CCENT/CCNA Lab hardware

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Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had information on what Cisco hardware models the current CCENT test is based on? I think in the past Cisco would base the test on say the 2800 series router, and 3750 switch, and a specific SOHO wifi router. I took a look at the Cisco test info site and found the exam topic outline but nothing on the hardware. I’m looking into building a lab and want to narrow my used equipment search.

Thanks,
Art

I've never seen cisco post officially what equipment the actually exams are simulating. More important is the IOS versions you'll be tested on.

The 2800 series ISR and the 3560 switches are good starting lab equipment. But personally for CCENT and CCNA it's really overkill. better to work on a virtual lab. GNS3 is my lab of choice.

@Art-Jordan,

According to the official exam guides, you'll see a 2960 for the switch and the router I believe is a 2800 series or 2900 series router and now with the Layer 3 switching added, you might see the 3560.

Daniel, is correct here in the fact that most if not all the command will work on "lesser" equipment it's more important that you run the latest IOS on the Router at least version 15. Not for any other reason than the licensing is different.

I would make a suggestion instead that you' think about renting the equipment or using our premium lab solution for the CCNA. This will give you access to real equipment, not simulators for just $49.00 USD for the year. This is a great deal for anyone!

Simulators are good too, don't want to knock them. I like them a lot but you do have limitations with them in the fact that some actions cannot be simulated and so even if you type the commands in, you'll receive essential output that is a pre-generated as what it should be and not as a response of the command (We call it "canned output" more of a screen shot of what should be).

Thanks Ronnie and Daniel,

I didn’t realize the premium labs gave access to the actual hardware. I may go that route.