INE Lab Physical Setup (part 1)

After getting 4 x Cisco 3550 switches, I am going to setup my lab using Ubuntu + GNS3.
I am following INE workbook. All the equipment are placed in the office's server room to enjoy 24 hrs air condition environment.

The equipment list as below.

1. i5 Computer with Ubuntu 12.0.4 installed. Cost around $500.
2. 12 x USB NIC Card (AX88772A Chip set). Each cost $5.
3. 2 x USB to serial converter. Each cost $2
4. 2 x 7 Ports USB Hub 2.0. Each cost $5. (one spoil :sad )

Equipment on the way: 2 x USB to RS232 converter.

As I am not familiar with Linux, it is difficult for me to do configuration.

The 1st problem I faced is the broken USB hub. Then since I am using USB-NIC solution, the Ubuntu cannot detect all the USB-NIC card. I plugged in one by one to make all the USB-NIC are in working condition.

Now I found out I cannot identify the corresponding USB-NIC to the mapping in Ubuntu.
I did some google and the solution as below.

* To see the USB logging in Ubuntu, issue "dmesg"

* To view the USB equipments list, issue "lsusb"

* To check the network connection, issue "ifconfig"

We can give the logical name to each of the USB-NIC. I am going to name them USB1, USB2.
To do this, follow the below steps.

1. sudo gedit
2. Open 70-persistent-net.rules which under /etc/udev/rules.d/
3. Change the key "Names = " USB1"

Few useful link:
https://alteeve.ca/w/Changing_the_ethX_to_Ethernet_Device_Mapping_in_EL6_and_Fedora_12+
https://help.ubuntu.com/10.04/serverguide/network-configuration.html

Setting up Ubuntu & GNS3

For me, a completely Linux idiot, trying to install Ubuntu 12.0.4 and GNS3.
The below steps for my own reference in case I need it for the future.

1. Download the Ubuntu from the website.
2. Trying dual boot with XP but it failed. Forget it, I just use the single HDD for the Ubuntu.
3. After installing the Ubuntu, I follow the below link to install the GNS3
http://blog.ipexpert.com/2010/07/05/gns3-on-ubuntu-910-the-ipexpert-way/
4. First problem I face is I cannot find the Synaptic Package Manager.
It is disable by default in the Ubuntu 12.0.4.
5. I search it in the help and found out that I need to install via the Software center.
6. 1st problem solved. Synaptic Package Manager installed
7. Able to run the Synaptic Package Manager and installed the GNS3
8. I am using the auto configuration that provided by IPexpert
9. 2nd problem faced. I cannot access to the /root folder
After searching the web, I can access using the sudo command
10. 3rd problem faced. Where can I type the command in Linux.
11. Terminal window is use for CLI. It can find using the Dash Board
12. The most useful command to copy , move, rename, delete files in /root folder as below
gksudo nautilus
13. And finally able to run the GNS3

CCIE Road Begin

After finishing my CCNP and I decided togo for the CCIE R&S

Like what I did for the CCNA & CCNP track, all self study and using the video training either from CBT Nuggets or TrainSignal series.

For CCIE,  I found the below website is useful for the self study.

•       http://www.ipexpert.com/
•       http://www.ine.com/
•       http://www.micronicstraining.com/ --> Narbik's workbooks

I will follow the INE (InterNetwork Expert) training and the lab for the preparation.

First step, gather all the resources.

1. Books. 

* Cisco Press CCIE Fourth Edition. (borrow from library)

2. Video Training

* INE Video Training

3. Lab

* One PC ready with XP installed. i5 2.6Ghz, 4G RAM 250G HDD

4. Switches /Router

* 1 x 2950 (password reset!!)
Link for the steps 

I will be updating you once I have everything up and running.