Setup for CCNA studies at home

[drichter12]

I have started studying for the CCNA exam and have picked up 2 Cisco routers (2651XM and 2611) and a Cisco switch (C2912XL) which I would like to set up on my home network to learn on. My current network is not the best layout to begin with and I am wondering if anyone would like to give me any recommendations on the best way to integrate and reconfigure everything.

My home network:
Verizon FIOS connecting via PPPoE to a Linksys Vonage Router (my VoIP adapter) which has a built in 4 port switch. Next, I have a Linksys Wireless router connected to port 1 on the Vonage routers switch port. I have 2 PCs connected to the switch side of the Vonage router as well as the Cisco 2651XM which in turn has the 2611 connected to it and then the 2912 connected to the 2611. As you can see, this is quite a jumble.

I know it would be better to go with a plain VoIP adapter and AP rather than have all these router/switch combo boxes on my network but at this point I am trying to avoid buying any more equipment.

Thanks for any input/suggestions,


Dale

 

[brianinms]

Your gear that you are using for your CCNA should be in a separate lab area and not connected to your home network. Cetainly you could use an ethernet connection for remote access, but any changes on your lab gear shouldn't effect your home network.

 

[NetOpsTech]

Sell the routers on ebay.

http://www.ipflow.utc.fr/index.php/Cisco_7200_Simulator

http://www.dynagen.org/

http://www.dynagen.org/tutorial.htm

http://www.internetworkexpert.com/resources/iosonpc.htm

http://www.gns3.net/

need help go here

http://7200emu.hacki.at/index.php

 

[burtsbees]

You need like 512MB RAM for each instance of IOS, not to mention you need actual IOS files!

Burt