Hi I have several questions regarding CCNA

I would like to know is Cisco 2950 sufficient for CCNA? and also what's the difference between WS-C2950 and WS-C2950G EI? I Can buy WS-C2950 for $30 and the other one for $60. I thought it's best to find out first before buying.

What switches and routers etc would you recommend for a CCNA home LAB? (My budget is about $200 - $300)If you can provide specific model no It would be much appreciated

Has anyone tried howtonetwork.net? is it legit or just another scamming site?


Thanks in Advance

A 2950 will do for CCNA. The EI stands for Enhanced Image, so should do more, but I don't know the exact difference. Do not buy any 2900XL or 1900 series switch, way too old.
As far as routers go, I would really look into the possibilities of GNS3, which is free. A 2611XM or 1700 series router works great I've heard.

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http://reggle.wordpress.com

Thanks mate , I have already installed GNS3 so that means if I get two 2950s I'm able to connect them to (GNS3)my computer? and use routers that way?


ps- I can get 2 x 2950 1 x 1721 and 1 x 2620XM for $250 but not sure if they're the right gear

I gave up on physical gear and finally hopped on the GNS3 bandwagon for CCNP ROUTE, so I can't tell you what the best routers to get are... but if I remember correctly, the 2600XM series should be sufficient for routing topics (Just don't use the image with GNS3 ). On the switch side, if you got the following, you would be good up through CCNP SWITCH:

2x 2950T with EI image (Yes, there is a difference between "2950" and "2950T". The cost on Ebay is similar, but get the 2950T.)
2x Layer 3 switches (Expensive - I got one for free, but the other I got off EBay for $400 used) - I think 3550s? Can't remember.

But yes, seriously, for routing, get on GNS3. It's great. Just make sure you use the right IOS, and that you configure the idle PC value. I use a 3660 image (c3660-ik9o3s-mz.124-13b.bin). So far I can do everything for CCNP ROUTE as far as I know.

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Regards,

Steven King
San Diego Cisco User Group - http://www.sdcug.com
"The only time something is impossible is when you think it is." - Kevin Corbin, CCIE #11577

Thanks Steven I'm quite confused at the moment only reason I wanted to get all this stuff is that I get hand on experience, so do you reckon that If I just get 2 switches that will suffice for switching parts? and do routing parts on GNS3? and also you mentioned there's difference between 2950 and 2950T EI but I found 2950G EI so they should be the same?

This should help:

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/24916

If you're loooking for a basic CCNA lab, I'd say you really only -need- the two 2950Ts and a router or two. Anything else is just icing on the cake.

_________________
Regards,

Steven King
San Diego Cisco User Group - http://www.sdcug.com
"The only time something is impossible is when you think it is." - Kevin Corbin, CCIE #11577

The difference, for example between the 2950 and 2950T is most obviously physical - there may be other differences too. You can probably look up the models on Cisco's site ad they'll tell you the number and types off ports they have.

_________________
Regards,

Steven King
San Diego Cisco User Group - http://www.sdcug.com
"The only time something is impossible is when you think it is." - Kevin Corbin, CCIE #11577

Is this good for this price? Cisco 2650XM

1, IOS 12.4(15)
2, 1 fast ethernet port
3, 128 DRAM,48 flash RAM
4. Call Manager 4.1 installed

$120


Thanks

For CCNA? You don't need call manager, and only 1 port sucks. You'd at least want two.

_________________
Regards,

Steven King
San Diego Cisco User Group - http://www.sdcug.com
"The only time something is impossible is when you think it is." - Kevin Corbin, CCIE #11577

Thanks Steve as you suggested I bought 2950 switch my plan is to have a switch and two routers what models would you recommend? this is only to get started will expand eventually.

Thanks for taking time to help out

That link I gave you goes over it all in depth pretty much. For routers, I think the 2600XM series are sufficient when weighing cost. If you can swing it, and you plan on building on your lab for CCNP, I'd highly recommend also getting an Access Server such as a Cisco 2905. That way, you'll always have access to your devices regardless of port status. I wrote an article on my blog site listed in my signature, but I can't find it quickly. However, I also made a video of how to configure it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjXqT4ggAt8

_________________
Regards,

Steven King
San Diego Cisco User Group - http://www.sdcug.com
"The only time something is impossible is when you think it is." - Kevin Corbin, CCIE #11577

Ah here's the blog article:

http://www.networks-wetworks.com/2011_0 ... chive.html

_________________
Regards,

Steven King
San Diego Cisco User Group - http://www.sdcug.com
"The only time something is impossible is when you think it is." - Kevin Corbin, CCIE #11577

Cheaper way to do it: http://mellowd.co.uk/ccie/?p=1314

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www.mellowd.co.uk/ccie/

Thanks Steve I was thinking about getting an Access Server but cost is the issue, you're lucky you're in the US I bought two 2950s and a 1721 don't know if that's the suitable setup 1721 was cheaper than 2620XM once I finish CCNA I will buy proper gear for CCNP. For those 3 it cost me $105
Thought of getting another 2950 and a 1721 they're only $35 free postage

Mellowd Thanks for that just what I needed Until I buy an Access Server!

As I'm self studying do you guys have any suggestions and advises on that? What do you think about ine.com?

Again thank you all for taking time to reply

Do you know any alternative for Windows? I already have a Server running FreeBSD (For Educational Purposes) So I don't really want to install Linux on my main Laptop unless I have no other option

Thanks