Lab Suggestions On CCNA & CCNP

Many people ask me what would be a good CCNA lab? Well, it is a sensitive issue, your budget and your aspirations for the future of Cisco. Start with some basic concepts, I hope we can all agree. Real router

You need a router physical simulators simply not give you the “hands on” you need to see what happens if you use a cable, a cable in the wrong position or simply configure the interface incorrectly . Depending on what you make mistakes, you can use the interface or protocol and on the basis, it should give you an indication where the breakdown started (Note, the interface layer, and what is layer protocol). Anyway, you can find very quickly that the error on the router 1 router 4 all, because you do not live in a cable. No simulator allows the simulation that if a router is invaluable.

I have sometimes wondered if someone can D-Link “router” or in their laboratory. This class at home “router” in general, does not support protocols like RIP, OSPF, IGRP, etc, they still have the Cisco IOS, CCNA the majority of the audit. The answer is that they are not really for the development of your Cisco CCNA Lab.

Like many Cisco routers do I need?

Two routers really necessary to see if this works. If you have a limited budget, you can only purchase a router in cooperation with a simulator. However, you will not be able to see the most important, what we are trying to achieve. The multiplication of the Route of the routing tables and data! The only way you can see if your configuration to work is that at least two routers. In other words, if you can afford to make a package of more than two routers, you can exercise complex scenarios. I would recommend a router Dual-Kit or best, with all the accessories you need. Otherwise, you can use for days or weeks to find all the little extra pieces you need for your laboratory and exploitation. I recall, like other retailers, who with his games of 2500 and the routers are not transmitting. Now, as the Ethernet AUI ports without them? It is, in fact, as I read. A router gives you the opportunity to control and allow you to memorize the syntax and the context in which enforcement orders. Two routers, you can be, for a routing table to disseminate information, data and multiplying the path of choice. In addition, you will see basic device elections. With three or more, you receive all routers these elections and the complete device. I hope these tips help CCNA Lab Kit for your budget.

Can we, a laboratory, it is each concept CCNA Exam?

We often receive this question. Yes we can, but it is not realistic for most customers, who himself studied, because it cost over $ 5000 If you have this kind of budget available, we recommend you choose the CCNP kits, as for you by your CCNA exam and on your way towards your CCNP.

Like many Cisco routers and Cisco switches do I need for your CCNA Lab Workbook?

Our Lab CCNA workbook has been informed that most of our customers can not afford a large laboratory. Note that you will see a large number of laboratories for three of the four Router below. This does not mean you can not complete most of them. It is easy in most cases means that it is not as complex as it be.
Number of laboratories, a single router – 7

Number of laboratories, the two routers – 11

Number of laboratories, the three router – 19

Number of laboratories, the four-router – 4

Number of laboratories, one or more switches – 8

What are some things to check, I am for my CCNA Lab?

Two new themes emerged from the verification of new Cisco CCNA 640-802. You are IPv6 (IP version 6) and SDM (Security Device Manager) is based on a GUI easy to configure your routers and switches. One issue is the Cisco 2500 series router IPv6? Yes, they can if they maxed with 16 MB of DRAM and Flash. Here is some information on the Cisco routers and DRAM and Flash, IPv6 support, provided they have the correct IOS. To make life a little easier, I also have a practical minimum of DRAM and Flash, support for IPv6 by the model of platform.

DRAM / flash memory is essential for the functionality of support

IOS Model_________IPv6__________SDM_____________________Max Ver.
Cisco 2500_____16/16 ______Not Available_____________________12.3
Cisco 2600_____64/16 ______Not Available_____________________12.3
Cisco 2600XM__128/32 _____128/32__________________________12.4
Cisco 3620_____64/16 ______Not Available _____________________12.3
Cisco 3640_____128/32 ______64/16 __________________________12.4

If you have a good look at the chart, you also, I note that the conditions to the SDM. As mentioned earlier, Cisco SDM Security Device Manager, the graphical interface and options to configure your router. It is not some of the older models. But the good news of a laboratory perspective is that you need on each router for a good, working as SDM. The Cisco 3640 router is the cheapest way, with 10 MB of SDM-Ethernet and Cisco 2600XM series seems to be the least expensive route, with the SDM-100Mb Ethernet.

Finally, I also have a version IOS column. As you can see above, the Cisco 2500, 2600 and 3620 only supports models 12 / 3, whereas the Cisco 2600XM and 3640 support units 12.4. So if you want that exposure of the latest IOS, the routers in the real world at the moment is that 12.4. But if your budget is not possible, you are still in the routers, the oldest of the 12 / 3 IOS.

Why do you sell routers with storage, can not be IPv6?

Not everyone has the means to support all the features. So werden Sie sehen, dass wir noch bieten Cisco Router 2500-Kits mit 8 MB DRAM and 8 MB Flash in der Lage, um im Hinblick auf den Router, die 85% der Konzepte ist besser als gar nichts, wenn Sie ist knapp Budget bemessen .

How do I know what interfaces and options are available on a router?

In order to prevent and provide a place to compare and interfaces / options I do the next small image to give you an idea of what is expected on each router.

