Home Cisco lab setup

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Raiden1221

17 posts

Geek

#97676 20-Feb-2012 00:37

Hey guys, now that I have settled into my first IT helpdesk role, I'm really wanting to have a better crack with my CCNA study. Im wanting some hands on exp with Cisco routers and switches. Can any of you IT pros recommend what equipment I should invest in to cover the basics. All advice is greatly appreciated. Been snooping round trademe and would like your thoughts on how much to spend as well.

Thanks
Raiden1221

MattHNZ

24 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 16

#583670 20-Feb-2012 07:09

Hi There,

I completed my CCNA last year; these days it's not really necessary to purchase a whole lot of kit as you can find Cisco IOS simulators online. These simulators give you the functionality of a Cisco operating system without having to have actual kit!

That said, like most of us i'm one of those people who learn by doing... I got myself a couple of 3550 layer 3 switches of tradme for about $200 each.

Also if you are looking for some material, it's a little of the steep side but I found the CBT Nugget videos excellent, they have 2 videos one for CCENT1 and the other for CCENT2 (both CCNA exams).

Cheers,

tatbaird

142 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#583675 20-Feb-2012 07:28

Hi Mate. For CCNA study you don't need to spend any cash at all. I used, and am still using GNS3. There is also IOU rack which is the Cisco in house testing pod of routers and switches. This comes as a VMWare image and was cracked or leaked or whatever by some Chinese dude. Then there's Asasels pod of already set up topology aimed more at CCIE level study. Packet tracer is good for CCNA level also. I plan on going for CCIE within the next 2 years and will be investing in 2 3550 and 2 3560 switches to run with GNS3. Dynamips emulator can handle any of the routing concepts you throw at it, you just need some Cisco IOS. You're configuring real Cisco routers then. You can find all of the above mentioned stuff on the internet, and I've used all of it at one point or another so if you need a hand email me tatbaird@gmail.com

Tim

Well let me just quote the late-great Colonel Sanders, who said "Im too drunk to taste this chicken." -Ricky Bobby

xpd

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#583676 20-Feb-2012 07:28

Im studying for my CCNA at the moment as well, have obtained some CBT nugget stuff which ahs been good so far.
Also picked up this last week. Will do the basic job for me I think.

Also, search around for "Packet Tracer" from Cisco, its an emulator which seems to be reasonable

XPD / Gavin

LinkTree

NZFINEST

202 posts

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#583678 20-Feb-2012 07:37

I've used GNS3 + CBT nuggets for CCNA & CCNP . Would never pay to do these courses when there is so much on line. There is a Trainsignal serries for both as well where the guy talking doesn't seem to get side tracked as much as jeremy from CBT nuggets

Anything I suggest or say is my own thoughts and not provided by anyone else unless stated

tatbaird

142 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#583688 20-Feb-2012 08:08

Yeah agree with the above post. Jeremy is good but tends to ramble a bit. I've used some of the INE stuff, Its pretty good.

Well let me just quote the late-great Colonel Sanders, who said "Im too drunk to taste this chicken." -Ricky Bobby

shadybrothers

236 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#588821 1-Mar-2012 13:21

Defintely look into Packet Tracer - does everything you need for CCNA "hands on".

Can easily build a lab following along particular CCNA books

this is a slap in the face!