Kris, I didn't buy a lab until I started studying for the CCIE lab. I passed the CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, CCDP, and CCIE written without a home lab (though I did get good experience at work). I really feel that all of these tests are more "knowledge" tests rather than "practical" tests (please no flames, just my 2 cents).
Also, I have spent quite a bit of $$$ on my lab. Many people recommend buying rack time, as it has gotten very inexpensive these days. I justified buying a lab to myself for with two main reasons: 1) I can test something on my home lab before suggesting it to my client. 2) I can keep my skills sharp when I'm not working. I recommend getting the NA, DA, NP, DP, and written knocked out before investing much. Maybe some online rack time for these studies would be an option, and wait until your ready to prepare for the lab to spend the $$$. The cost of equipment goes down every week, new technologies and equipment comes out all the time, and the industry focus seems to change slightly over time. hth, Dave ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kris Keen" To: Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 8:12 PM Subject: Where to go.. [7:38031] > Hi Everyone, > > This is my first post..I'm currently studying for the CCNP, I have passed > Switching and Routing and are presently studying BCRAN which I hope to sit > on the 4th of April. > I work for a company who outsource all the WAN infrastructure, they are > looking at bringing the WAN inside for myself and another member of staff to > work on late Novemeber.. > > As I'm going through my CCNP with my very modest Lab (missing Frame Relay > Switch and ISDN kit) I'm passing without a issue, but am really now toying > with the idea of spending alot of money on building myself a complete lab > (Cat5k, Frame Relay Switch, ISDN, Token).. I can spend $10,000 AU.. Cisco is > something that I want to really pursue but I'm unsure if in my current > position Ill ever get to really get dirty with this stuff, or if I should > build a huge lab for myself at Home and look for a new position later in the > year when I have built up my practical skills.. > > I know the investment would be worthwhile, and I have a passion to acheive > my CCNP and CCIE... > Should I invest the money in this hardware or do what I was going to do, and > buy a really fast car... > I need to spend a bit to get my lab off the ground.. > > Speaking to Albert Lu, he really recommends buying the kit! > I'm very confused a college says I dont need any lab for my CCNP and just to > wait until I'm ready for my CCIE.. > > Any advice please! I'm 21 years of age and have my CNE, CNA, CCA, CCNA > > Thankyou! > > *confused* Message Posted at: http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=38039&t=38031 -------------------------------------------------- FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
