Cisco 2600 or 2500 series router?

[techxupport]

Okay, here is the deal. I have 3 2501, 1 1924 switch and 1 4000M (4 serial port, 6 ethernet port). I am looking to study for both CCNA and CCNP. I have a opportunity to buy a 2600 series router. Did you think I should get it or what I have should be good enough. Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[jimmyzz]

It really depends on the cost and model of the 2600. For the cost of a 2600, you usually can get 2-4 2500 series routers. The more routers you have, the more scenarios you can simulate.

However, the benifit of the 2600 is that it will give you hands-on experience with a modular router (ie.. the different WICs and modules vs the fixed interfaces on a 2500). The 2600 will have more grunt and memory to allow you to install different IOS version so you can play around with new feature sets. Plus the 2600 is a common router in production networks these days, as opposed to a 2500 which have been phased out of production networks.

In setting up a lab, I would list a number of core items, and then pick router models to accordingly.

CORE:
1. Frame-relay switch (a must, you already have a 4000 with 4xserial which meets the criteria)
2. A catalyst switch (preferably at least a 2900 series)
3. 3-6 routers (with serial interfaces) running a min of IP plus.

You already have enough equipment in your lab to train for the CCNA. I would add a cat 2900 for the CCNP. By the time you get around to your CCIE, you'll be adding ISDN simulators, FWs, etc..

Good luck.

JimmyZ

 

[techxupport]

Thanks for the info Jimmyzz.

But from the people that I bought my equipment, they said that if I were to go with CCNP, they recommend that I get a 2611 or something that supports fast ethernet 100mbps, because the 2500 and the lowerend 2600 series don't support fast ethernet or spanning protocols.

As for the 2900 series switch, do you know which model and interface that I should be getting?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[jimmyzz]

techxupport,
This is where you have to be carefull. The older 2610 and 2611 only support 10Mb ethernet. The newer 2610/11XM models support 100Mb, but will probably cost your more. If you can get it at a good price then go for it. The 2620/21 models support 100 also.

You'll need fastethernet (100Mb) to test VLAN trunking, though I never had one and still pass my CCNP. I would recommend you attack your certification in stages. Get your CCNA first. You have enough equipment for that. Once you're ready to study your CCNP, then go and acquire equipment for that path. No use planning too far ahead. Exams blueprints may change in 3 months and routers may be cheaper.

There are so many things you can include in your lab, but my motto is to cover the basics first and know them well. These include IP addressing (subnetting, etc..) IP routing (OSPF,RIP,EIGRP,BGP), router basics (logins, passwords, interfaces,troubleshooting),WAN technologies(Frame-relay,ISDN), and Access-lists. These are not only cores for the exam but essential core skills in the real world.

You should tackle VLANs/trunking when you're ready to sit your switching exam. Invest in the right equipment then. A cat 2924/48/50 will do the trick.

JimmyZ

 

[techxupport]

Jimmyzz, thanks again for all the great info. I'll keep them in mind. Let me now concentrate on my CCNA first, and once that is said and done, then I'll look into the CCNP stuff. You've been a great help.

The guys was saying about $350-$400 for a 2600 series router with a 100mbps module. not sure if thats worth it? But I'll probably wait on it then.

Thanks