Homelab

[dotop]

What is the best set up for a home lap for someone pursuing CCNP?

[karren]

This is a tough question. It comes down to money and motivation. If you are serious about learning the product you need the real setup, not to say those who use simulation programs are not learning. I just feel with the product in hand you really get hands on.

I have a decent setup for my home. I have 3 2500 routers. 1 3550 with emi for layer 3. 2 2950s for layer 2, one for each IDF. This setup allows me to create any hands on lab I am given in my study guides. However this is expensive and cumbersome. Some of the simulation programs are good for the same type setup. I have tinkered with Boson and I will be exploring this option more.

So to answer your question. Have 2 switches for vlan setup. Maybe one with layer 3 software. Use the layer 3 for intra vlan routing. Have 3 routers for simulations similar to what you will see on the exam.

Good luck with studying.

[dotop]

I currently have one 2514. I guess getting two more would be sufficent as far as the routers go? And does the software on the routers matter? Can the 2500's be updated to the latest IOS with the latest features?
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[foxbot]

At Least 1 3550 or 3750 - EMI Switch (must be EMI so it can route all protocols)

2 2900, 3550 or 3750 smi switch - Test trunking, vlans, VTP and Spanning tree. Do not use XL switches.

3 or 4 workstations running linux or windows - Ping tests - DHCP Server - web server

2 routers anything that can run 12.2 and above IOS. (usually around 16m flash and 32mb Dram 2x Fast Ethernet interfaces on each) but you can go with cheaper to get the same functionality. If going to setup a CCIE lab buy the good stuff also look for a router with several serial ports so you can setup a frame switch.

ON THE CHEAP
2 Switches and 2 Routers