Looking for a CCNA Lab

jeffreycastaneda2 · 2016-08-15T20:00:18.000Z

I am starting to study for a CCNA and I am looking for a lab training. I have seen Boson but that expensive. Any suggestions?

eugor · 2016-08-15T20:16:34.000Z

CBT Nuggets has some great videos for a small premium annually. They have some great CCNA videos as well as a lot of other vendor training (Microsoft, CompTIA etc.)

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crimsonkida · 2016-08-15T20:28:14.000Z

I got the official Cisco CCENT / CCNA book used on Amazon for about $20 . Seems like a good investment so far. Comes with a DVD that has the “light” version of Cisco virtual lab.

jeffreycastaneda2 · 2016-08-15T20:37:16.000Z

I like your suggestion CrimsonKidA

" new online practice exercises, more than 600 practice exam questions, and more than 2 hours of video training, plus the CCENT and CCNA Network Simulator Lite Editions with 43 free Network Simulator labs."

jonathanr2257 · 2016-08-15T20:39:10.000Z

You can also get Packet Tracer…

NetworKing · 2016-08-15T21:39:11.000Z

I used Packet tracer for ICND1 and 2 you get to CCNA and above it is fairly limited though. GNS3 is an option if you have access to the IOS files somehow. I think officially packet tracer is meant for schools, but from a little info I have seen lately they are opening it more so you only need to make an academy account to use it.

I really wish though there was a way to virtualise IOS and networks so you could update the OS, etc. Or if you want to work with things you use at work you could do testing, training on a non-production setting.

swicklund · 2016-08-16T10:58:53.000Z

I don’t know your budget, but actual gear is always best. You can get a 3560 for about $100 on ebay. That is a great place to start along with a good book.

kellyfornewhorizons · 2016-08-16T11:25:58.000Z

Hey Jeffrey - Just in case you’re interested, New Horizons has specific courses available to help you pass the CCNA. With our Cisco approved instructors, you’ll be able to demonstrate your knowledge to deploy, maintain, secure and operate a medium-sized network using Cisco technologies: New Horizons - Modern IT Training Solutions
Depending on your location, we have a variety of learning methods that fit individual learning styles . We also provide students with tools (hands on labs, reference materials, exam prep, etc.). If you’re interested in learning more, let me know! I’m happy to help.

jeremyspencer · 2016-08-16T12:35:07.000Z

compman:

I really wish though there was a way to virtualise IOS and networks so you could update the OS, etc. Or if you want to work with things you use at work you could do testing, training on a non-production setting.

You can. There’s several ways of doing this. That’s what Cisco http://virl.cisco.com/ is. It runs IOS on VMWare. Also, there’s the Cisco CSR 1000V. It’s free for 60 days. After 60 days, it’ll still work, but throughput will be limited (which works for testing). Then, there’s also Cisco IOU (IOS on unix), but that’s Cisco’s internal system (at least it’s supposed to be).

crimsonkida · 2016-08-16T12:48:21.000Z

SeanW:

I don’t know your budget, but actual gear is always best. You can get a 3560 for about $100 on ebay. That is a great place to start along with a good book.

I have a Cisco ASA 5505. I’ve heard that it doesn’t run a “true” version of IOS, but instead PIX…is that right? Seems like it could still be useful though for learning Cisco commands as most I’ve tried seem to work when I console in via the serial cable.