Simulator Software vs. Live Router (2600 Series)

[Marmot]

Hi All,

I need some advice from the "experienced hands". I am currently studying for the CCENT exam, and will be taking the CCNA exam at a later point in time.

I really need to get comfortable with the CLI and configuring a router in general.

Which would you recommend to that purpose, router simulator software (Boson NetSim, etc.) or an actual router?

And if an actual router it is, would just a 2600 series model suffice? The used 2600 models I have seen for sale seem to fit my budget constraints. If the 2600 series is indeed a recommendation, which of the 2600 models would be ideal? There are so many to choose from...

Alternately, I was thinking of picking up a 800 series wireless router, because once I'm done with the exams I can use it as a wireless access point. In other words, I would be killing 2 birds with one stone: study tool and home wireless network. Silly idea?

About my home environment, I just plug my Ethernet LAN cable into the wall, and I'm good to go. Don't need a modem, etc.

Thanks...

[crissa]

Hi All,

I need some advice from the "experienced hands". I am currently studying for the CCENT exam, and will be taking the CCNA exam at a later point in time.

I really need to get comfortable with the CLI and configuring a router in general.

Which would you recommend to that purpose, router simulator software (Boson NetSim, etc.) or an actual router?

[...]

Hello,
I like the following article by Wendell Odom about building a CCNA hardware lab: http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/24916

I use real Cisco gear and Dynamips/Dynagen for my labs. (Dynamips has the advantage that you can use a normal IOS, the problem is to get an IOS.) If you prefer a GUI over a CLI interface check GNS3.

HTH!
Bye, Tore

[Marmot]

Thanks for the link (Vielen dank)!

After reading through the blog, I am now leaning towards a couple of 2610XMs.

I have already located a shop in my area selling some used models.

I am still a beginner in this area, so please forgive such a basic question... When I am in the shop, looking at the router, what is a quick an dirty way to test the thing to make sure all of the interfaces are working okay? I want to make sure that I don't get stuck with a bad module.

Thanks...

[crissa]

After reading through the blog, I am now leaning towards a couple of 2610XMs.

I have already located a shop in my area selling some used models.

I am still a beginner in this area, so please forgive such a basic question... When I am in the shop, looking at the router, what is a quick an dirty way to test the thing to make sure all of the interfaces are working okay? I want to make sure that I don't get stuck with a bad module.


Hello,
first, if you want to learn for the CCNP later read also:http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/27576

Second, to check the router a laptop with a console cable would be helpful. With "show version" you can check the version, ram and other things. The only way to test an interface is to connect something to it. But so far I only had only broken E1 or BRI (ISDN) interface modules (I'm working at an ISP). But I think you will get a warranty when you buy in a shop.
Bye, Tore

[Marmot]

If a module interface is damaged or malfunctioning would it show up as such in the POST?

For example, in the case of a damaged/malfunctioning interface would the POST:

A) Indicate that the interface is present and explicitly state that there is a problem
B) Indicate that the interface is present and state nothing about the problem
C) Not report the presence of that particular interface

Danke...

[crissa]

If a module interface is damaged or malfunctioning would it show up as such in the POST?

For example, in the case of a damaged/malfunctioning interface would the POST:

A) Indicate that the interface is present and explicitly state that there is a problem
B) Indicate that the interface is present and state nothing about the problem
C) Not report the presence of that particular interface

Danke...

Hello,
it depends!

I already saw B) and C) but I can't remember that I ever saw A). I think the worst case is B), here is an example: The modul is OK and detected by the IOS but a pin of the plug is broken ... How should the IOS find such a problem.

HTH!
Bye, Tore