CCNA R&S v2 Home Lab (2017 update!)

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Doug — 2 Comments

Looking to self study? Building your own home lab from the ground up?

Here is my input on finding the right hardware. I should note that these recommendations are based on my experience and outcomes.

Lets start with all the technologies that you must master for the CCNA R&S v2

ICND1: IPv4 & IPvVLANS, Trunking, Port Security, interVLAN routing, static routing, DHCP, NAT/PAT, licensing, basic device hardening, syslog, device troubleshooting

ICND2: VLANS, DTP, VTP, STP, Etherchannels, intervlan routing, OSPFv2, OSPF v3, EIGRP, EIGRPv6, PPP, PPPoE, GRE, eBGP, HSRP, VRRP, QoS, SNMPv2 & v3, IP SLA, layer 3 troubleshooting

Knowing this, lets look at some cost effective hardware that you can use to work with all these technologies for the test.

I use Cisco Feature Navigator and you should become friends with it. Great tool to understand what technologies are on the IOS images.

So from my research, here are my recommendations :

Router:

2800 Seriers-

Image result for cisco 2811 router

This is the best option for those with a small budget. You can get up and running quickly and have all the features you need to ace your CCNA R&S, CCNP R&S and CCNA Security! Also the small 1u form factor is small enough for your starter rack.

Switches:

Catalyst 2960

This is the best option for those with a small budget. A 24 port switch is great if you want to simulate multiple devices such as phones, PC and servers on your test network.

Image result for cisco 2960 switch

I recommend getting at least 3 of each. You can setup the following topologies:

Router pair, Switch pair

Router triangle, switch triangle

You can understand and see elections in STP, OSPF, and EIGRP. Also you can setup a Frame relay cloud!

Here are some of the other items you need to get up and running:

Router Modules:

WAN Interface Cards (WIC)- For your routers to make serial connections like PPP, and Frame Relay.

WIC -2T will give you enough connections for your router triangle. Get 3 of these.

Cables:

Ethernet (straight through & cross over) cables and serials (DTE/DCE) cables, and a console cable.

Ethernet cables

DTE/DCE Cable

Console Cable

Rack:

A 12 u rack for all your equipment is a good starter.

I also recommend a power strip so that you can control the power for your lab with one button!

You should also invest in a lab workbook.

Here are some of the ones that are out on the market. Review each one and choose the one that fits your needs.

It is important to research! This helps with the learning process, understanding lingo, hardware configurations, and how to do equipment research for future customers!

Places I buy equipment:

Ebay

Amazon

Cables and kits