Basic Router Pod Version 2 - Specifications and Requirements

Topology	Maximum per System1	Supports...	Documentation...
	8	CCNA & CCNP	Overview Flash Video Planning and Installation Guide

¹ This value indicates the maximum number of pods of this pod type. A single NETLAB_AE system can host up to 10 equipment pods, total.

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. Basic Router Pod Version 2 includes three routers, R1, R2 and R3. The following table depicts the recommended routers. The equipment listed is derived from the official Academy spreadsheet CCNAConfigurationandPricingGuide.xls (August 2005). 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.

Please note: compatibility with NETLAB_AE does not guarantee compatibility with the Academy labs.

Recommended Routers	Ethernet Interfaces Required	Serial Port Module Required
Cisco 1841	2	WIC 2A/S or 2T
Cisco 2801	2	WIC 2A/S or 2T
Cisco 2811	2	WIC 2A/S or 2T
Cisco 2621XM	2	WIC 2A/S or 2T
Cisco 17xx	router not supported

The hardware 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.

Router Interfaces

The NETLAB_AE interface name translation feature is supported on this pod type. This may influence the selection of modular interface cards and slot placement within the router. Please review the expected interface names for each router.

Serial interfaces may be built-in, or provided by modular interface cards such as the WIC-2AS or WIC-2T. Serial connections between routers require the appropriate serial cables. You can use DTE and DCE cables back-to-back, or special cables that provide both DTE and DCE in one cable (available from SIGMAnet).

Virtual PC Support

Remote PCs are implemented by integrating with a separate VMware GSX server. Basic Router Pod V2 supports 4 VMware GSX virtual machines. The NETLAB+ Remote PC Guide contains general information for setting up a VMware server.

Please note: only VMware GSX virtual machines are supported. Standalone PC's are not supported.

Based on the lab requirements, we recommend implementing PC1a, PC2a, and PC2. PC3 is optional. The following operating system choices are typical based on the curriculum. These choices are not mandatory; you can make substitutions provided:

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

Virtual Machine	Recommended O/S	Functions
PC1a	Windows XP	Student PC, client activities
PC1b	Windows XP	Student PC, client activities
PC2	Windows XP	Student PC, client activities
PC3	Windows XP	optional, 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	6 Consecutive ports
Access Server	3 Lines
Switched Outlet Devices	3 Outlets

Control switch ports provide connectivity between devices in the pod. Basic Router Pod Version 2 requires 6 consecutive ports on a control switch.

Access server lines provide console access to routers in the pod. Basic Router Pod Version 2 requires 3 async ports on an access server.

Switched outlets provide managed electrical power, allowing NETLAB_AE and users to turn lab equipment on and off. Basic Router Pod Version 2 requires 3 outlets on a switched outlet device.

For More Information

Please refer to the Planning and Installation Guide .