It took me about 5 hours to do…but it was worth every minute. I’ve finally created a network diagram…of my house. Seriously. Every room is broken into its own, routed VLAN. Internet connectivity can be achieved through two, redundant exit points: a Cisco 2801 router or an ASA 5505. Wireless connectivity can be found on three different SSIDs: one that gives access to my entire home network, another that gives access to just the Internet (for those in my neighborhood fortunate enough to live by me), and one that’s dedicated to my Nintendo Wii. In addition, all rooms have a Cisco 7900 series VoIP phone (which my wife loves) that can dial ‘9’ to get an outside, Vonage-based line.
…Right about now, you’re probably thinking…”WHY?!?!” Simple – because I love this stuff! Once you start getting into it, it starts to grow on you, and before long you’re addicted. And that’s probably the best thing you could do for your career.
Now…keep in mind, I’m not telling you to get a second mortgage and sell your car to build the home network dreams are made of (I know people who have done this). I’m just talking about starting with a simple one or two router network. The new CCNA exam has more to do with “how it really works” concepts that you just can’t learn by memorizing facts and figures. You’ve got to experiment. Play with stuff!
Up next, I’ll post my super-budget recommendations for building a home CCNA lab.
Jeremy D. Cioara, CCIE No. 11727, is the owner of AdTEC Networks, an IT consulting firm. Jeremy also teaches on topics ranging from Cisco certification to IP telephony. Jeremy is also the author of books and official curriculums.
We've got 15 copies of his new book CCNA Practice Questions (Exam 640-802), 3rd Edition, up for grabs. Go here for details on how to win a copy. Go here for a sneak peek of a chapter.
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The opinions expressed in this Weblog are those of the writer and may not represent the opinions of Network World.
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Studying for CCNA
Jeremy,
It's great to see the info you're posting here! I passed the CCENT with your help (from the CBT Nugget Videos) and am in the process of studying for the 640-816 exam. It's funny I've listened to all your CCNA videos and as I read your posts here and on ciscoblog.com I can hear YOUR voice in my head. :)
Looking forward to getting as much information from you as I can.
Thanks,
David
9?
Why would have have your CCME configured to require a 9 to dial an outside line? This was required back in the PBX days... but with VoIP?
the home lab
Great post Jeremy. It made me want to write a similiar post over on my blog on the Microsoft subnet. My lab consists of:
Cisco Pix 515-UR
Cisco 2651 router
Cisco 2948G-L3 (almost an antique)
Linksys RVL-200 (SSL vpn)
Linksys WRT54G (wireless)
Dual quad core system with 16GB of RAM running VMWare ESX
Dual 2-core system with 8GB of RAM running Hyper-V
Great lab post...
I am in the process of expanding my home lab to the rest of the household. To date my lab is looking like this...
Routers:
3x 3640
3x 26XX
1x 2511 Access Server
Switches:
3x 2924XL
But I am in the process of purchasing some Cisco L3 switches and two more 2950's (I have one not in the rack). I am about to take the ICND2 exam as I am taking the two test approach to the CCNA then will begin my CCNP.
As far as the rest of the house and upgrading my lab.. This is what I have been looking at.
Wireless Border router... (By price)
Cisco Options
Cisco 851W
Cisco 871W
Cisco 877W (DSL Option)
Cisco 1811W
Non Cisco Options
Watchguard Firebox x10e-W or x20e-W or newer
Was even looking at Nomadix as a possible AP to distribute my wireless.. Their is a 2100 model that is supposed to support WPA encryption and is not that expensive. (EBay)!!!
I just ordered a Cisco AP350 802.11b Wireless Access point to bridge the connection from my living room to the lab (Need to research for the best G option for CCNP studies so I temporarily grabbed the least expensive yet useful one that I could find).
Ultimately I will have a setup similar to yours and will incorporate the VOIP into the network when I reach the ONT level of the CCNP. Until then I guess I should stop posting and start studying again.
Have a nice day and thanks for the article.
~Billy Haines
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