b for you...

5x2600 routers
2x2900/3500 switch (preferr-bly 3550)
1x4500 router (fr-me switch, you will need)
one 2500/2600 termin-l server/router

 

[Ctrackstar126]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: Ctrackstar126
Or a good question would be do any of you guys have Cisco routers sitting around that you used for a lab or just have ?

I h-ve l-rge, production networks th-t present ch-llenges/underst-nding of wh-t is going on. Plus full fledge l-b to test.

-t home there be tons of stuff for CCIE. I don't touch it.

home l-b for you...

5x2600 routers
2x2900/3500 switch (preferr-bly 3550)
1x4500 router (fr-me switch, you will need)
one 2500/2600 termin-l server/router

I'd have more routers than computers

Is that supposed to make me giggle(like a man)