Anyone done a CCNA? Where is a good place for lab routers / switches?

mr_fishbulb

From what I've read, 2 x 2500 or 2600 routers and 1 x 2950 switch should be suitable to get a good lab together.

Is ebay the best place for these, or are there any other places to look? Cheers

Knub

Ebay probably best bet.

Usually these things brand new are highly expensive or a bit much for most people. Yet when you have finished the course you have very little need for the learning materials again! Kind of like most higher level study stuff I suppose

People often do the CCNA exams and then sell the books/videos/kit it came with for a reduced price if you are lucky to find that.

If not there are other trading sites out there you might have some luck with. Definate tip is to search around first without buyin the first brand new kit you come across.

Jaffa.

I found this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cisco-2500-router-x-2-Cisco-1900-Switch_W0QQitemZ200353894347QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_Networking_SM?hash=item2ea605cfcb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1690%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50#ebayphotohosting

but it comes with a 1900 switch and 2x 2500...

Can I ask why you need 2 routers? Just wondering

mr_fishbulb

Jaffa. wrote: »

I found this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cisco-2500-router-x-2-Cisco-1900-Switch_W0QQitemZ200353894347QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_Networking_SM?hash=item2ea605cfcb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1690%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50#ebayphotohosting

but it comes with a 1900 switch and 2x 2500...

Can I ask why you need 2 routers? Just wondering

Articles I've looked at recommend 2 routers. This one says don't go for the 1900 switches as they don't use IOS - http://www.networkliquidators.com/article-passing-the-ccna-and-ccnp-cisco-home-lab-faq.asp

mr_fishbulb

Knub wrote: »

Ebay probably best bet.

Usually these things brand new are highly expensive or a bit much for most people. Yet when you have finished the course you have very little need for the learning materials again! Kind of like most higher level study stuff I suppose

People often do the CCNA exams and then sell the books/videos/kit it came with for a reduced price if you are lucky to find that.

If not there are other trading sites out there you might have some luck with. Definate tip is to search around first without buyin the first brand new kit you come across.

Thanks. Actually just realised my work may be getting rid of some in a building move. I'll ask them

Rich44_2

Jaffa. wrote: »

I found this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cisco-2500-router-x-2-Cisco-1900-Switch_W0QQitemZ200353894347QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_Networking_SM?hash=item2ea605cfcb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1690%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50#ebayphotohosting

but it comes with a 1900 switch and 2x 2500...

Can I ask why you need 2 routers? Just wondering

Because thats whats stipulated in the courses usually

SonOfJack

The CBT Nuggets CCNA training videos are really good and actually goes through the equipment to use in a home lab in some detail. It mentions some cheaper kit that has all of the features of the more expensive stuff.

If you are thinking about progressing to the further exams (CCNP, CCVP) it may be wise to spend a bit more money and buy better kit.

The other thing to remember is that the second hand equipment doesn't usually come with the maintenance agreement that you need to get the updated firmware.

Hope this helps.