Since you clicked on this link, you must be looking for some free Cisco labs to help you in your studies. I wanted to start putting together some labs that would help folks in a similar position. I first got my CCNP back in 2007, and things have changed quite a bit since then. But we’re at the point now where you don’t need a full rack of equipment to become proficient, and there are great training resources available (Some for free!). I’m putting together some labs that are inspired by the 101 CCNP Labs book (affiliate link). If you haven’t seen it, you should definetly pick it up.
Labs…Labs…Labs…
If you’re interested, these labs are going to be covering a bunch of topics but are mainly related to CCNP 350-401 ENCOR – Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies exam and the CCNP 300-410 ENARSI – Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services exam. Are they only for folks going after their CCNP? Nope! This is useful information and practice for anyone building their Cisco networking skills. Will they help you if you’re currently going after your CCNA? Most definetly, they will. Will some parts be more advanced than the CCNA exam objectives? Yes, but the point is to become a better engineer. You can always just use the parts that are beneficial to you ?
So, if you want in on this networking goodness, there’s two places to go. First my YouTube, where I have a playlist specifically for these lab walkthroughs and my GitHub project page. On GitHub, each lab will include the following:
- Initial device configuration files to get your lab physically connected with the correct interfaces, IP addresses, and router names
- A YAML file for those using Cisco CML (this will get all the specific device types loaded into your lab)
- A diagram that lays out the architecture and all the required tasks
- Completed device configurations that show you how the environment should be configured once completed
AND as I mentioned, I’m making video walkthroughs of each of these labs, so you have your own personal study buddy to work through each of the task!
So far I’ve done a bunch of OSPF labs. We’re going to be streaming BGP labs next. Then we’ll be doing some multi-protocol labs. If there are some things you’re interested in seeing, drop me a comment in one of the videos in the series. Also worth noting I’m using Cisco CML for these labs. You can probably do some of them in Packet Tracer, and can definetly do them in GNS3. If you have your own physical lab, you’re a better person than me!
Network Knowledge Wrap Up
Keep an eye out as I continue to work through other Cisco Labs
Check out some of my previous Network+ and CCNA Packet Tracer Labs
My GitHub page for all sorts of python, network engineering, network DevOps fun