From: Doug.Calton@getronics.com
Date: Wed Jan 07 2004 - 09:17:37 GMT-3
Thanks to all for their feedback. For now, I am buying one 3550, and will team it with my existing 2950. Certainly, most of the VTP and trunking stuff can be done with that pair, and also having the 3550, I will be able to attack some of the SVI and routing issues, as well as QoS features at both L2 and L3. If I get further along, and need the second, I will investigate at that time.
One caveat to anyone who - like me - might be naove about the 2950s: unlike the 3550s, the software is not upgradeable from standard to enhanced image. The lower-priced C-2950-24 units ONLY run SI, and the more expensive C-2950-T 24s run EI. I have never seen the 2950-Ts on eBay - just the cheaper ones. LanStreet sells the 2950-Ts for about $800.
>From what I see, the EI adds MST and rapid STP - two technologies that I feel are of increased interest in today's market.
-----Original Message-----
From: christopher snow [mailto:cbsnow31@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 7:10 AM
To: Calton, Doug
Cc: ccielab@groupstudy.com
Subject: Re: Sitting on the Fence - 3550 or 2950-T Switch for Home Lab
I would suggest getting two 3550s. I, like you,
thought of using just one, but I have found that
completing the Internetwork Expert and NetMaster would
have been impossible as they have the switches so
heavily embedded in the scenerios. I used a credit
card with 0 % for 6 months. I plan to resell them
when I finish. If you watch ebay you can find some
deals as I was able to get them both for $1775 a piece
+ shipping. I am willing to lose a little when I sell
them but it is a fair trade off for being able to have
them for practice.
HTH..
Chris Snow
--- Doug.Calton@getronics.com wrote:
> Just curious as to thoughts here. I currently have
> a 2950 24 switch in
> my lab, and although generally happy with it, you
> cannot upgrade it from
> standard to enterprise image (SI to EI). I am
> ramping up for a lab try
> later on this spring, and generally feel comfortable
> with using rental
> time to hone my dual 3550 skills. To be frank, I
> don't get very
> concerned about SVIs, routed ports or the other
> routing issues, but
> would like to see more on the newer switching
> technologies (MST and
> R-SPT, e.g.), as well as a need to get more
> comfortable with VTP, ether
> channel, etc.
> Just curious as to other folks thoughts here. Is
> the routing capability
> of the 3550 worth the 1K extra cost for the unit, or
> would the EI 2950
> suit my purposes, supplimented by a small amount of
> lab time? Thanks!
>
> Doug Calton
> Program Manager
> AN/TSP
> Tel: 513-774-8333
> FAX: 978-625-1026
> Mobile: 866-728-5700 (local 513-253-8484) doug.calton@getronics.com
> www.getronics.com/us
>
>
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