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CCNP home lab

  • 30-12-2008 03:57PM
    #1
    dermCu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 519 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    Anyone build their own CCNP lab for home study? I'm thinking specifically of BCSI. If so what kit did you use and in what topology?

    I guess it makes sense to replicate as much of the lab recommendations in the Cisco Press BSCI book as possible. I presume that one pod is enough?

    As an aside: Can anyone recommend a good source (other than eBay!!) for back to back serial cables?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    _CreeD_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,205 ✭✭✭_CreeD_


    You can do pretty much everything for the BSCI using Dynamips/Dynagen (and better still just get GNS3 as it is a great GUI for them both). It runs real IOS images and you can do anything with it that you can with the real thing. It'll save you a lot of cash. I have a small lab here for security with 4 routers and with GNS3 I haven't had to touch it in almost a year.
    Switching is a little tougher since GNS3 doesn't strictly emulate it but if you have an image for a router that supports installable modules (I use a 3640 image) then you can configure your virtual router with a 16 port switch module that will let you do a lot of switching functions. You can always rent rack time for the more complex stuff. Unless you really want to shell out for some nice expensive L3 Switches ;).


  • #3
    dermCu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 519 ✭✭✭dermCu


    Cheers _CreeD_ you've just saved me some money.

    I've just had a play around with GNS3 and its the business.
    I already have about 60 - 70% of a workable CCNP BSCI lab at home - mostly from unwanted routers from work and hand-me-downs from friends who have finished with their labs. But to be honest if GNS3 is as good as it looks i think I'll just use that.

    I'll cross the switching bridge (no pun intended) when I come to it.


  • #4
    NullZer0
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,629 ✭✭✭NullZer0


    Hi dermCu,

    You may be interested in this video from internetwork expert:
    http://www.internetworkexpert.com/resources/iosonpc.htm

    It shows exactly how to get everything up and running perfect for CCIE level and I would imagine it'd be okay for CCNP.

    The guys there are fairly sound too and participate alot on Cisco learning network and have a community at www.ieoc.com .

    Scott Morris in particular has been very helpful towards me while studying for my CCNA studies (and I haven't bought anything off them .... yet).

    Hope that helps.


    :D


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