PDA

View Full Version : Full Lab, Now What cables?

chris.a.boyd
09-01-2011, 05:08 PM
So, I have been browsing the websites for awhile and finally put together a lab to begin studying for my CCNA which I hope to get by December.

Alas, although I have all the equipment together, I am still slightly confused as to which cords I should get to connect everything, and rather than buying a couple of everything I would prefer to ask someone who would be able to help me first!

The setup:
3x 2610XM routers - 4x WIC-2T (One has 2 so I can setup as a frame relay)
3x 2950(EI) Routers

Down the road I intent on adding a
1x 2511 Access Router
2x 3550 Switches

What do I need to set everything up with what I already have?

Just to veryfiy what you said ciscodaze, I need 4x DCE, something like this?
http://www.boxfire.com/cabss2626x3bxf.html

Or is it like http://www.certificationkits.com/smart-serial-cable/
a DCE/DTE crossover?
ciscodaze
09-01-2011, 05:16 PM
Looks like youll need at least 4 smart serial back to back cables (if all your routers have wic2t).

If you need extra power cables, ebay has them for 5 or 6 bucks.

Of course youll need a blue rollover cable. And if you plan on connecting to your laptop for your console connection you probably dont have a serial port, so you will need a USB to Serial (DB-9) adaptor. Be careful on that one...I just bought a low end adaptor and it will not configure with my Win 7 pro. So I just ordered a better one from monoprice...Ill let you know how that one works out.

I buy all my ethernet cables at firefold.com or monoprice.com. Better service and selection than ebay for those. And you can specify any length you desire.
chris.a.boyd
09-01-2011, 05:24 PM
Wow thanks for the quick reply! I really appreciate it because I went digging through and figured out all the equipment but I wanted to make sure I got exactly what I needed for cables.

Thanks again!
ciscodaze
09-01-2011, 05:31 PM
Wow thanks for the quick reply! I really appreciate it because I went digging through and figured out all the equipment but I wanted to make sure I got exactly what I needed for cables.

Thanks again!


No prob...you might want more than 4 back to back cables with that many routers. But 4 is enough to do a standard frame relay topology I think. They are cheap.