CCNA lab kit suggestions

STG.Otaku

Hi all, I'm looking at completing ICND1 and ICND2 in the near future. Just wondered if anyone has any recommendations for a hands-on lab kit, or would it be better to save the cash and go the emulator (GNS3 et al) route?

Any suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks!

Cuddlesworth

Packet Tracer is perfect for the CCNA. GNS3 doesn't do switching, at least not cisco switching.

STG.Otaku

Thanks for the tip. Would I be OK just using Packet Tracer and an emulator without hands-on gear? I can't see any major need for actual hardware if I had an emulator with (legally obtained) IOS images to use as well as Packet Tracer for example.

I have a degree of familiarity with the actual hardware anyway, so it's grand in that respect. Switches and routers aren't exactly entertaining physically. :pac:

Cuddlesworth

STG.Otaku wrote: »

Thanks for the tip. Would I be OK just using Packet Tracer and an emulator without hands-on gear? I can't see any major need for actual hardware if I had an emulator with (legally obtained) IOS images to use as well as Packet Tracer for example.

I have a degree of familiarity with the actual hardware anyway, so it's grand in that respect. Switches and routers aren't exactly entertaining physically. :pac:

Packet tracer is designed for the CCNA. The L2 options that GNS3 uses, like IOU and Arista are interesting but tend to miss simple things that you would be working on. Or have horrific flaws.

When I moved to my CCNP I used four switches for SWITCH and GNS3 on my desktop for ROUTE. At CCIE level, I'm now using a ESXI host and 4 switches.

If I was going back to the CCNP I'd investigate Cisco's VIRL but for now I have the hardware required already.

Kinet1c

Another vote for packet tracer, will be all you need.

CountyHurler

I used Packet Tracer as well... Very good.. I set up templates with three and four routers, and just kept setting up the IP6, IP4, Routing protocols until I was very familiar with them.