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Re: What will I need to make my own lab? [1:9883] posted 07/03/2002
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Whoops.. be careful here.. the 1750 will not trunk nor will the 1720.. they
have a different ethernet chipset which *apparently* wont trunk.   Last time
I checked which was 3 months ago, the only 1700 that would trunk was the
1721 which is bit harder to find.

Hopefully this will change at some point.

I agree that the 4500 makes a great frame switch and I added a 6 port
ethernet card for all kinds of segments to play with.

See this link for details and a pic.

http://www.packetattack.com/cisco_lab_network_diagram.html

I have ISDN, POTs line, patch panel for quickly changing the configs and the
normal mix of routers and switches. Each router is controlled by X-10
modules so I can power cycle them from the PC or remotely by using
gotomypc.com remote access.  Everything is on a UPS since CA power is a bit
marginal at times.

Termserver is a 500-CS which is alot cheaper then the 2500 series terminal
server.

MikeS




""Donald B Johnson Jr""  wrote in message
news:200207031951.TAA29227@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> 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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