Josh, I was in the same boat when I began my studies. Ultimately, my lab existed in about 3 phases: Phase 1: 3x 1720s 1x 2600xm 1x 2600 1x 3640 1x 3500xl 4x 7940
This allowed me to do the basic UCM configuration, but DSP configuration was based on the older config style, and CME/CUE support was limited to older versions. I quickly found myself frustrated with the limitations, particularly when trying to work through the IPExpert labs. Phase 2: I was able to borrow a couple of 2800s (one with CUE and switch HWIC), and re-arrange the lab setup. This allowed me to replicate more of the lab materials, although I still had to be cognizant of HW/SW limitations while testing and troubleshooting. I used this setup for the majority of my studies. One of the main limitations of this setup was the flexibility in practicing different lab scenarios. Any revision of the PSTN router configuration would end up being a mini-lab by itself, which, while valuable, took away from time dedicated to other topics. Phase 3: I went completely online with proctor labs. I went virtual for about the last 2 weeks of my test prep. The biggest advantage for me was not wasting time updating configurations and focusing on the tasks. I think that it's most important to have similar hardware in this order: PSTN BR2 HQ BR1 Having said that, my PSTN/WAN config was actually spread across 2x 1720s and the 3640, however, so if you're willing to pick and choose the labs you work on, you can drop the PSTN router to the tail end of that list. Hope that helps! mike On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 11:26 PM, Josh Kittle <j...@ooglenetworks.com>wrote: > Ok guys so I'm pretty new to the CCIE Voice Lab Prep experience - starting > to build the home lab. I've read tons of stuff along the line of 'you need > 3x 2811's, etc" and I've come to the group to ask - what do i REALLY need. > Not so much cards, modules etc (although that feedback is much welcome and > appreciated) - but from a router perspective. Does HQ, and the BR sites > each need to really be 2811's to run the scenarios? Why not a 3725, etc? Is > it hardware module support (lack thereof) - if so, for which modules give > the grief as far as support goes? I know I can't skimp on everything - but > certainly there have to be some compromises that could be made. If there > aren't - tell me why - that answer is just as valuable in the learning > process. > > I'm just starting to browse the lab guides, so forgive me if this is > covered elsewhere (and if so, kindly reference the location). > > Thanks guys! > > Josh > > _______________________________________________ > For more information regarding industry leading CCIE Lab training, please > visit www.ipexpert.com > >
_______________________________________________ For more information regarding industry leading CCIE Lab training, please visit www.ipexpert.com
