| Author |
Looking for a 3rd Router
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| ccieToBe 2002-05-05, 9:53 am |
| I'm resuming the CCNP/CCDP tracks and am starting to feel the limitations of my current lab setup as I try out different configurations. Right now I have 2 2502s running IOS 12.0.9 IP/IPX/AT/DEC. I'd like to get a 3rd router for now and a switch in a few months.
My ultimate goal is to become a CCIE but that's still a long ways off. I'd like the 3rd router to be as transferable to the CCIE track as possible. It looks like Cisco's phasing out the 2500 series so maybe that 2600 series would be the way to go?
I'm considering the 2610 (which has one ethernet interface) and a 2-4 port serial WIC. I think the only feature I can't use on an ethernet interface which I can use with fast ethernet is ISL. Is that correct? Any thoughts on whether it would be worth spending a little extra to get a 2620 (which has fast ethernet inteface)? Or would it be best to stick to the 2500 series for now or even get a router from some other series?
Any input's appreciated. TIA. | |
| Yankee 2002-05-05, 10:31 am |
| Building up your lab slowly is a great way of ensuring you have sufficient equipment when the time comes to prepare for the real Lab exam.
The difference in needs between CCNP/DP studies versus the CCIE Lab are vast but there is no reason you can't have the Lab in mind as you purchase your equipment if you can afford it.
The 2600 series of routers are versitaile because they will not only accept two WICs you may also add a network module to support a wide variety of other needs. Eventually you will find needs for two fastethernet ports so don't rule out the 2621 router as a nice (but sometimes pricey) addition to your home lab. The 2500s will support your needs for the routing exam and still have a place in a CCIE home lab.
The problem of answering your question with definite purchase requirements is that there is no way of knowing how the CCIE Lab exam will change by the time you are ready to prepare for it. That's one reason the 2600 series make a good choice, because odds are that you will be able to add a module to support what ever Cisco decides to toss at you.
Yankee | |
| ccieToBe 2002-05-05, 11:08 am |
| Thanks for the advice.
For the purposes of a home lab what advantage would two fast ethernet interfaces have over one? Couldn't I just use virtual interfaces?
Other then ISL, with today's technologies does fast ethernet have any advantages over ethernet for a practice lab? | |
| Yankee 2002-05-05, 7:16 pm |
| It's not that they are both FastEthernet, but you will find having the extra ethernet port will help you in many of the complex lab designs that the books will toss at you. If you keep the router for your home Internet connection you'll it there too 
For CCNP/DP your 2620 idea will be fine but just remember the fastethernet network modules on EBay cost as much as a dang router most times!
Yankee | |
| sukuvi 2002-05-08, 10:56 am |
| I think Yankee is right by suggesting the modular routers (2600) instead of the fixed interface ones (2500).
If I need to buy any router from now on I'll definitely go for a 2600 because the benefits have no limits. You could just swap either the WICs or the Network Module according to your needs. The 2500 don't offer that kind of versatility. Right now if you are limited by funds then you don't have a choice but just go for what you could afford because the 2500 are cheaper than the 2600 anyway. | |
| Widgewaam 2002-05-08, 3:20 pm |
| Very true, the 2600's are way more expensive. | |
| ccieToBe 2002-05-08, 8:37 pm |
| Thanks for the input everyone. I've decided to go with a 2620. Having two fast ethernet interfaces may have its advantages over one but I can't see how. |
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