CCNP - Switch for BCMSN Prep

Author

Switch for BCMSN Prep

taliesinu_1977

2001-08-26, 1:00 pm

I am currently studying for the CCNP BSCN exam, and plan on preparing for the BCMSN next. I would like to purchase a switch for practice with the IOS, but don't know what would be best. I believe that many of the low-end switches don't use the IOS. What model should I purchase that is cheap and has the IOS to prep for this exam? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

CCIE2BE

2001-08-26, 1:50 pm

Unfortunately, I believe the least expensive switch to use for this test is the 4000. For most people this is cost prohibitive!! I used two different similutators. They really helped. CIM from Cisco was not as helpful as the Sybex Switch Simulator. It is important to at least see a cat 5000, to understand the hardware. I have access at work. I would suggest other people to attend the Networking Academy (college) because it is inexpensive, and you can can get your hands on several routers and switches. Good Luck, if you have a strong understanding of VLANs you will do fine.

depamo

2001-08-28, 4:57 pm

I have been dealing with this hell for a while so I will share some pain with you. As far as Set Based switches, there are few that will do enough to justify their need for a CCNP exam (for this none of them justify their price) but if you must,

Cisco 5K series with RSM (about the price of a small car) will get you through the exam for a low price. The is also a 2900 series switch that uses the Set based IOS but that is also very expensive and rare.

For IOS based, you can use a 1912, or 1924 Catalyst Switch, just make sure that you get it with the Enterprise software, or you won't get the CLI with it. Now for the great fun, you cannot make a 'router-on-a-stick' without a FastEthernet interface, those not found on 2500 series routers but on 2600 series routers, namely the 2610 as your lowest costing device to do interlan routing.

So if you want to do most of the book, a 2610, stripped with only the Fast Ethernet in it, and a Catalyst 1912-EN <--Enterprise Edition will get you through. To save some bucks, goto Ebay and you can beg someone for some cheap prices. Or do even more evil things and use the Sniper from Download.com to get the best price in the last minute of an auction.

Good luck and have fun!!

peterd

2001-08-29, 1:59 am

Hi guys,

there are companies in the UK that rent out network gear...surely there are similar companies in the US?

If not...

With all the cheap stuff around the auctions I'm surprised that no-one has thought of setting up a part-time business...

buy some gear, rent it out for one, two or three months at a time, use the income to buy more gear, etc. Within a year it could be a booming business with all the people wanting to take Cisco qualifications.

All it would need would be a few grand to start, surely?

Regards
Peter

Sponsored Links