Cuatro Switch Pod - Specifications and Requirements

Topology	Maximum per System¹	Supports...	Documentation...
	8	CCNP 5.0	Planning and Installation Guide

¹ This value indicates the maximum number of pods of this pod type that can be hosted on a single NETLAB_AE system.

Lab Topology

Lab Device Requirements

Lab devices are part of the topology and users can interact with them either directly through the console or network. The Cuatro Switch Pod includes four (4) switches. The table below shows the recommended switches based on the official CCNP 5.0 equipment list (available on Academy Connection). Other equipment may work if it is supported by NETLAB_AE and can meet the minimum requirements for feature sets, interfaces, IOS, RAM, and Flash.

Hardware compatibility with NETLAB_AE does not guarantee the compatibility of labs. Please check the Academy curriculum and NDG pod guides and lab support pages for specific hardware and IOS requirements.

Switch Name Recommended
Switches Software

DLS1 Catalyst 3560 Enhanced Multilayer Image

DLS2 Catalyst 3560 Enhanced Multilayer Image

ALS1 Catalyst 2960 LAN Base Image

ALS2 Catalyst 2960 LAN Base Image

Switch Name	Recommended Switches	Software
DLS1	Catalyst 3560	Enhanced Multilayer Image
DLS2	Catalyst 3560	Enhanced Multilayer Image
ALS1	Catalyst 2960	LAN Base Image
ALS2	Catalyst 2960	LAN Base Image

The switches you select must:

Be supported by NETLAB_AE.
Conform to NETLAB_AE router interface naming requirements (see below).
Meet the specifications for the lab exercises of the curriculums your Academy wishes to implement.

Virtual PC Support

Remote PCs are implemented by integrating with a separate VMware Server. The Cuatro Switch Pod supports four (4) virtual machines. The NETLAB+ VMware Remote PC Guide contains general information for setting up a VMware server.

Only VMware GSX or VMware Server virtual machines are supported. Standalone PC's are not supported.

The following operating system choices are typical based on the curriculum. These choices are not mandatory; you can make substitutions provided that:

VMware GSX or VMware Server supports the operating system (as a guest).
Your choices are compatible with the curriculum.

Virtual Machine Recommended O/S Functions

Host A Windows XP Student PC, client activities

Host B Windows XP Student PC, client activities

Host C Windows XP Student PC, client activities

Host D Windows XP Student PC, client activities

Virtual Machine	Recommended O/S	Functions
Host A	Windows XP	Student PC, client activities
Host B	Windows XP	Student PC, client activities
Host C	Windows XP	Student PC, client activities
Host D	Windows XP	Student PC, client activities

Control Device Requirements

NETLAB_AE control devices provide internal connectivity, console access, and managed power. Control devices are dynamically managed by NETLAB_AE and are not accessible or configurable by end users.

Control Device Resource Quantity Required

Control Switch 4 Consecutive ports

Access Server 4 Lines

Switched Outlet Devices 4 Outlets

Control Device Resource	Quantity Required
Control Switch	4 Consecutive ports
Access Server	4 Lines
Switched Outlet Devices	4 Outlets

Control switch ports provide connectivity between devices in the pod. The Cuatro Switch Pod requires 4 consecutive ports on a control switch.

Access server lines provide console access to routers in the pod. The Cuatro Switch Pod requires 4 async ports on an access server.

Switched outlets provide managed electrical power, allowing NETLAB_AE and users to turn lab equipment on and off. The Cuatro Switch Pod requires 4 outlets on a switched outlet device.

For More Information

Please refer to the Cuatro Switch Pod Planning and Installation Guide (coming soon)