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Cisco CCNA / CCNP Home Lab Tutorial: Planning Ahead For IE Study |
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Candidates preparing to pass the CCNP exams are putting together
Cisco home labs like never before. With CCNA and CCNP home
lab equipment more affordable than ever, candidates have realized
the importance of working on real Cisco routers and switches
on the way to earning their certifications.
One question I get often from CCNP candidates is goes something
like this: "I'm planning on pursuing the CCIE after I
get my CCNP. What kind of routers and switches should I buy
now in order to use the same equipment in my CCIE home lab?"
This is going to sound strange coming from me, because I'm
the #1 proponent of CCNA and CCNP candidates buying their
own home labs. When it comes to the CCIE, though, I have to
say that you're probably better off using rack rentals instead
of investing big money now to buy more expensive equipment
with which to earn your CCNP.
There are plenty of 2500 and 2600 routers out there that
you can buy to prepare fully for your CCNA and CCNP exams
that may not have the capability needed for IE preparation.
(For instance, while 2500 routers are fantastic for CCNA and
NP study, they shouldn't be used for IE study.) The issue
with buying more expensive equipment is that Cisco rightfully
updates the CCIE lab equipment list twice a year, and these
moves can prove very costly for those who get caught in the
middle of these changes.
Let me give you an example that I lived through myself. When
I began pursuing the CCIE, Catalyst switches were in use in
the lab. I had a Cat 5000 that I used for practice. When I
was in the middle of my preparation, Cisco introduced L3 switched
to the lab in the form of TWO 3550 switches. Not only was
the Cat now almost useless for IE study, the new switches
went for about $5500 apiece, so if I wanted to keep up with
the new lab changes, it was going to cost me $11,000.
Again, I know that it's vitally important for today's CCNA
and CCNP candidates to get hands-on experience with home labs.
It's also great to think ahead when you're earning your CCNP,
and pursuing the CCIE is one of the best decisions you'll
ever make. Just keep this regular CCIE lab update in mind.
I recommend that you keep your CCNP budget down while not
investing in more expensive routers with the IE in mind, and
wait until you have passed the CCNP and are actively engaged
in CCIE study before making the decision between rack rentals
and putting together your own IE lab.
About the Author:
Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage,
home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study
Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages.
For a FREE copy of his latest e-books, “How To Pass
The CCNA” and “How To Pass The CCNP”, visit
the website and download your free copies. You can also get
FREE CCNA and CCNP exam questions every day! Pass the CCNA
exam with The Bryant Advantage!
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Need Cisco Hardware for your Cert? |
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| Call 813.852.6400 now for more information to find the best router or switch to best help you with your certification exam. Having "real" hands-on experience is extremely beneficial not just for testing, but also ensures you are actually familiar with the device you are working on.
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