After you've discovered GNS3 (aka Dynamips...aka Dynagen), you now have a real, emulated environment...ehhh...strike that...you now have a "quasi-real" emulated Cisco environment to add routers without cost. You can practice and test nearly any configuration you'd like...but now we come to a big problem...
WHAT DO YOU PRACTICE?
You'll run into this problem regardless of whether you're using GNS3 or real Cisco lab equipment in your environment. You get all this equipment running, and cabled up...now what? Companies such as Internetwork Expert have been built producing nothing but Cisco practice labs (typically for CCIE candidates). The problem is these practice labs can run you a fortune...not to mention the fact that you usualy have to rent remote rack time to get the exact topology for the lab...
So...I HAVE A DREAM...(spoken in my best MLK voice).
I have a dream to create a website that is dedicated to...ehh...call them "open-source" Cisco labs. Where anyone can create labs for any level of Cisco student (CCNA/CCNP/CCIE) and upload them to a lab repository. Labs can be rated / tweeked / tuned to become even better by anyone in the group. Of course, GNS3 is the ideal tool to use for these labs since buying all the right gear won't be a problem.
What do ya'll think? Good idea? Will it flop? Will anyone other than me have enough interest / passion to take the time to write good labs? I'm not sure...only time will tell. So here's how I'm getting things started: I've written a basic lab and designed a GNS3 topology for a CCENT-level student. Here's what you need:
The GNS3 Lab Topology is here: http://www.ciscoblog.com/docstore/CCENT.net (Right-click and do a Save As File)
The Lab itself is here: http://www.ciscoblog.com/docstore/GNS3Lab1.pdf
You will need to manually edit the GNS3 lab topology to match your specific GNS3 installation directories. Likewise, I created the topology on the MAC (OS X) version of GNS3. The font looks a little quirky in Windows (if only everyone could use a MAC...).
Let me know your thoughts!
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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GNS3 Lab Dream
Hi There
I think the concept of an "Open Source" lab repository for GNS3 Dynamips/Dynagen labs would be a good thing and I am sure I could contribute from time to time.
Although I use my home lab of real equipment mostly, I do use Dynamips/Dynagen also for when I am away from home or to help work colleagues who are studying for their CCNA certification.
Another point I would make is I think it would be useful if you had added a Visio diagram to your lab document. I know it was geared towards GNS3, so the graphical representation will be in the GNS3 program. However for anybody using the standard Dynamips/Dynagen it would be useful to show how the lab is physically connected.
Also, just something that I came across and think might be useful. For people who would like to create network diagrams of their labs, but do not have access to Microsoft Visio, Check out http://www.networknotepad.com/ Network notepad is a freeware program with which you can create Visio like network diagrams. While not a feature rich as Visio, I think it is a really good program.
Best Regards,
Michael
An Excellent Idea!!!
This is excellent JC. This is really something. Can't wait to see it all take shape.
I'm sure you'll have the support of the networking community. We're just waiting for someone to take the lead. We're with yah all the way man! c",?
Testify!
I agree! It seems that a lot of the resources out there are pitched at CCIEs. Those of us who haven't reached that lofty height are left to flounder in the darkness (so to speak).
I am hopelessly addicted to the command line, I feel I get more control over the topology that way.
In that vain, I have written up a dynamips .net file to replicate the toplogy in both the CCENT and the ICND2 courses.
http://invurted.com/2008/04/ccna-test-lab/
I happily submit this to the idea of an open source lab dump!
"open-source" Cisco labs
Your dream site already exists. You can find it
at Hacki's forum which is the site for news about dynamips and gns
Labs:
http://7200emu.hacki.at/index.php?c=4
Hacki's forum:
http://7200emu.hacki.at/index.php
Awesome!!!
This is about 75% of my dream - it has many topologies already created and uses existing lab scenarios from other books / companies. It was funny to even see a .net file for the CCIE lab topology I created for CBTNuggets up there! Killer! Thanks for the link!!
http://7200emu.hacki.at/viewtopic.php?t=595
JC
Just wanted to Sat THANK YOU!!!
Jeremy
All I can say is Thank you. Your training CBT ont CBTnuggets is incredible.I have never been able to sit through any form of web based training. You have truly inspired me!!
Thanks again
Jonathan W
The # symbol
Hey Jeremy, this is the only way ive found to contact you so I apologes that its a little off subject. I've recently watched some of your CBNT Nuggets video's in preperation for my own CCNA. Firstly great stuff, keep up the good work.
Just one thing. I was a little offended when you reffered to the # symbol as "the pound symbol". I can assure you its certainly not. (I live in England). The pound symbol is most certainly £
Not sure about you guys in the states bt we call this # 'the hash symbol'.
Regards,
Nick
Thanks
Hi Jeremy...Well first of all thanks for your effort and I really appreciate your good work. Your are the best ......you rock man.....I am a big fan of you.....
Thanks and keep up the good work.
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