Will this work for a lab?

[dbeare]

I know that in the 6th edition that you recommend the 1841 and other cisco routers, but I haven't seen any used ones for under $1000. I did, however, pick up a decent lab consisting of the following and wanted to see what you thought for using it to prepare for the CCNA:

1x Cisco 2521
1x Cisco 2610
1x Cisco 2611
1x Cisco 1900 switch
1x Cisco 2900 XL switch

I know that the hardware is outdated, but for the most part, I have been able to set up configurations that you have had in the book using the CLI, and have been using the SDM demo for trying to set up things using it. Will this configuration hurt me drastically? I understand the concepts and how to put them into practice, but I can't afford to plop down a few grand on newer equipment and would rather be able to use this lab stuff. Any thoughts on it Mr. Lammle? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

~Dustin

[lammle]

The switches are really out of date.
You really should get at least 2950's, if not the 2960's...

The routers, although older and cannot do the SDM, they can still do routing wtih RIP, static, RIPv2, EIGRP and OSPF...that's the most important part.

NAT/PAT, WAN, IP routing, VLSM...you can do all that...

Cheers!
Todd

[dbeare]

I was able to get through chapters 6 and 7 on routing protocols using the 2500 and 2600 series routers, but I am finding out that the 1900 and 2900XL switches are extremely EOL and don't have really any of the security functions that are mentioned in chapter 8. I will definitely be on the look out for a 2950 or better switch that has more of the newer functions. Thanks for the advice, I highly appreciate it and am really enjoying reading your book.

~Dustin

[dbeare]

Also, does the 2950 support the Cisco Network Assistant?

[lammle]

yes, you can use CNA with the 2950's, although they don't support all the features. Understand that I wrote most of the book before the exam was released, so CNA is not in the objectives. This does not mean they will not add CNA later into the objectives, but it is not in there now.
CNA is cool, though, and will help you configure advanced switching.
Cheers!
Todd