Summary of the router interfaces

Model________________Ethernet__________SyncSerial_____Async / Sync_______NM Slots________Wan Slots
________________________________________( DB-60 )_______ Serial Ports_______Available________Available

Cisco 2501___________1-AUI 10mb___________2______________0______________0_______________0
Cisco 2503___________1-AUI 10mb___________2______________0______________0_______________0
Cisco 2507/16_________16 Port Hub10mb_______2______________0______________0_______________0
Cisco 2514___________2-AUI 10mb___________2______________0_______________0______________0
Cisco 2520___________1-AUI 10mb___________2______________2_______________0______________0
Cisco 2610___________1-RJ-45 10mb_________0______________0_______________1_______________2
Cisco 2611___________2-RJ-45 10mb_________0______________0_______________1_______________2
Cisco 2612___________1-RJ-45 10mb_________0______________0_______________1_______________2
Cisco 2610/20XM______1-RJ-45 100mb________ 0______________0_______________1_______________2
Cisco 2611/21XM______ 2-RJ-45-100mb________0______________0_______________1_______________2
Cisco 1720___________1-RJ-45 100mb_________0______________0_______________1_______________2
Cisco 2620___________1-RJ-45 100mb_________0______________0_______________1_______________2
Cisco 2621___________2-RJ-45 100mb_________0______________0_______________1_______________2
Cisco 3620___________0_____________________0______________0_______________2_______________0
Cisco 3640___________0_____________________0______________0_______________4_______________0
¹ = AUI Attachment Unit Interface.

Anything else you recommend?

Well, a number of things. The Cisco 2500 router are awaiting your CCNA studies as long as you correct IOS and memory maxed with all the accessories you need. We can say, but they are only 10 MB of router. It is true, but they still work. The big drawback, in addition to the above lack of SDM and 12.4 is supported, with 10 MB of router that you can not your Inter-VLAN routing laboratories with them (this is the case for each of 10 MB router). It’s as simple as you make at least 100 MB a router for your workshop, you can inter-VLAN, routing, and takes care of this problem and support, the cost of your lab for those with a budget tight!

You want to make sure that your router supports IPv6, because the really do is help Labs IPv6 concepts in sink Finally SDM is most likely the wave of the future, you can begin to do now!

Do I need a switch?

This may be a little discussed several ways. First, some say 80% of the test is based on routing. For that I make. But with only a small error in transmission, not the understanding of change as VLAN, STP and great options, one of the issues is that you, not for your consideration. It is still a few issues, which are based heart as “What is the level 2 of the protocol for a loop-free network?” God thank you, we recorded STP. In other words, it would be good for us to really “see” the transmission of concepts to work. It is indeed, as I read it. A button gives you the opportunity, the button commands and allow you to memorize the syntax and context in which enforcement orders. In addition, you get to make some VLANs Labs. Two buttons, you can see for VTP domain and VLAN information propagate. In addition, you will see the basic unit elections. With three or more, you receive all the counters of these elections and the complete device. Remember that we are only at the CCNA level, so that we now not need a layer 3 Switch 3550 as one. But it is a nice concept your CCNP studies. Finally, you can ask why some of my router Dual-Step kits in them. Now that you can on the section of our site identified, and add the you want to spend part of your kit. The switches do not require issuer, ports and I did not really To Kit with routers. We have some of the greatest kits for both routers and switches in them.

What should I change?

This is one, both a lot of discussion about these days. I will give my opinion on it, and ya cent ways, a laboratory. I’ll give you the information and let you decide how you want your lab.

The Cisco 2950 is a button switch, is tested and the accuracy of IOS commands that you see on the lab. So if you can afford, one, it is good to find. But sometimes, if customers only a budget of $ 200, I can not believe that for it to give up and switch on the router. After all, the test is 80% of routing! Back on the Cisco 2950 is the best for the test button, if you can afford.

But let us say, you can not allow the switches, but a switch, what is next? We have a Cisco 2900 series. This is a step in the Cisco 2950 and supports all the same commands CCNA exam with the exception of port switch and vlan command overall. So with this knowledge, these switches can work for you.

Finally, there is the Cisco 1900 series met. This is not a great demand for them, so very cheap, they are acquired. Some say they have absolutely no value in a CCNA Lab. I tend to not much. You can ask me, hey, what are you smoking? Cisco IOS 1900 series that is not the IOS, which focus on examining how it can be useful? Well, let’s go in knowing that the IOS commands on the 1900 series are not those which relate to the test. Ok, while we are not on them (remember that there are very few counters for CCNA IOS command-assessment with regard to syntax), but concepts that I have a lot of people to a difficult to understand how STP d’oeuvres, as the unit of treatment options and in this way. These terms in exactly the same way on a 1900, since 2950 on the sidelines. Not to mention that you can VLAN, VTP and laboratories on the button to understanding how they work. So I hope you see why I am always to help customers with a bit budget for the exposure to such approaches. * Please note that from January 2009, prices were in 2900 of the series develops seem to be very valuable for us, always the 1900-Switches. The price difference between the two types of switch is so close, it is better for a few dollars extra and 2900 a series of change.

Since I am with the router, I have a function button graphic below to help you choose your Cisco Switch.

Job Summary Switch
Cisco Switch functions _____________________________Summary

_______________________1912/1924_______2912/2924_______2950____________3550
Port Speed_______________10/100MB_______100MB_________100MB___________100MB
VLans____________________X______________X_______________X________________X
Trunking__________________X______________X_______________X________________X
Port Aggregation____________X______________X_______________X________________X
Mirroring__________________X______________X_______________X________________X
ISL______________________X______________X
802.1Q__________________________________X________________X_______________X
QoS _____________________________________________________X_______________X
Layer-3-Switching___________________________________________________________X
IOS Version_______________9.007___________12.x____________12.x______________12.x