recommended lab 640-802?

[uraauroow]

could any body suggest what would be the complete lab of ccna 640-802(like switches, routers, dsl, isdn, ), 4 months ago,I bought expensive isdn simulator device, and all off sudden, I heard isdn is outdated, what a mess.
I appreciate every answer.
thanks

[eblonk]

You might want to go for Routersim. I only played with the demo version but to me it looks like an efficient way to learn. You can quickly set up scenarios, much faster than if you had all the Cisco switches and routers in the world.

I'm thinking of buying it even though I got my CCNA because it seems a great way to try things out (mind you, Routersim would be to me what Halo or World of Warcraft is to others: hours of fun :) ).

In my case, I had an outdated 800 router with an IOS that was .2 versions below what you need and no switch at all. I scored 920 and passed in one go. What I got out of that router is basic familiarity with the CLI, knowing what was were. That gives you extra speed in the simulation questions. That might sound unsophisticated but when you try to remember a command parameter or need to use to ? as a memory jog, you'll be glad you don't also need to figure out the basics, like when you need to use 'config t' and where to use it. In general, to be good at anything, you need to master to basics and keep practicing them. That's 90% of your expertise.

I would say don't worry too much about getting the exact right gear. It is a bonus and it will help but the basics are much more important. They save time and at this exam saving time is worth it's weight in gold (make the platinum).

Extra tip, not completely related to the subject: when you have your CCNA, don't put the book on the shelf but get back to it, especially in the weeks right after.

[uraauroow]

I appreciate your advice,
thanks

[dbeare]

My recommendation is to pick up some cheap routers. You can get the 2500 series stuff very cheap on ebay. My set up is a 2521, 2610 and 2611 and those three allowed me to set up some basic routing to prepare for the CCNA. I personally hate the simulators. I have never found one that offers all of the commands that the routers, even the old ones, do. For switching, you may be able to get by with a simulator, but I preferred the real thing. Once you hit the CCNP level, real equipment is a requirement either through purchasing or renting lab time remotely. The sims will not suffice, so you might as well get a good lab started. The 2521 may be EOL, but it still works great as a frame relay router. Best of luck!

[eblonk]

You have a valid point.
It really depends on the method that fits best. I had success with mine which only proofs it works for me. It was also dictated by circumstances, otherwise I might have rolled in some more equipment first. Lets say I paid for it by a lot of extra hours studying. If I divide the cost of the equipment by the hours I would have saved I'm sure I'll find I have been underpaid :D

[nighttrain76]

First this is a great forum for guys like me that is coming over from the system support side of the world and wanting to get started with networking. I'm pretty much burned out with microsoft and now I'm ready to tackle networking. At my job I have an unlimited amount of Cisco equipment to play with and I've read many threads about limited budgets and what to get by with for the 640-802. My question is what is the real deal lab that I can setup to study for my CCNA? I plan to continue with the CCNP too. Thanks in advance. Oh yea, Mr. Lammle chapter 1 of your 640-802 study guide gave me a headache for a week but good stuff. Thanks :D

[lammle]

Nighttrain, your post cracked me up.

I am going to start adding some asprin to the inside of my book cover.
Some people might want some "crack", but I'll stick with the asprin ;)

Get some 2811 routers and some 3560 switches if you can. That is the dream lab setup!

Cheers!
Todd Lammle

[bdestefanis]

Might I recommend GNS-3 router simulation software. It's free, unlike Boson's stuff. It's still in beta, but very functional. Plus you'll be running actual real-deal IOS images on your computer unlike the other simulators which run "fake" simulators that don't support all commands. The only thing I really miss, is the ability to place a "PC" on the network, but the programmers are working on integrating a tcp/ip stack so you can place virtual PC's on your virtual LAN.

Check it out:

http://www.gns3.net/

[lammle]

Can you tell me how many routers it can handle? I tried the dynagen before and only two or so routers would work, there was no switching, and no hosts as you mentioned. And it was a difficult interface to work with at first.
If this product different?
Thanks!
Todd Lammle