Network Hardware and Software Requirements

As a self-paced study guide, CCNA Exam Prep is meant to help you understand concepts that must be refined through hands-on experience. To make the most of your studying, you need to have as much background in and experience with both common operating systems and network environments as possible. The best way to do this is to combine studying with work on actual networks. These networks need not be complex. The concepts involved in configuring a network with only a couple of routers and a switch follow the same principles as those involved in configuring a network that has hundreds of connected systems. This section describes the recommended equipment for a solid practice environment.

To fully practice some of the exam objectives, you need to create a network with two (or more) routers networked together with one (or more) Cisco switches. We recognize that your finances may be limited, so we suggest purchasing routers from the Cisco 800 or 3600 series (primarily the 851W, 3620, and 3640 routers). These can commonly be found for between $100 and $500 through a used-equipment vendor or online auction. A Catalyst 1912 or 1924 switch can typically be found for less than $50. Some of the syntax on the 1900 series switches may be slightly different from Cisco’s mainline switches, but most of the commands are similar. Remember that Cisco has strict restrictions about using used or remanufactured equipment in production networks. Although Cisco hardware can be resold, the software that runs it (Cisco IOS software) cannot. Before used or remanufactured equipment can be used in a production environment, Cisco IOS software must be relicensed through Cisco or an authorized reseller. Be sure to verify these regulations before using your lab equipment in a production network.