I would actually bump that total up to 3 routers for CCNA especially if CCNP
is in the cards.
2 1601s
1 2610/11 0r
1 2511
if you get the 26xx look into getting a NM-16a
you are going to want to be able to console in to all routers without moving
cables all the time. So get the async now or get it later.
This module will also allow modems for dial up.
Also these routers take inexpensive WICs and they are interchangeable.
Great for 56kdsu 1B's that are needed for remote access studies.
Of course the 26xx will do voice if that is in your future, but you may want
to look at a 175x if you want to do voice down the line. The 175x also has a
FE port so you can do trunking, gonna need that for Switching exam.
But now on to my favorite router the Cisco "boat anchor" series aka
"battlebot fodder" the 45/7xx series. Worst router ever made but the most
versatile and cheapest for a home lab.
All cheap
NP-6E ether
NP-1FE fastether
NP-4T serial
NP-2R token
NP-1A-MM yes if ATM is in your future.
NP-1A-DS3
NP-4B BRI - NP-CT1 PRI
NP-1F-S-M FDDI
Enterprise Software - now do you see what I mean.
These are you best bet for a frame switch, one or two NP-4Ts and you can hub
and spoke yourself crazy.
As far as switches, if you are going all the way get a 3550, if not any
model will do. Basically the name changes but the technology doesn't.
I agree with bob also on the token ring equipment. It is sooooo cheap but
can be a great learning experience. If your experience in working with LANs
is plugging a CAT5 straight into a hub or switch port you are in for some
fun.
I would recommend buying some old ISA 16bit TR cards and trying to get NT4
to recognize them, then snapping them into the ring. Ton of fun if you are a
needle to the ear drum type.
I also agree that you should start out slow and make decisions as you are
exposed to the technology, then make a purchase. I would keep this in mind
though you should keep an eye on EBAY for good deals, I waited and waited
for a long time but I finally got great prices on voice and ATM but it did
take a while. Someone kept out bidding me so patient is the key. It is no
secret that voice and ATM are going to continue to increase in importance in
the LAB so if that is your ultimate goal start stocking up now even if you
are still trying to obtain your CCNA.
As far as finding out prices, EBAY is again an invaluable tool, determine
what you want and monitor what prices auctions are closing for. After about
2-4 weeks of info you should get a pretty good idea on who is selling what
and for what price.
Cables and memory are throw-aways you can get all you need cheap. Just use
the search button on your browser.
If you are going to cry poor foreign guy act save it I would not recommend a
rusty bread knife to a doctor either. Run wit the big dogs or set on the
poach!!!:>)
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Timmons"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, July 02, 2002 3:54 PM
Subject: Re: What will I need to make my own lab? [1:9883]
> A CCNA lab would consist of 2 routers, 1 serial crossover cable and at
least
> 1 console kit.
>
> The routers can be pretty much any Cisco router, 2500 series would be
> preferred, but 1600's, 2600's are of course acceptable. The routers
should
> have minimum 8MB flash and 8MB ram, but more is always better (like
> Microsoft!)
>
> Depending on what router you buy may determine what serial crossover cable
> you need. For example, if you were to buy 2-2501's, you'd need a
> back-to-back DB60 (DTE/DCE) cable. If you had 2-2525's with 4-wire 56k
> cards, you'd simply need a rollover cable.
>
> Speaking of rollover cables, you'll need one for your console kit. A
> console kit consists of 1 rollover cable and appropriate hardware to
connect
> to your router and pc. In the case of a 2500 series router, you wouldn't
> need hardware for the router side as the console port is already RJ45.
AGS
> routers and 7200's for example, require a 25 pin-to-RJ45 connector. For
the
> PC side, you'll connect to your serial port, so if you have a 9pin serial
> port, you'll need a 9-pin-to-RJ45 connector.
>
> You may also need other hardware, depending on what you're studying. For
> example, if you wanted to connect a 2501 to a hub, you'd need a
transceiver
> and an RJ45 patch cable. A transceiver allows you to connec the AUI port
of
> the router to an RJ45 hub. For Token Ring (2502's), you'd need a MAU and
> token-ring cables.
>
> Here are some places you'll find good deals on Cisco hardware:
>
> http://www.optsys.net/
> http://www.kg2.com/
> http://www.ebay.com/
>
> Expect to pay no less than $500 for a complete 2 router lab.
>
> As for CCNP, the list only grows. Start with the CCNA lab and expand.
> You'll find, through study, what's necessary for your particular lab. If
> you're not understanding redistribution, you'll likely want at least 3
> routers. Once you've got your CCNA lab together and routing, you'll know
> what you need.
>
> For CCNP, you'll need at least one switch. I have 3500's and I love them,
> but you can probably get away with 1924's or 2924's. Not sure what they
go
> for. Again, check your training materials for what they recommend.
>
> Don't shy away from Token-Ring equipment. It's going away in the CCIE lab
> and therefore should be cheaper to buy. Just because Cisco is moving away
> from it is no reason not to learn it.
>
> Setting it up is your responsibility. We'll help with any specific
> questions you have, but you should try it yourself first!
>
> HTH
> Bob
>
> > Hi
> > I am sure many of you will be interested in knowing what it takes to
> > build your own CISCO lab for CCNP and CCNA.
> >
> > Can someone help us out in this. A few questions that come to mind
are:
> >
> > Q. The equipment required for CCNA and CCNP and the approx cost
> > cables, routers, switches and cpu's.
> >
> > Q. How to set it up? Possibly some links or a short description.
> >
> > If there are any valubale tips, please share.
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> > Regards
> > Amit
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