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02-08 Cisco CCNA Lab Options - Pros and Cons

The document compares different options for CCNA lab environments including physical, online, virtual, and simulation-based approaches. It outlines the pros and cons of each in terms of setup time and costs, features supported, and whether they allow physically connecting cables as in a real-world environment. Physical labs have high one-time costs but support all certifications, while online and virtual options have ongoing subscription fees but are immediately ready and require no hardware. Simulation software like Packet Tracer is free but does not fully emulate real devices.

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Michael Sanchez
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108 views1 page

02-08 Cisco CCNA Lab Options - Pros and Cons

The document compares different options for CCNA lab environments including physical, online, virtual, and simulation-based approaches. It outlines the pros and cons of each in terms of setup time and costs, features supported, and whether they allow physically connecting cables as in a real-world environment. Physical labs have high one-time costs but support all certifications, while online and virtual options have ongoing subscription fees but are immediately ready and require no hardware. Simulation software like Packet Tracer is free but does not fully emulate real devices.

Uploaded by

Michael Sanchez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CCNA Lab Options - Pros and Cons

Lab Type Pros Cons Price


Physical Lab • Only option which allows you to physically • Takes time to purchase and install Borrow from work – Free
cable and connect to devices • Takes up physical space
• One-off cost (other than negligible running • Needs remote power switch to access remotely Ebay US Prices:
costs) Pre-built lab ~ $350
• Can start small and grow to support any -
level of certification Build your own:
3x 2950 or 3550 Switch ~ $30 each
3x 2800 Router ~ $70 each
-
Also buy cables
-
Optional:
Perle Remote Power Switch ~ $100
Online Lab • Ready immediately • Cannot physically cable and connect to devices INE - $3 per hour
• Inexpensive for short term use • Price adds up with long term use Many other options available
• Uses physical devices • Requires Internet connectivity
• Supports all levels of certification (price
varies)
Cisco VIRL Virtual • Supports most Cisco devices including full • Requires powerful PC to run it on, or cloud setup VIRL Personal - $199.99 per year
Lab featured virtual switch at additional cost
• Also supports all CCNP tracks • You need to learn how to configure the software
GNS3 Virtual Lab • Free (requires IOS images) • Supports only very limited switch features GNS3 - Free
• Also supports CCNP Routing and Switching without VIRL license or IOU
• You need to learn how to configure the software
• You need to source the IOS images
Cisco Packet Tracer • Free • Not real IOS, does not behave exactly like a real Cisco Packet Tracer - Free
• Guided labs available for free online router or switch
• Ready immediately • You need to learn how to configure the software
for your own custom labs
Boson NetSim • Ready immediately • Not real IOS, does not behave exactly like a real Boson NetSim 11 for CCNA - $179
• Has guided lab exercises router or switch
• One-off cost • CCNP also available but at additional cost
• You need to learn how to configure the software
for your own custom labs

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