The Lab

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As some of you know, I am working on the Net+. I am aiming to have this done asap, take a month or two off of Studying (I want to learn Python/Powershell in the meantime) and the make a start on a CCNA, ideally before Xmas.

Work have very kindly gave me some hardware.

I have 2 Cisco 800 Routers, and 2 standard Cisco switches (I haven't picked them up yet so I don't know what model, just that they are Cisco switches).

Would this be enough for a CCNA Lab? Also, Would I need to have Internet access for the Routers or can I still run the labs and testing without Internet access?

I know I am running before I can walk here, but just wanted to be prepared.

back to Messer now for the N+.

Cheers

 

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Bump!

Catalyst 3560 PoE 48 Ports switches.

 

I'm not a genius when it comes to this stuff, but correct me if I'm wrong, cant you get virtual labs with everything you could possibly need in a virtual way?

 

Can indeed mate, but work have given me some hardware and it would be good to use it.

 

I used packet tracer for my CCNA studies and although it was annoying that some commands did not work on some devices, it was sufficient and versatile. That 3560 L3 switch sounds really good though. It's well worth at least once connecting via console to hardware as opposed to just using a simulator.

 

In all honesty, I will probably move onto a Virtual Environment. But I would like to mess about with the hardware first. Simple cabling, messing about with the physical Switches / Routers.

 

Virtual all the way ;)

 

Nice one chaps, appreciate the comments.
Though have one question that I need clarification on:

I had said Router and Switch as above. What would be the best way to configure the Lab? Unplug my Sky Router and use that Internet connection, or, buy a Wireless Access card for the Router and create a separate "Test Area" from there.

 

Irrespective of the way it's connected keep the test lab away from live, that's the purpose of them after all. Unless you're happy to lose your net connection due to an oops moment.

Currently studying the CCNA myself and using packet tracer although I do have a couple of older units here for physical hookup (1760+3725). My test lab is just that, test, if I break it then hey, my live stuff isn't affected. I do know others that use their live networks at home for testing and enjoy the 'oh crap, gotta fix this now' situations, but not for me really.

 

Thanks @GSteer, appreciate it.

So if you want to upgrade one of your Routers to the latest Cisco IOS, do you just download it and then install it offline?

EDIT! Just downloaded a TFTP Server and will download the latest IOS