Will this gear work for current CCNA studies?

[nippip]

Will this gear work for current CCNA studies or will I need new or other gear?


Routers (one each of the following)

2501 2x-serial 1x-AUI ports
2621 2x-10/100 ports
3640 2x-10/100 3x-DSU/CSU ports

Switches (two of the following)
2900 series xl 24x-10/100 ports


Thank you,


Nippip

[Big Evil]

It does depend on the flash/dramm and the IOS you have. If that is ok and you can run 12.4 IOS, sure.

[Fuzz]

Just be aware that the 2900 switches will have a slightly different command structure to those on the exam. for example, I think the 2900xl still uses the vlan config mode which is no longer used on the exam-based 2960.

[lammle]

The routers might work, but not the switches, no way, no how.
But even in the routers, you don't have enough ports to build a great network, just an okay network.
I wouldn't buy that kit.
Todd

[nippip]

The bummer is that I have been loaned this gear so I am trying to make the best of it and upgrade where needed.


In checking Cisco Feature Navigator I have determined the following

2501 2x-serial 1x-AUI ports DRAM/Flash 16/16 Highest IOS 12.3 with Feature Set: IP Plus

2621 2x-10/100 ports DRAM/Flash 32/8 Highest IOS 12.3 with Feature Set: IP Basic

3640 2x-10/100 3x-DSU/CSU ports DRAM/Flash 128/32 Highest IOS 12.4 with Feature Set: Enterprise Plus

It appears that I can swap a serial from the 3640 to the 2621 if that will help.

Will IOS 12.3 with only the IP feature set work for just the CCNA???

[Fuzz]

Any real gear is better than none. IOS 12.3 will certainly do plenty of the CCNA objectives, so it's not too bad. If you could get hold of the 12.4 images you could try GNS3 instead of real gear for all your routing.

I suggest you try Packet Tracer for switching - you'll do much better than using 2900xl as the commands will match the exam objectives much more closely. You might do more harm than good come exam day if you learn to use the older IOS from those switches.

[nippip]

Fuzz, thanks for the feedback. One question that I am sure has been hashed about tons is why not go GNS3 all the way? I understand the upside I just don't know the downsides.

Thanks again,

Nippip

[Big Evil]

Very little switching with GNS3

[nippip]

Very little switching with GNS3

Ok, so the virtual setup would be Packet Tracer for switching and GNS3 for routing but you can't build a unified system this way, correct?

[Big Evil]

I know you can do some kind of switching with GNS3, it is not something i have played with much as like have a nice home lab. [/boast] :)

Packet tracer is your best friend for CCNA study.