Cisco lab requirement CCNA Security, CCNP R&S, Security

[julien mezzavilla]

Hello,
I recently passed my CCNA R&S and I would like to turn now to the CCNA Security. During my CCNA R&S I had the opportunity to ride my own lab which allowed me to learn a lot and help me remember certain principles in handling my lab as another tool (GNS3, cisco packet tracert).

After my certification Security I will go towards the CCNP R&S and Security. For this I will wish to build a lab that allows me to make my CCNA Security but also subsequently to the R&S CCNP Security and CCNP (subject to add an ASA configuration).

After some research on the forum and other site, I’ve established this configuration that will allow me to make as I think that the CCNA CCNP:

TOTAL	Name	Version	RAM	Module/Card
4	Routeur 2821	15.x	512/128 ?	????
2	Switch 3750	?	?
2	Switch 3560	?	?
1	ASA 5510	9.x	?

1 ASA 5510 -> Version 9.1 (by addition of a second for the CCNP Security)

However not knowing the topologies required for CCNP (R&S, Security), I do not know which modules / add card on routers.
I would like to dedicate a router that could serve as Frame Relay, but I do not know the device name (module) for this to be possible.

Then I will wish to know the size of RAM recommended on each device in order not to suffer from lag during labs.

Pending your response,

Bests Regards

Julien

[Philip D'Ath]

Have you considered using Cisco VIRL?  It will do about 80% of what you need.

http://virl.cisco.com/

Just make sure you have a quad core machine with 12GB of RAM.

[julien mezzavilla]

Hi,

VIRL seems to be a good solution for later. Actually, my laptop haven't the prerequisites for VIRL. So, for the moment, I prefer get my own labs.

Howerver, i keep this solution for the future :) and I'am wainting more answer for the lab.

[Philip D'Ath]

Consider the cost of getting that lab equipment versus the cost of upgrading your notebook ...

A Cisco 3750 runs IOS.  A Cisco 3850 runs IOS-XE.  I would guess most of the exams are focused on IOS, but everything Cisco is going to IOS-XE.

So if you want something more lab focused a 3750 would be good.  If you want something you are going to see more and more in the real work then a 3850 would be good.

You would be better off with an ASA 5506 Firepower bundle than a 5510.  5510's can't run Firepower, and everything is going to "Next Generation" firewalls.

[nspasov]

I would also look at Cisco's Packet Tracer. It is not as good as VIRL but it is definitely enough for CCNA. 

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