MicroNugget: How to Build a CCNP Home Lab

In this video, Jeremy Cioara covers the various devices you’ll need to build a CCNP home lab, including the Cisco 3550, Cisco 2600XM, Cisco 3620/3640, and Cisco 1841. Additionally, you’ll need serial and ethernet cables, and Jeremy will discuss the parameters you should consider for those.

Many IT professionals want to set up a home lab for various purposes, but knowing exactly what you need and how to put it all together can be a roadblock. Jeremy dives deep into the equipment you’ll need (down to specific models) as well as various supplies, such as serial and ethernet cables and serial ports and modules. In addition to the materials themselves, he’ll give you a few tips on where to find the lowest costs and how to package this equipment to get the best prices. The video finishes with an explanation of the purpose behind building a lab, how to incorporate this prep into your CCNP curriculum, and some thoughts on GNS3.

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[cbtnuggets]

Thanks for the comment Mas! We are glad you enjoyed this MicroNugget.

[FrankHatcher]

Many thanks Jeremy for taking the time to put this together. I passed the CCNA in January and have been on the fence about how to pursue the CCNP path. Boson, GNS3, CBT Nuggets, real gear and so on...so many I think the home lab is going to be the way to go. Thanks again for all that you do. Frank

[cbtnuggets]

Thanks for the feedback Frank and we are glad to hear about your CCNA exam! Keep us updated on how setting up your home lab goes.

[fadysamir]

As usual perfect, ready to listen for you jeremy for a whole eternity :)

[cbtnuggets]

Hello Justin, you should check out 2 of Jeremy's videos on our YouTube channel. Check out Jeremy's "Building a CCNA Home Lab" MicroNugget and his "CCIE Lab Concepts" Introductory Nugget. Let us know if you have any further questions.

[cbtnuggets]

Which exams are you specifically talking about? Are you wanting to work towards your CCNP Security certification?

[Starwars]

Jeremy great vids as always! You're comment about getting hands on with the physical kit and not just solely rely on GNS3 could not be any truer. I've dealt with a number of engineers who know there stuff but when it comes to plugging something into the network they are stumped!

[netking]

Great work as always Jeremy. Do you have any suggestions on the order in which the exams should be taken? Also how about devices for the ccnp security lab?

[Haydnuff]

Hi Jeremy,

I know I'm a long way off the original post date of this video but hoped I might be able to get an answer here.

Could i please ask if there is any plan to suggest a lab for CCNP V2.0? I'm using things like GNS3 but find that I don't feel as comfortable with my knowledge as I do when I use physical hardware.

I've been Googling and Googling and I just can't seem to find a credible recommendation from anywhere. I know I need to have the devices running IOS 15.0 and above to meet the syllabus requirements but not really sure where to go from there.

Perhaps you could suggest a video that talks about speccing equipment for yourself and where to go etc?

Thanks for your time and for all the great material!

[juniortavarez]

Can ya do an updated video for the New CCNP

[netking]

Thanks for the response. I plan to get the ccnp security and r/s. I guess i have two questions. What order should I take the ccnp R/S exams in (eg. route, switch, t-shoot)? 2. what you be your hardware suggestion for setting up and ccnp security lab?

[nelsonroscoe]

Jeremy! In need of some guidance. I've got three 2610xm routers and three 2950 switches plus your favorite 871w (due to your recommendation). That's my lab kit I've been using for my CCNA. When upgrading to a CCNP kit are the 1841 ISRs necessary? Also looking at investing in some Raspberry Pis to use as lab end devices. Sorry for such a specific request, but I appreciate any advice. Either way you're a great mentor and master of the subject. Bless you & your family. Much love & respect for CBT!

[justinbeyer]

I have watched both. I already picked up a 2621xm and im looking at 2 3550's on ebay for cheap, would 2 of those suffice for a ccna then ccnp later or is the 2650 suggested in the ccna home lab nugget better suited then 3550 later?

[Luxzo]

I bought myself a 3640 router based on the video, but also forgot I had a bid on a 3620. Would having both a 3640 and a 3620 be beneficial for CCNP or the CCIE lab? Is one enough to suffice?

[georgeparaschivescu]

Hello Jeremy, what IOS and how much flash/ram should the 1841 routers have ? I mean is any 1841 that i find good for the CCNP lab? Could you also please do a nugget on this subject? I mean please explain to us the different types of routers, switches, what features should we look for when buying them, how much ram and flash should they have, etc. Can the IOS be replaced ? Do we need to pay money for an older iOS version with more features ? These subjects are not something i fully understand, could you please shed some light on this ? Thanks!

[hajogunter]

Hi Jeremy,
first sorry for my bad english :) . I have some question about the C3620/C3640, can I also use a C2851 as a frame-relay switch? and can I use 2811 as Router und C3560 Layer-3 switches? I have just: 3 C3560, 2 C2851 and one C2811. I will buy 1 more Switch maybe a C2950 and 2 more Router C2811 oder C1841 if they are cheap enough :) . But can You tellme a Cable seller where I can buy the Serial Cable in Germany. Because 30$ shipping ist very much and I think that I buy VWIC E1 and use E1-Cross cable (RJ45).

BR
Hajo

[justinbeyer]

This may have been hit on previously im going for ccna currently and plan on ccnp so I want my lab to carryover. so ccna a 2621xm and 2x3550 emi then add the 3620/40 and 1841 for ccnp? would a 3560 be necessary for ccna or ccnp? or would that be for ccie?

[Hyosuke]

I'm interested in buying the equipment mentioned in this nugget but, will these devices support IOS 15? If not, how neccesary you consider it'll be;having IOS 15, to get the CCNP?

[clintonoshea]

I've got 2621XM routers, but I was disappointed to find they don't support IPv6! I have IOS 12.4 which I thought would be fine, but alas not. Am I going to have to stick to GNS3 for IPv6 configs, or is there anything I can do with my 2621XMs?

[McGavel]

Lol, "every 2 months power on the equipment and change the host name" :)